Re: [Mpls] ask the Mpls City Council candidates..
Better yet...ask them questions WHILE they are cage fighting... David Weinlick Armatage Gina Palandri wrote: I have got it! After listening to MPR this afternoon-I think the the true test for deciding who to vote for for CC is to ask them what they think of Cage Fighting. I heard about on MPR a town where the city council has approved Cage fighting (yes where two people get in a cage and fight it off)-and I thought it would be a great idea to ask in some of these wards where somehow people are having trouble deciding who to vote for-and maybe need a little more information about their candidates! Lets ask the candidates about their feelings on cage fighting. Gina Palandri Standish REMINDERS: 1. Be civil! Please read the NEW RULES at http://www.e-democracy.org/rules. If you think a member is in violation, contact the list manager at [EMAIL PROTECTED] before continuing it on the list. 2. Don't feed the troll! Ignore obvious flame-bait. For state and national discussions see: http://e-democracy.org/discuss.html For external forums, see: http://e-democracy.org/mninteract Minneapolis Issues Forum - A Civil City-focused Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: mailto:mpls@mnforum.org Subscribe, Un-subscribe, etc. at: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
[Mpls] Re: Broadband on the Electrical Grid (BPL)
Don Johnson wrote about broadband connections via the electrical grid. His comments reminded me of something I read recently outlining the success of a solar-powered wi-fi network that was deployed in a historic district in Boulder, Colorado. The city invested $10,000 with a company called Lumin for the initial installation of four access points to cover a six-block area, but upkeep costs are described as being essentially nil. The rechargeable batteries need to be replaced now and then, but the solar panels supposedly last for 25-30 years. The broadband wi-fi service is provided free of charge to residents/users, and being solar-powered, it's inherently environmentally sound. The similarity between Minneapolis and Boulder vis-a-vis weather, at least as far as sunless days go (rainy, snowy, etc.) is relevant. The access points only need 5 hours of charging time to provide 72 hours of service, so they can be live even when the power is out or it's been stormy for a couple of days. And they can actually charge even when it's cloudy, so apparently downtime isn't even an issue. For those who are interested, there's an article here (with a link to the company website) that fleshes out some of the details: http://www.internetnews.com/wireless/article.php/3525941 And here's one from a Boulder-area newspaper that highlights the service: http://www.rockymountainnews.com/drmn/business/article/0,1299,DRMN_4_3927948,00.html Maybe Minneapolis could try it out on Nicollet Island... Dave Uptown/East Isles REMINDERS: 1. Be civil! Please read the NEW RULES at http://www.e-democracy.org/rules. If you think a member is in violation, contact the list manager at [EMAIL PROTECTED] before continuing it on the list. 2. Don't feed the troll! Ignore obvious flame-bait. For state and national discussions see: http://e-democracy.org/discuss.html For external forums, see: http://e-democracy.org/mninteract Minneapolis Issues Forum - A Civil City-focused Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: mailto:mpls@mnforum.org Subscribe, Un-subscribe, etc. at: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
[Mpls]Training for Minneapolis residents to work for Instant Runoff Voting (IRV) charter amendment
A campaign is building to amend the Minneapolis city charter to make Instant Runoff Voting the method by which city officials are elected. Fairvote MN will hold a training session for Minneapolis residents interested in becoming active in the effort. The training follows several activities and developments since the beginning of this year, including: * A Minneapolis City Council resolution calling on the state to buy Instant Runoff Voting (IRV) ready voting equipment * IRV study sessions with the Minneapolis City Council and Charter Commission * Minnesota League of Woman Voters' endorsement of IRV for local and state elections * Discussions about IRV with several elected and community leaders The training session will be held Saturday September 17 from 9 AM to noon at the Bryant Square Neighborhood Center, 3101 Bryant Ave S, Minneapolis (1 block south and west of the Lyndale-Lake Street intersection). Training topics will include how to: . brief candidates on the issue . participate in candidate forums . advocate for a city-sponsored study of IRV for municipal elections To register for this session, click here: http://www.fairvotemn.org/node/115 Future training sessions will cover: . present to political party meetings . work for a resolution at precinct caucuses and conventions . recruit other organizational partners . apply for appointment to the charter commission For more information, you may contact me at [EMAIL PROTECTED] or link to www.fairvotemn.org Jeanne Massey Kingfield REMINDERS: 1. Be civil! Please read the NEW RULES at http://www.e-democracy.org/rules. If you think a member is in violation, contact the list manager at [EMAIL PROTECTED] before continuing it on the list. 2. Don't feed the troll! Ignore obvious flame-bait. For state and national discussions see: http://e-democracy.org/discuss.html For external forums, see: http://e-democracy.org/mninteract Minneapolis Issues Forum - A Civil City-focused Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: mailto:mpls@mnforum.org Subscribe, Un-subscribe, etc. at: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
Re: [Mpls] RE: Nonprofits, affordable housing and property taxes
Alan Arthur wrote: “MN law that provides for non-profit property tax exemptions specifically excludes nearly all affordable rental housing from the exemption. “ My response: Yes, that is true. But lets not forget that the property taxes are based on the value of the property. The value of the property is based on the income the property generates. The income of “affordable housing” is less than it would be if the property were not set aside as affordable. I suspect this is obvious to many of you. The part that is surprising (to me) is that we use TIF money to build affordable housing. The purpose of TIF is to use future property tax dollars to encourage development today. If we use TIF money to develop affordable housing, we are not getting all of the future tax dollars that the property could generate. Does anyone know if this decreased value is taken into account when the TIF allocations are calculated? I hope this makes sense. Regards, Bill Cullen Whittier landlord. -- No virus found in this outgoing message. Checked by AVG Anti-Virus. Version: 7.0.338 / Virus Database: 267.10.11/74 - Release Date: 8/17/2005 REMINDERS: 1. Be civil! Please read the NEW RULES at http://www.e-democracy.org/rules. If you think a member is in violation, contact the list manager at [EMAIL PROTECTED] before continuing it on the list. 2. Don't feed the troll! Ignore obvious flame-bait. For state and national discussions see: http://e-democracy.org/discuss.html For external forums, see: http://e-democracy.org/mninteract Minneapolis Issues Forum - A Civil City-focused Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: mailto:mpls@mnforum.org Subscribe, Un-subscribe, etc. at: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
[Mpls] Councilmember Niziolek Endorses Jeff Hayden in Ward 8
Councilmember Niziolek Endorses Jeff Hayden in Ward 8 Cites Hayden's neighborhood leadership, community involvement MINNEAPOLIS Minneapolis City Councilmember Dan Niziolek endorsed neighborhood leader and community activist Jeff Hayden for the Eighth Ward City Council seat today. Niziolek highlighted Hayden's strong neighborhood ties and involvement in the community in announcing his endorsement. Jeff Hayden has been serving the community long before he decided to seek public office and that is a tribute to his commitment, said Niziolek, who serves with Hayden as a board member of the City of Lakes Land Trust. Jeff has spent many years strengthening our neighborhoods and he understands the role they play in shaping our city's future. Hayden has served as vice-chair of the Bryant Neighborhood Association since 2003 and was chair of the Powderhorn Park Neighborhood Association from 1999 to 2001. During his time leading Powderhorn, Hayden helped guide the construction of affordable housing at Bloomington Avenue and 35th Street, created the first computer lab in the Minneapolis parks system, managed the neighborhood's restorative justice program, and launched an initiative to address problem properties. Jeffs patient and persistent leadership on behalf of the neighborhoods has aided the rebirth of Powderhorn and areas across south Minneapolis, said Niziolek, who represents the neighboring Tenth Ward. Minneapolis is stronger because of Jeff Hayden's involvement and I urge people to elect him to continue his innovative work on the city council. Hayden also led the city-wide effort in 2001 to restore the Neighborhood Revitalization Program and helped raise $10,000 that same year to save the annual Independence Day fireworks show in Powderhorn Park. Niziolek's endorsement is Hayden's first from an elected official west of Interstate 35W. The announcement is the fourth high-profile endorsement Hayden has received in the last five weeks; Ninth Ward City Councilmember Gary Schiff endorsed Hayden Aug. 2, and former Minneapolis Mayors Don Fraser and Sharon Sayles Belton endorsed Hayden in July. For more information about Hayden's campaign, visit www.voteforjeff.org. Sean Wherley (Kingfield) Campaign Manager Jeff Hayden for City Council REMINDERS: 1. Be civil! Please read the NEW RULES at http://www.e-democracy.org/rules. If you think a member is in violation, contact the list manager at [EMAIL PROTECTED] before continuing it on the list. 2. Don't feed the troll! Ignore obvious flame-bait. For state and national discussions see: http://e-democracy.org/discuss.html For external forums, see: http://e-democracy.org/mninteract Minneapolis Issues Forum - A Civil City-focused Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: mailto:mpls@mnforum.org Subscribe, Un-subscribe, etc. at: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
[Mpls] Platform.
Cut Mayor's salary until budget crisis is fixed. No stadium tax without a vote. More rights and accommodations for pedestrians, bicyclists and handicap scooters. Instant run off elections. Mostly vegetarian meals for inmates. Renewable energy to reduce mercury, greenhouse gasses and reduce the billions that flow out of our city and state. Broadband on the electrical grid. Decriminalize medical marijuana. Promote hydrogen, flexible fuel and hybrid vehicles for city's vehicles and cabs. No cage fighting without a note from your mother. More on my web site. Sincerely, Don Johnson, Candidate for Mayor, 3808 Grand Ave So. Minneapolis, MN 55409 (612) 824 _www.DonJohnsonMayor.org_ (http://www.donjohnsonmayor.org/) REMINDERS: 1. Be civil! Please read the NEW RULES at http://www.e-democracy.org/rules. If you think a member is in violation, contact the list manager at [EMAIL PROTECTED] before continuing it on the list. 2. Don't feed the troll! Ignore obvious flame-bait. For state and national discussions see: http://e-democracy.org/discuss.html For external forums, see: http://e-democracy.org/mninteract Minneapolis Issues Forum - A Civil City-focused Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: mailto:mpls@mnforum.org Subscribe, Un-subscribe, etc. at: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
RE: [Mpls] ask the Mpls City Council candidates..
Gina Palandri said: I have got it! After listening to MPR this afternoon-I think the true test for deciding who to vote for for CC is to ask them what they think of Cage Fighting. I heard about on MPR a town where the city council has approved Cage fighting (yes where two people get in a cage and fight it off)-and I thought it would be a great idea to ask in some of these wards where somehow people are having trouble deciding who to vote for-and maybe need a little more information about their candidates! Lets ask the candidates about their feelings on cage fighting. --Gina Palandri DZ/ Let me be the first candidate to respond to this somewhat curious but droll suggestion: DZ/ It is not quite clear to me if it is candidates in the cage fighting, or, is it the supporters of the of the candidates that are in the cage fighting? This distinction could create different responses, depending upon the answer. Although I really don't know what cage fighting really is, I would venture to say, from the sounds of it, it beats dueling pistols at 50 paces. Either way, there could be some merit here - it certainly couldn't be as bad as the so called news, debate and animated discussion that goes on in the corporate media. If the debate that now goes on in the corporate media would produce George Bush as president of the United States, could cage fighting produce a worse result? Let's not be afraid to give it a try. On a trial bases of course. Peace, Dean Zimmermann Mpls City Council - Ward 6 [EMAIL PROTECTED] W: 612-673-2206 2200 Clinton Avenue South Minneapolis, MN 55404 Surely the most important task for all of us is to leave behind a planet that will sustain our great grandchildren. So all of our personal actions, as well as our political policies, must be tempered with an eye to long term sustainability, not short term profit or expediency. As we struggle to solve the day to day problems -- crime, jobs, budget shortfalls, homelessness, traffic congestion, and air quality, we will look to solutions that serve both our immediate needs and lay the foundation for the post-petroleum economy. REMINDERS: 1. Be civil! Please read the NEW RULES at http://www.e-democracy.org/rules. If you think a member is in violation, contact the list manager at [EMAIL PROTECTED] before continuing it on the list. 2. Don't feed the troll! Ignore obvious flame-bait. For state and national discussions see: http://e-democracy.org/discuss.html For external forums, see: http://e-democracy.org/mninteract Minneapolis Issues Forum - A Civil City-focused Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: mailto:mpls@mnforum.org Subscribe, Un-subscribe, etc. at: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
Re: [Mpls] From Candidates Library Board Forum-- Selling Naming RIghts to Our Public LIbraries and/or Departments?
I would have to say I have mixed feelings about this. We have institutions like The Walker with the Target Gallery or the Best Buy Gallery etc. I'm not sure I'm entirely opposed to selling the naming rights. How are they currently named? After major contributors? Wouldn't that then be just a variation on what is already done? I wish we didn't have to rely on corporations for funding of anything, but is this a terrible idea? I'm not sure. Matthew Philip The Wedge -Original Message- From: David Strand [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: mpls@mnforum.org Sent: Wed, 17 Aug 2005 07:23:52 -0700 (PDT) Subject: [Mpls] From Candidates Library Board Forum-- Selling Naming RIghts to Our Public LIbraries and/or Departments? I thought that the most controversial and distressing idea to be presented at last nights forum was when Alan Hooker expressed much enthusiasm for the idea of selling naming rights to various libraries and subsections to raise funds. Do we really need corporate and or brand names on our public libraries? I can envirion a children's book department brought to you by Disney or McDonald's, or how about the Target central library? Xcel Energy Library doesn't sound much better. What do others think? David Strand Loring Park Start your day with Yahoo! - make it your home page http://www.yahoo.com/r/hs REMINDERS: 1. Be civil! Please read the NEW RULES at http://www.e-democracy.org/rules. If you think a member is in violation, contact the list manager at [EMAIL PROTECTED] before continuing it on the list. 2. Don't feed the troll! Ignore obvious flame-bait. For state and national discussions see: http://e-democracy.org/discuss.html For external forums, see: http://e-democracy.org/mninteract Minneapolis Issues Forum - A Civil City-focused Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: mailto:mpls@mnforum.org Subscribe, Un-subscribe, etc. at: http://e-democracy.org/mpls REMINDERS: 1. Be civil! Please read the NEW RULES at http://www.e-democracy.org/rules. If you think a member is in violation, contact the list manager at [EMAIL PROTECTED] before continuing it on the list. 2. Don't feed the troll! Ignore obvious flame-bait. For state and national discussions see: http://e-democracy.org/discuss.html For external forums, see: http://e-democracy.org/mninteract Minneapolis Issues Forum - A Civil City-focused Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: mailto:mpls@mnforum.org Subscribe, Un-subscribe, etc. at: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
Re: [Mpls] ask the Mpls City Council candidates..
I have no doubt that Cage Fighting, whether it be between city council candidates or tough men (or women, for that matter) would be a wildly successful enterprise. People and businesses and sponsors would make money, the city would recoup tax revenue, and it would be an advertisers heaven. It would bring entertainment dollars into the city. Then reality would set in: A group of mothers from South Minneapolis would protest because it's violent and it doesn't send a positive or peaceful message to the children. And then it would be banned by the city council because it's not good for the contestants. I say Go For It. Mike Thompson Windom - Original Message - From: Gina Palandri [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: mpls@mnforum.org Sent: Wednesday, August 17, 2005 12:40 AM Subject: [Mpls] ask the Mpls City Council candidates.. I have got it! After listening to MPR this afternoon-I think the the true test for deciding who to vote for for CC is to ask them what they think of Cage Fighting. I heard about on MPR a town where the city council has approved Cage fighting (yes where two people get in a cage and fight it off)-and I thought it would be a great idea to ask in some of these wards where somehow people are having trouble deciding who to vote for-and maybe need a little more information about their candidates! Lets ask the candidates about their feelings on cage fighting. Gina Palandri Standish REMINDERS: 1. Be civil! Please read the NEW RULES at http://www.e-democracy.org/rules. If you think a member is in violation, contact the list manager at [EMAIL PROTECTED] before continuing it on the list. 2. Don't feed the troll! Ignore obvious flame-bait. For state and national discussions see: http://e-democracy.org/discuss.html For external forums, see: http://e-democracy.org/mninteract Minneapolis Issues Forum - A Civil City-focused Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: mailto:mpls@mnforum.org Subscribe, Un-subscribe, etc. at: http://e-democracy.org/mpls REMINDERS: 1. Be civil! Please read the NEW RULES at http://www.e-democracy.org/rules. If you think a member is in violation, contact the list manager at [EMAIL PROTECTED] before continuing it on the list. 2. Don't feed the troll! Ignore obvious flame-bait. For state and national discussions see: http://e-democracy.org/discuss.html For external forums, see: http://e-democracy.org/mninteract Minneapolis Issues Forum - A Civil City-focused Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: mailto:mpls@mnforum.org Subscribe, Un-subscribe, etc. at: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
RE: [Mpls] From Candidates Library Board Forum-- Selling Naming RIghtsto Our Pub
From: David Strand [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: mpls@mnforum.org Subject: [Mpls] From Candidates Library Board Forum-- Selling Naming RIghtsto Our Public LIbraries and/or Departments? Date: Wed, 17 Aug 2005 07:23:52 -0700 (PDT) I thought that the most controversial and distressing idea to be presented at last nights forum was when Alan Hooker expressed much enthusiasm for the idea of selling naming rights to various libraries and subsections to raise funds. Do we really need corporate and or brand names on our public libraries? I can envirion a children's book department brought to you by Disney or McDonald's, or how about the Target central library? Xcel Energy Library doesn't sound much better. What do others think? David Strand Loring Park Start your day with Yahoo! - make it your home page http://www.yahoo.com/r/hs REMINDERS: 1. Be civil! Please read the NEW RULES at http://www.e-democracy.org/rules. If you think a member is in violation, contact the list manager at [EMAIL PROTECTED] before continuing it on the list. 2. Don't feed the troll! Ignore obvious flame-bait. For state and national discussions see: http://e-democracy.org/discuss.html For external forums, see: http://e-democracy.org/mninteract Minneapolis Issues Forum - A Civil City-focused Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: mailto:mpls@mnforum.org Subscribe, Un-subscribe, etc. at: http://e-democracy.org/mpls REMINDERS: 1. Be civil! Please read the NEW RULES at http://www.e-democracy.org/rules. If you think a member is in violation, contact the list manager at [EMAIL PROTECTED] before continuing it on the list. 2. Don't feed the troll! Ignore obvious flame-bait. For state and national discussions see: http://e-democracy.org/discuss.html For external forums, see: http://e-democracy.org/mninteract Minneapolis Issues Forum - A Civil City-focused Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: mailto:mpls@mnforum.org Subscribe, Un-subscribe, etc. at: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
[Mpls] Library Board forums
I am a candidate for Library Board and as a citizen candidate -- as opposed to career politician -- I have to say it's been eye-opening. The level of dissatisfaction shared by library workers with me -- staff and librarians -- suggests a system that is sorely in need of some attention. And, it is amazing that we have to defend the institution from being financially starved in many respects. I spoke with an employee who asked me, 'Are we willing to have our libraries become just like Home Depots? Do we want a single worker roaming around seeking out patrons who might have questions?' I think we've got the buildings part of the equation covered. New central library, renovation money for community libraries, but I can tell you -- I've seen some brand new DMV buildings that had the surliest employees imaginable. People and service to patrons are where the boards attentions should lie. Operations funding seems to be the area where an involved board would need to focus -- longer hours, recalled staff, great service. How do we get there? Push for an operations levy (a multi-year process in the current climate, so the sooner the better), begin an endowment fund drive, bequeathals, and consider ideas such as Alan Hooker's suggestion to tie in license plate fees. Naming rights? I would consider them with appropriate restrictions, i.e. halls or galleries and not entire buildings, no say on content of collections, etc. My preference would be just expanded, tax-deductible giving by corporations.. and I see this is getting long. So, feel free to grill me with harder questions at [EMAIL PROTECTED] Thanks __ Do You Yahoo!? Tired of spam? Yahoo! Mail has the best spam protection around http://mail.yahoo.com REMINDERS: 1. Be civil! Please read the NEW RULES at http://www.e-democracy.org/rules. If you think a member is in violation, contact the list manager at [EMAIL PROTECTED] before continuing it on the list. 2. Don't feed the troll! Ignore obvious flame-bait. For state and national discussions see: http://e-democracy.org/discuss.html For external forums, see: http://e-democracy.org/mninteract Minneapolis Issues Forum - A Civil City-focused Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: mailto:mpls@mnforum.org Subscribe, Un-subscribe, etc. at: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
Re: [Mpls] Broadband on the Electrical Grid (BPL)
I believe the FCC is still studying BPL to gauge the impact of spuriuous frequency emissions from the lines. Remember that power lines don't have protection that cable TV or phone lines have (shielding twisted pair) to prevent radio frequencies radiating out or inductance coming in. In a political vacuum, the FCC's job would be to prevent a new technology from disturbing existing ones utilitising the airways. That said, there are plenty of powerful forces on either side of BPL each lobbying intensely to go forward or backwards. All that has to be hashed out in DC. John McClellan Keewaydin --- [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Somebody on this form said that broadband on the electrical grid or getting a broadband connection to the internet by simply connecting using the electrical outlet in our homes was to far in the future. They were misinformed. Not only is it not a futuristic dream, it is already being done in some small towns. Minneapolis could be hooked up like this and save people big bucks. Instead our leading candidates want to spend 1.1 billion dollars (total over 30 years) to enhance the wealth and power of one of the richest men in the country. More on my web site. Platform details not simply sound bites, lawn signs and bumper stickers. Sincerely, Don Johnson, Candidate for Mayor, 3808 Grand Ave So. Minneapolis, MN 55409 (612) 824 _www.DonJohnsonMayor.org_ (http://www.donjohnsonmayor.org/) REMINDERS: 1. Be civil! Please read the NEW RULES at http://www.e-democracy.org/rules. If you think a member is in violation, contact the list manager at [EMAIL PROTECTED] before continuing it on the list. 2. Don't feed the troll! Ignore obvious flame-bait. For state and national discussions see: http://e-democracy.org/discuss.html For external forums, see: http://e-democracy.org/mninteract Minneapolis Issues Forum - A Civil City-focused Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: mailto:mpls@mnforum.org Subscribe, Un-subscribe, etc. at: http://e-democracy.org/mpls Start your day with Yahoo! - make it your home page http://www.yahoo.com/r/hs REMINDERS: 1. Be civil! Please read the NEW RULES at http://www.e-democracy.org/rules. If you think a member is in violation, contact the list manager at [EMAIL PROTECTED] before continuing it on the list. 2. Don't feed the troll! Ignore obvious flame-bait. For state and national discussions see: http://e-democracy.org/discuss.html For external forums, see: http://e-democracy.org/mninteract Minneapolis Issues Forum - A Civil City-focused Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: mailto:mpls@mnforum.org Subscribe, Un-subscribe, etc. at: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
Re: [Mpls] ask the Mpls City Council candidates..
To me this sounds like a new upgraded version of the dunk tank used at neighborhood festivals and events where politicians let people throw balls at the target and try to dunk them. Fun for all. Annie Young citywide Park Commissioner At 09:48 AM 8/17/05 -0500, Michael Thompson wrote: I have no doubt that Cage Fighting, whether it be between city council candidates or tough men (or women, for that matter) would be a wildly successful enterprise. People and businesses and sponsors would make money, the city would recoup tax revenue, and it would be an advertisers heaven. It would bring entertainment dollars into the city. Then reality would set in: A group of mothers from South Minneapolis would protest because it's violent and it doesn't send a positive or peaceful message to the children. And then it would be banned by the city council because it's not good for the contestants. I say Go For It. Mike Thompson Windom - Original Message - From: Gina Palandri [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: mpls@mnforum.org Sent: Wednesday, August 17, 2005 12:40 AM Subject: [Mpls] ask the Mpls City Council candidates.. I have got it! After listening to MPR this afternoon-I think the the true test for deciding who to vote for for CC is to ask them what they think of Cage Fighting. I heard about on MPR a town where the city council has approved Cage fighting (yes where two people get in a cage and fight it off)-and I thought it would be a great idea to ask in some of these wards where somehow people are having trouble deciding who to vote for-and maybe need a little more information about their candidates! Lets ask the candidates about their feelings on cage fighting. Gina Palandri Standish REMINDERS: 1. Be civil! Please read the NEW RULES at http://www.e-democracy.org/rules. If you think a member is in violation, contact the list manager at [EMAIL PROTECTED] before continuing it on the list. 2. Don't feed the troll! Ignore obvious flame-bait. For state and national discussions see: http://e-democracy.org/discuss.html For external forums, see: http://e-democracy.org/mninteract Minneapolis Issues Forum - A Civil City-focused Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: mailto:mpls@mnforum.org Subscribe, Un-subscribe, etc. at: http://e-democracy.org/mpls REMINDERS: 1. Be civil! Please read the NEW RULES at http://www.e-democracy.org/rules. If you think a member is in violation, contact the list manager at [EMAIL PROTECTED] before continuing it on the list. 2. Don't feed the troll! Ignore obvious flame-bait. For state and national discussions see: http://e-democracy.org/discuss.html For external forums, see: http://e-democracy.org/mninteract Minneapolis Issues Forum - A Civil City-focused Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: mailto:mpls@mnforum.org Subscribe, Un-subscribe, etc. at: http://e-democracy.org/mpls REMINDERS: 1. Be civil! Please read the NEW RULES at http://www.e-democracy.org/rules. If you think a member is in violation, contact the list manager at [EMAIL PROTECTED] before continuing it on the list. 2. Don't feed the troll! Ignore obvious flame-bait. For state and national discussions see: http://e-democracy.org/discuss.html For external forums, see: http://e-democracy.org/mninteract Minneapolis Issues Forum - A Civil City-focused Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: mailto:mpls@mnforum.org Subscribe, Un-subscribe, etc. at: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
Re: [Mpls] Broadband on the Electrical Grid (BPL)
It appears I spoke too soon, the FCC released rules in January, effective Feb 2005, allowing BPL - albeit with some limits on frequencies emissions, and the ability to restrict deployment in RF sensitive areas. Link to the docket: http://a257.g.akamaitech.net/7/257/2422/01jan20051800/edocket.access.gpo.gov/2005/pdf/05-246.pdf --- John McClellan [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: I believe the FCC is still studying BPL to gauge the impact of spuriuous frequency emissions from the lines. Remember that power lines don't have protection that cable TV or phone lines have (shielding twisted pair) to prevent radio frequencies radiating out or inductance coming in. In a political vacuum, the FCC's job would be to prevent a new technology from disturbing existing ones utilitising the airways. That said, there are plenty of powerful forces on either side of BPL each lobbying intensely to go forward or backwards. All that has to be hashed out in DC. John McClellan Keewaydin --- [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Somebody on this form said that broadband on the electrical grid or getting a broadband connection to the internet by simply connecting using the electrical outlet in our homes was to far in the future. They were misinformed. Not only is it not a futuristic dream, it is already being done in some small towns. Minneapolis could be hooked up like this and save people big bucks. Instead our leading candidates want to spend 1.1 billion dollars (total over 30 years) to enhance the wealth and power of one of the richest men in the country. More on my web site. Platform details not simply sound bites, lawn signs and bumper stickers. Sincerely, Don Johnson, Candidate for Mayor, 3808 Grand Ave So. Minneapolis, MN 55409 (612) 824 _www.DonJohnsonMayor.org_ (http://www.donjohnsonmayor.org/) REMINDERS: 1. Be civil! Please read the NEW RULES at http://www.e-democracy.org/rules. If you think a member is in violation, contact the list manager at [EMAIL PROTECTED] before continuing it on the list. 2. Don't feed the troll! Ignore obvious flame-bait. For state and national discussions see: http://e-democracy.org/discuss.html For external forums, see: http://e-democracy.org/mninteract Minneapolis Issues Forum - A Civil City-focused Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: mailto:mpls@mnforum.org Subscribe, Un-subscribe, etc. at: http://e-democracy.org/mpls Start your day with Yahoo! - make it your home page http://www.yahoo.com/r/hs REMINDERS: 1. Be civil! Please read the NEW RULES at http://www.e-democracy.org/rules. If you think a member is in violation, contact the list manager at [EMAIL PROTECTED] before continuing it on the list. 2. Don't feed the troll! Ignore obvious flame-bait. For state and national discussions see: http://e-democracy.org/discuss.html For external forums, see: http://e-democracy.org/mninteract Minneapolis Issues Forum - A Civil City-focused Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: mailto:mpls@mnforum.org Subscribe, Un-subscribe, etc. at: http://e-democracy.org/mpls Start your day with Yahoo! - make it your home page http://www.yahoo.com/r/hs REMINDERS: 1. Be civil! Please read the NEW RULES at http://www.e-democracy.org/rules. If you think a member is in violation, contact the list manager at [EMAIL PROTECTED] before continuing it on the list. 2. Don't feed the troll! Ignore obvious flame-bait. For state and national discussions see: http://e-democracy.org/discuss.html For external forums, see: http://e-democracy.org/mninteract Minneapolis Issues Forum - A Civil City-focused Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: mailto:mpls@mnforum.org Subscribe, Un-subscribe, etc. at: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
Re: [Mpls] Broadband on the Electrical Grid (BPL)
I believe the FCC is still studying BPL to gauge the impact of spuriuous frequency emissions from the lines. FCC gave the nod to BPL in October 2004. Yes, they're still monitoring to determine if BPL results in harmful interference, but projects are underway across the county. Not just in small towns, as Don wrote. There are a couple of buildings in Manhattan, and a big project in the Cincinnati area. Big names are getting into BPL, like Google, IBM, and Earthlink. USA Today recent story on the state of BPL http://www.usatoday.com/tech/news/techinnovations/2005-08-14-power- line-broadband_x.htm Interested persons can find more articles at: http://www.dslreports.com/?cat=BPL In a political vacuum, the FCC's job would be to prevent a new technology from disturbing existing ones utilitising the airways. That said, there are plenty of powerful forces on either side of BPL each lobbying intensely to go forward or backwards. All that has to be hashed out in DC. Well, no, DC has decided BPL can go ahead. So now it's about finding out what works in different places. The experience in Manassas, VA is that interference isn't nearly the problem some (mostly the amateur radio community) thought it would be. BPL companies are trying to accommodate their concerns. On the other hand, the project hasn't been a roaring success. My prediction: Now that the FCC has said both cablecos and telcos can banish competitors from their networks, we can expect to see a lot more attention focused on BPL, satellite, long-range wireless, and anything else that bypasses the cable and telco networks. Becca Vargo Daggett Seward REMINDERS: 1. Be civil! Please read the NEW RULES at http://www.e-democracy.org/rules. If you think a member is in violation, contact the list manager at [EMAIL PROTECTED] before continuing it on the list. 2. Don't feed the troll! Ignore obvious flame-bait. For state and national discussions see: http://e-democracy.org/discuss.html For external forums, see: http://e-democracy.org/mninteract Minneapolis Issues Forum - A Civil City-focused Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: mailto:mpls@mnforum.org Subscribe, Un-subscribe, etc. at: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
[Mpls] RE: Selling Naming Rights to Our Public Librarys and/or Departments
Advertising being such a foreign concept for our children, I would imagine that we would need several battalions of grief counselors to help them deal with the concept of naming a library after a company. Andrew Carnegie must be grinning broadly right now. Ray Marshall Hiawatha - - - - - - - - - - Date: Wed, 17 Aug 2005 07:23:52 -0700 (PDT) From: David Strand [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subject: [Mpls] From Candidates Library Board Forum-- Selling Naming RIghts to Our Public LIbraries and/or Departments? Do we really need corporate and or brand names on our public libraries? I can envirion a children's book department brought to you by Disney or McDonald's, or how about the Target central library? snip What do others think? David Strand Loring Park REMINDERS: 1. Be civil! Please read the NEW RULES at http://www.e-democracy.org/rules. If you think a member is in violation, contact the list manager at [EMAIL PROTECTED] before continuing it on the list. 2. Don't feed the troll! Ignore obvious flame-bait. For state and national discussions see: http://e-democracy.org/discuss.html For external forums, see: http://e-democracy.org/mninteract Minneapolis Issues Forum - A Civil City-focused Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: mailto:mpls@mnforum.org Subscribe, Un-subscribe, etc. at: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
Re: [Mpls] RE: Selling Naming Rights to Our Public Librarys and/orDepartments
I don't see too much of a problem with the idea of advertising posted (but not evidently not endorsed) by Mr. Strand. Considering that every governmental expenditure appears today to be a need rather than a want. and the very simple fact that there is not enough money for every need we have, can we really afford not to, at the very least, consider such an approach? While I'm not much of a public library type, I have read all the posts regarding library candidates on this board. Looks to me like the libraries have hit desparate times. Not enough money. And again, considering there simply is not enough money for anything (or so it seems), the answer is yes, we may just need corporate and/or brand names on our public libraries (to borrow Mr. Strand's words). Or are we so against the concept that we can continue to afford to pass by money that is just waiting to be given us? There comes a time when we can sacrifice a bit of our lofty principles simply because there isn't enough money to carry them out, as badly as we might wish. Mike Thompson Windom - Original Message - From: Ray Marshall [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: mpls@mnforum.org Sent: Wednesday, August 17, 2005 2:22 PM Subject: [Mpls] RE: Selling Naming Rights to Our Public Librarys and/orDepartments Advertising being such a foreign concept for our children, I would imagine that we would need several battalions of grief counselors to help them deal with the concept of naming a library after a company. Andrew Carnegie must be grinning broadly right now. Ray Marshall Hiawatha - - - - - - - - - - Date: Wed, 17 Aug 2005 07:23:52 -0700 (PDT) From: David Strand [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subject: [Mpls] From Candidates Library Board Forum-- Selling Naming RIghts to Our Public LIbraries and/or Departments? Do we really need corporate and or brand names on our public libraries? I can envirion a children's book department brought to you by Disney or McDonald's, or how about the Target central library? snip What do others think? David Strand Loring Park REMINDERS: 1. Be civil! Please read the NEW RULES at http://www.e-democracy.org/rules. If you think a member is in violation, contact the list manager at [EMAIL PROTECTED] before continuing it on the list. 2. Don't feed the troll! Ignore obvious flame-bait. For state and national discussions see: http://e-democracy.org/discuss.html For external forums, see: http://e-democracy.org/mninteract Minneapolis Issues Forum - A Civil City-focused Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: mailto:mpls@mnforum.org Subscribe, Un-subscribe, etc. at: http://e-democracy.org/mpls REMINDERS: 1. Be civil! Please read the NEW RULES at http://www.e-democracy.org/rules. If you think a member is in violation, contact the list manager at [EMAIL PROTECTED] before continuing it on the list. 2. Don't feed the troll! Ignore obvious flame-bait. For state and national discussions see: http://e-democracy.org/discuss.html For external forums, see: http://e-democracy.org/mninteract Minneapolis Issues Forum - A Civil City-focused Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: mailto:mpls@mnforum.org Subscribe, Un-subscribe, etc. at: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
[Mpls] Smart for Library Board Cyber-Campaign: Libraries and poor people
Samantha Smart for MinneapolisLibrary Board Cyber-Campaign Vol. 3: Libraries and Poor People thank you for forwarding this email to all the Minneapolis residents you know! Although libraries are important points of access to information for everyone, they are indispensible for poor people, an increasing percentage of whom are children, elders and working families. The hour/staff/budget cuts over the last three years in Minneapolis have been devastating for poor people who need to use libraries for computer and internet access, research on employment and social services, education and training, refuge and quiet study, escape from the terrible cold and heat and a sanctuary in community with others of like mind. In addition, working families who place a high degree of importance on their children'sdeveloping literacy have been hard-pressed to get to a library when it is open, particularly when they are closed on weekends. Mildred Dotson and Yolanda Bonitch write: The library is the university of the poor. It is the intellectual lifeline of the poor (Libraries and the Poor: What's the Connection?). When our library system falters, the most oppressed and vulnerable element of our society suffers most. This is why I am recommending that the MPL adopt the American Library Association's Policy #61: Library Services for the Poor. Too long to quote here, (see www.ala.org/ala/ourassociation/governingdocs/policymanual/servicespoor.htm) this document adopted in 1990 sets out 15 Policy Objectives that will, when properly implemented, remove barriers to access for poor people such as fees and overdue charges, and promote programs, training, support, educational campaigns, representation of the poor, and anti-sexist and racist efforts that will actively combat poverty and all related systems of oppression. The preface of Policy #61 reads as follows: The American Library Association promotes equal accessto information for all persons and recognizes the urgent need to respond to the increasing number of poor children, adults and families in America. These people are affected by a combination of limitations, including illiteracy, illness, social isolation, homelessness, hunger and discrimination, which hamper the effectiveness of traditional library services. Therefore, it is crucial that libraries recognize their role in enabling poorvpeople to participate fully in a democratic society, by utilizing a wide variety of available resources and strategies... How to implement ALA Policy #61? We are fortunate in Minneapolis to have the recommendations of the ALA's Social Responsibility Round Table and its Task Force on Hunger, Homelessness and Poverty at our disposal (www.hhptf.org). Their document outlines clearly what library professionals, citizens and Board Trustees can do to - yes - eradicate poverty and homelessness! As a MPL Trustee, I would commit my energies to fully implementing the ALA Policy #61 and developing creative partnerships with activists and organizations that work with poor people to remove barriers to free access to libraries and improve our services to the most-oppressed segments of our society. Samantha Smart Candidate for Minneapolis Library Board [EMAIL PROTECTED] [EMAIL PROTECTED] Smart libraries are OPEN libraries! REMINDERS: 1. Be civil! Please read the NEW RULES at http://www.e-democracy.org/rules. If you think a member is in violation, contact the list manager at [EMAIL PROTECTED] before continuing it on the list. 2. Don't feed the troll! Ignore obvious flame-bait. For state and national discussions see: http://e-democracy.org/discuss.html For external forums, see: http://e-democracy.org/mninteract Minneapolis Issues Forum - A Civil City-focused Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: mailto:mpls@mnforum.org Subscribe, Un-subscribe, etc. at: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
Re: [Mpls] From Candidates Library Board Forum
Much worse than the naming rights, which were repulsive on the face of it, was 15 candidates, only four of which would possibly be worth voting for. It was very, very sad. Of those 15 candidates, fully five of them were librarians, at least one of which is an MPL employee. Hello... Are you quitting your day job? This is a kind of 'you're your own grandpa' thing. You cannot be both an employee and a board member. Second, this is a citizens board; librarians have a lot more say in how the library works than do the patrons as it is. Having librarians on the board--including Virginia Holte--is not OK with me. It skewers the issues from the needs of the patrons to the needs of the librarians. Librarians already have two unions, PLUM and AFSME, to bring their issues to the fore. In fairness, the citizenry, who are paying the freight on all of this, should have one vehicle for their input. What was patently clear was that most of those asking for our vote were pretty well clueless on what libraries are all about. For example: no one seemed to understand that libraries are only about books secondarily. Libraries are about people and their needs qua books, etc. Therefore, if you are shifting employees around constantly, so that one is never sure when walking into the library that the same staff will be there from one day to the next, the library is not serving the public. Staff continuity is part of what makes libraries work for the patrons. Second, the library wants to both take money raised by individual community libraries downtown and to have a newly installed person(s) in management choose what books the community libraries should have. Excuse me? The librarians in the branches are the ones who hear from patrons what kind of books they need. Downtown has not a clue because they don't hear from the branch patrons. Any materials they choose, other than standard replacements (dictionaries, atlases, the latest Harry Potter) are chosen in a vacuum Also, when we donate money to our neighborhood libraries, from NRP funds, other neighborhood monies, or our own pockets we want that money to stay in the neighborhood library so that it can be used for materials and programming that meet our needs. Third, at least one library employee who had put in 29 years, 46 weeks, was summarily discharged, not because the employee had failed, but because it could save the library x amount of money in pension benefits if the employee did not stay the extra six weeks until retirement. How slimy is that? Fourth: not one candidate had anything to say about thinking outside the box in an atmosphere where virtually no one in management can do that. How astute does that make present board members? Zip, zero, nada clue. Fifth: the culture of MPL is one of backbiting pettiness. Not one candidate talked about how to change that paradigm to one which would serve the patrons better. On another level, city council and the mayor are now talking about dissolving the library board and making themselves leaders of the library. Unbelievable ego. Unbelievably stupid. The mayor is entirely undistinguished as is this city council. Why even posit the notion of taking on another whole host of issues when you cannot handle the issues already on your plate. What was distressing was the dearth of clear ideas. I left the forum feeling lower than a snake's belly. WizardMarks, Central David Strand wrote: I thought that the most controversial and distressing idea to be presented at last nights forum was when Alan Hooker expressed much enthusiasm for the idea of selling naming rights to various libraries and subsections to raise funds. Minneapolis Issues Forum - A Civil City-focused Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: mailto:mpls@mnforum.org Subscribe, Un-subscribe, etc. at: http://e-democracy.org/mpls REMINDERS: 1. Be civil! Please read the NEW RULES at http://www.e-democracy.org/rules. If you think a member is in violation, contact the list manager at [EMAIL PROTECTED] before continuing it on the list. 2. Don't feed the troll! Ignore obvious flame-bait. For state and national discussions see: http://e-democracy.org/discuss.html For external forums, see: http://e-democracy.org/mninteract Minneapolis Issues Forum - A Civil City-focused Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: mailto:mpls@mnforum.org Subscribe, Un-subscribe, etc. at: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
Re: [Mpls] From Candidates Library Board Forum
I may be a librarian (I don't work at MPL) but I'm also a citizen of Minneapolis. My wife uses the library for work and my kids visit at least twice a week. Saying that I shouldn't be on the Minneapolis Library Board because I work in a library is absurd. It's hard to talk about 'thinking outside the box' when you have two minutes to make an opening statement and a minute each to answer two questions. I tried at least two times: one time suggesting that librarians needed to change the way they provide service (get out from behind the desk and help people find things in the stacks) and one time suggesting that MPL stop buying new materials (save for children's and foreign language materials) until we restore the branch libraries to full staffing and normal hours. Eric Hinsdale www.erichinsdale.com From: wmmarks [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: mpls@mnforum.org Subject: Re: [Mpls] From Candidates Library Board Forum Date: Wed, 17 Aug 2005 15:46:28 -0500 Much worse than the naming rights, which were repulsive on the face of it, was 15 candidates, only four of which would possibly be worth voting for. It was very, very sad. Of those 15 candidates, fully five of them were librarians, at least one of which is an MPL employee. Hello... Are you quitting your day job? This is a kind of 'you're your own grandpa' thing. You cannot be both an employee and a board member. Second, this is a citizens board; librarians have a lot more say in how the library works than do the patrons as it is. Having librarians on the board--including Virginia Holte--is not OK with me. It skewers the issues from the needs of the patrons to the needs of the librarians. Librarians already have two unions, PLUM and AFSME, to bring their issues to the fore. In fairness, the citizenry, who are paying the freight on all of this, should have one vehicle for their input. What was patently clear was that most of those asking for our vote were pretty well clueless on what libraries are all about. For example: no one seemed to understand that libraries are only about books secondarily. Libraries are about people and their needs qua books, etc. Therefore, if you are shifting employees around constantly, so that one is never sure when walking into the library that the same staff will be there from one day to the next, the library is not serving the public. Staff continuity is part of what makes libraries work for the patrons. Second, the library wants to both take money raised by individual community libraries downtown and to have a newly installed person(s) in management choose what books the community libraries should have. Excuse me? The librarians in the branches are the ones who hear from patrons what kind of books they need. Downtown has not a clue because they don't hear from the branch patrons. Any materials they choose, other than standard replacements (dictionaries, atlases, the latest Harry Potter) are chosen in a vacuum Also, when we donate money to our neighborhood libraries, from NRP funds, other neighborhood monies, or our own pockets we want that money to stay in the neighborhood library so that it can be used for materials and programming that meet our needs. Third, at least one library employee who had put in 29 years, 46 weeks, was summarily discharged, not because the employee had failed, but because it could save the library x amount of money in pension benefits if the employee did not stay the extra six weeks until retirement. How slimy is that? Fourth: not one candidate had anything to say about thinking outside the box in an atmosphere where virtually no one in management can do that. How astute does that make present board members? Zip, zero, nada clue. Fifth: the culture of MPL is one of backbiting pettiness. Not one candidate talked about how to change that paradigm to one which would serve the patrons better. On another level, city council and the mayor are now talking about dissolving the library board and making themselves leaders of the library. Unbelievable ego. Unbelievably stupid. The mayor is entirely undistinguished as is this city council. Why even posit the notion of taking on another whole host of issues when you cannot handle the issues already on your plate. What was distressing was the dearth of clear ideas. I left the forum feeling lower than a snake's belly. WizardMarks, Central David Strand wrote: I thought that the most controversial and distressing idea to be presented at last nights forum was when Alan Hooker expressed much enthusiasm for the idea of selling naming rights to various libraries and subsections to raise funds. Minneapolis Issues Forum - A Civil City-focused Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: mailto:mpls@mnforum.org Subscribe, Un-subscribe, etc. at: http://e-democracy.org/mpls REMINDERS: 1. Be civil! Please read the NEW RULES at
Re: [Mpls] From Candidates Library Board Forum
I have absolutely no problem with selling naming rights. It happens all the time with university buildings -- including libraries -- and I never felt repulsed (for example) by borrowing books from the DeWitt Wallace Library at Macalester or studying in any of the sundry named reading rooms at the U of M. If these donations can improve the libraries, and if there are no accompanying restrictions on library collections, it seems like a reasonable way of responding to tough financial times. Mike Skoglund // Bancroft On Wed, August 17, 2005 4:46 pm, wmmarks said: Much worse than the naming rights, which were repulsive on the face of it [...] David Strand wrote: I thought that the most controversial and distressing idea to be presented at last nights forum was when Alan Hooker expressed much enthusiasm for the idea of selling naming rights to various libraries and subsections to raise funds. [...] REMINDERS: 1. Be civil! Please read the NEW RULES at http://www.e-democracy.org/rules. If you think a member is in violation, contact the list manager at [EMAIL PROTECTED] before continuing it on the list. 2. Don't feed the troll! Ignore obvious flame-bait. For state and national discussions see: http://e-democracy.org/discuss.html For external forums, see: http://e-democracy.org/mninteract Minneapolis Issues Forum - A Civil City-focused Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: mailto:mpls@mnforum.org Subscribe, Un-subscribe, etc. at: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
Re: [Mpls] From Candidates Library Board Forum
Thank you Mr. Hinsdale for making my point. Calling your patrons absurd is so affirming of the job the board is there to do. As I said, librarians need not apply. WizardMarks, Central Eric Hinsdale wrote: I may be a librarian (I don't work at MPL) but I'm also a citizen of Minneapolis. My wife uses the library for work and my kids visit at least twice a week. Saying that I shouldn't be on the Minneapolis Library Board because I work in a library is absurd. It's hard to talk about 'thinking outside the box' when you have two minutes to make an opening statement and a minute each to answer two questions. I tried at least two times: one time suggesting that librarians needed to change the way they provide service (get out from behind the desk and help people find things in the stacks) and one time suggesting that MPL stop buying new materials (save for children's and foreign language materials) until we restore the branch libraries to full staffing and normal hours. Eric Hinsdale www.erichinsdale.com Minneapolis Issues Forum - A Civil City-focused Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: mailto:mpls@mnforum.org Subscribe, Un-subscribe, etc. at: http://e-democracy.org/mpls REMINDERS: 1. Be civil! Please read the NEW RULES at http://www.e-democracy.org/rules. If you think a member is in violation, contact the list manager at [EMAIL PROTECTED] before continuing it on the list. 2. Don't feed the troll! Ignore obvious flame-bait. For state and national discussions see: http://e-democracy.org/discuss.html For external forums, see: http://e-democracy.org/mninteract Minneapolis Issues Forum - A Civil City-focused Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: mailto:mpls@mnforum.org Subscribe, Un-subscribe, etc. at: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
Re: [Mpls] RE: Selling Naming Rights to Our Public Librarys and/orDepartments
I agree in some ways. My concern, however, is that the corporate sponsor or such would be given some rein over what are on the shelves of the library. Say a library put a children's book on its selves that featured gay or lesbian family. What a conservative organization that bought naming right demanded that the book be pulled or they pull their funding and or name? This would be a serious problem... and doesn't seem THAT unlikely in these times. OR the library puts a book on its selves that bashes in some way and something similar happens. That's where my worries are... to keep the libraries serving all people and not have them become subject to censorship. Matthew Philip The Wedge -Original Message- From: Michael Thompson [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: Ray Marshall [EMAIL PROTECTED]; mpls@mnforum.org Sent: Wed, 17 Aug 2005 14:42:09 -0500 Subject: Re: [Mpls] RE: Selling Naming Rights to Our Public Librarys and/orDepartments I don't see too much of a problem with the idea of advertising posted (but not evidently not endorsed) by Mr. Strand. Considering that every governmental expenditure appears today to be a need rather than a want. and the very simple fact that there is not enough money for every need we have, can we really afford not to, at the very least, consider such an approach? While I'm not much of a public library type, I have read all the posts regarding library candidates on this board. Looks to me like the libraries have hit desparate times. Not enough money. And again, considering there simply is not enough money for anything (or so it seems), the answer is yes, we may just need corporate and/or brand names on our public libraries (to borrow Mr. Strand's words). Or are we so against the concept that we can continue to afford to pass by money that is just waiting to be given us? There comes a time when we can sacrifice a bit of our lofty principles simply because there isn't enough money to carry them out, as badly as we might wish. Mike Thompson Windom - Original Message - From: Ray Marshall [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: mpls@mnforum.org Sent: Wednesday, August 17, 2005 2:22 PM Subject: [Mpls] RE: Selling Naming Rights to Our Public Librarys and/orDepartments Advertising being such a foreign concept for our children, I would imagine that we would need several battalions of grief counselors to help them deal with the concept of naming a library after a company. Andrew Carnegie must be grinning broadly right now. Ray Marshall Hiawatha - - - - - - - - - - Date: Wed, 17 Aug 2005 07:23:52 -0700 (PDT) From: David Strand [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subject: [Mpls] From Candidates Library Board Forum-- Selling Naming RIghts to Our Public LIbraries and/or Departments? Do we really need corporate and or brand names on our public libraries? I can envirion a children's book department brought to you by Disney or McDonald's, or how about the Target central library? snip What do others think? David Strand Loring Park REMINDERS: 1. Be civil! Please read the NEW RULES at http://www.e-democracy.org/rules. If you think a member is in violation, contact the list manager at [EMAIL PROTECTED] before continuing it on the list. 2. Don't feed the troll! Ignore obvious flame-bait. For state and national discussions see: http://e-democracy.org/discuss.html For external forums, see: http://e-democracy.org/mninteract Minneapolis Issues Forum - A Civil City-focused Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Subscribe, Un-subscribe, etc. at: http://e-democracy.org/mpls REMINDERS: 1. Be civil! Please read the NEW RULES at http://www.e-democracy.org/rules. If you think a member is in violation, contact the list manager at [EMAIL PROTECTED] before continuing it on the list. 2. Don't feed the troll! Ignore obvious flame-bait. For state and national discussions see: http://e-democracy.org/discuss.html For external forums, see: http://e-democracy.org/mninteract Minneapolis Issues Forum - A Civil City-focused Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Subscribe, Un-subscribe, etc. at: http://e-democracy.org/mpls REMINDERS: 1. Be civil! Please read the NEW RULES at http://www.e-democracy.org/rules. If you think a member is in violation, contact the list manager at [EMAIL PROTECTED] before continuing it on the list. 2. Don't feed the troll! Ignore obvious flame-bait. For state and national discussions see: http://e-democracy.org/discuss.html For external forums, see: http://e-democracy.org/mninteract Minneapolis Issues Forum - A Civil City-focused Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: mailto:mpls@mnforum.org
Re: [Mpls] From Candidates Library Board Forum
(I know I really shouldn't bite on this, but I can't help myself. I'll stop now.) It's offensive, too. Eric Hinsdale www.erichinsdale.com From: wmmarks [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: mpls@mnforum.org CC: Eric Hinsdale [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subject: Re: [Mpls] From Candidates Library Board Forum Date: Wed, 17 Aug 2005 16:23:58 -0500 Thank you Mr. Hinsdale for making my point. Calling your patrons absurd is so affirming of the job the board is there to do. As I said, librarians need not apply. WizardMarks, Central Eric Hinsdale wrote: I may be a librarian (I don't work at MPL) but I'm also a citizen of Minneapolis. My wife uses the library for work and my kids visit at least twice a week. Saying that I shouldn't be on the Minneapolis Library Board because I work in a library is absurd. It's hard to talk about 'thinking outside the box' when you have two minutes to make an opening statement and a minute each to answer two questions. I tried at least two times: one time suggesting that librarians needed to change the way they provide service (get out from behind the desk and help people find things in the stacks) and one time suggesting that MPL stop buying new materials (save for children's and foreign language materials) until we restore the branch libraries to full staffing and normal hours. Eric Hinsdale www.erichinsdale.com Minneapolis Issues Forum - A Civil City-focused Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: mailto:mpls@mnforum.org Subscribe, Un-subscribe, etc. at: http://e-democracy.org/mpls REMINDERS: 1. Be civil! Please read the NEW RULES at http://www.e-democracy.org/rules. If you think a member is in violation, contact the list manager at [EMAIL PROTECTED] before continuing it on the list. 2. Don't feed the troll! Ignore obvious flame-bait. For state and national discussions see: http://e-democracy.org/discuss.html For external forums, see: http://e-democracy.org/mninteract Minneapolis Issues Forum - A Civil City-focused Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: mailto:mpls@mnforum.org Subscribe, Un-subscribe, etc. at: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
Re: [Mpls] RE: Selling Naming Rights to Our Public Librarysand/orDepartments
The question to ask when a corporation gives money to a library (or to any other .org) is: WHAT. do they expect in return? Madeline Douglass Kingfield REMINDERS: 1. Be civil! Please read the NEW RULES at http://www.e-democracy.org/rules. If you think a member is in violation, contact the list manager at [EMAIL PROTECTED] before continuing it on the list. 2. Don't feed the troll! Ignore obvious flame-bait. For state and national discussions see: http://e-democracy.org/discuss.html For external forums, see: http://e-democracy.org/mninteract Minneapolis Issues Forum - A Civil City-focused Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: mailto:mpls@mnforum.org Subscribe, Un-subscribe, etc. at: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
[Mpls] See Strib Online: MPS Hires Investigator re Peebles
_http://www.startribune.com/stories/1592/5565855.html_ (http://www.startribune.com/stories/1592/5565855.html) Ann Berget Kingfield REMINDERS: 1. Be civil! Please read the NEW RULES at http://www.e-democracy.org/rules. If you think a member is in violation, contact the list manager at [EMAIL PROTECTED] before continuing it on the list. 2. Don't feed the troll! Ignore obvious flame-bait. For state and national discussions see: http://e-democracy.org/discuss.html For external forums, see: http://e-democracy.org/mninteract Minneapolis Issues Forum - A Civil City-focused Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: mailto:mpls@mnforum.org Subscribe, Un-subscribe, etc. at: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
[Mpls] District investigating alleged misconduct by superintendent
http://www.startribune.com/stories/1592/5565855.html With much more to come later. Steve Brandt Star Tribune REMINDERS: 1. Be civil! Please read the NEW RULES at http://www.e-democracy.org/rules. If you think a member is in violation, contact the list manager at [EMAIL PROTECTED] before continuing it on the list. 2. Don't feed the troll! Ignore obvious flame-bait. For state and national discussions see: http://e-democracy.org/discuss.html For external forums, see: http://e-democracy.org/mninteract Minneapolis Issues Forum - A Civil City-focused Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: mailto:mpls@mnforum.org Subscribe, Un-subscribe, etc. at: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
[Mpls] RE: Selling Naming Rights to Our Public Librarys etc
..Haven't seen the whole thread of comments but... Fabulous. I see no problem. Think about it. Some rich person or corporation wants to give the community dedicated money for a fabulous public good in exchange for his/her name on the space. That's all. However folks, here is the real problem. 1. When those who created budgets adjust for these unexpected gifts and they spend budgeted-money on other non-budgeted items instead of claiming a budget surplus and allowing the funds to be allocated elsewhere, or better yet, not spent at all. or.. 2. Those who create the budgets actually start to budget in an expectation of these gifts...and tax us when they don't arive. Barring these two...let 'em name away. Jason S. Harrison REMINDERS: 1. Be civil! Please read the NEW RULES at http://www.e-democracy.org/rules. If you think a member is in violation, contact the list manager at [EMAIL PROTECTED] before continuing it on the list. 2. Don't feed the troll! Ignore obvious flame-bait. For state and national discussions see: http://e-democracy.org/discuss.html For external forums, see: http://e-democracy.org/mninteract Minneapolis Issues Forum - A Civil City-focused Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: mailto:mpls@mnforum.org Subscribe, Un-subscribe, etc. at: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
RE: [Mpls] RE: Selling Naming Rights to Our Public Librarys etc
There is lots of cheerleading on the List for naming rights to our PUBLIC libraries, while little support is given to the idea that taxes may be needed to pay for a public good, as suggested by Library Board candidate Samantha Smart. The organization Commercial Alert provides a succinct summary of the idea of corporate naming rights and other forms of corporate invasion of our public space. http://www.commercialalert.org/ Our nation is in the grips of a commercial hysteria. Sometimes it seems like everything is for sale. At Commercial Alert, we stand up for the idea that some things are too important to be for sale. Not our children. Not our health. Not our minds. Not our schools. Not our values. Not the integrity of our governments. Not for sale. Period. Jeanne Massey Kingfield REMINDERS: 1. Be civil! Please read the NEW RULES at http://www.e-democracy.org/rules. If you think a member is in violation, contact the list manager at [EMAIL PROTECTED] before continuing it on the list. 2. Don't feed the troll! Ignore obvious flame-bait. For state and national discussions see: http://e-democracy.org/discuss.html For external forums, see: http://e-democracy.org/mninteract Minneapolis Issues Forum - A Civil City-focused Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: mailto:mpls@mnforum.org Subscribe, Un-subscribe, etc. at: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
RE: [Mpls] From Candidates Library Board Forum
Wizard Marks wrote: snip For example: no one seemed to understand that libraries are only about books secondarily. Libraries are about people snip Fourth: not one candidate had anything to say about thinking outside the box Topics I talked about (besides books) Partnering with the Park Board and School board to better serve kids (beyond the current summer reading program Roy's (Hosmer Librarian) and Sally's (Franklin Librarian) activities to involve their diverse communities. Talking about libraries using new technology to help everyone be a publisher. REMINDERS: 1. Be civil! Please read the NEW RULES at http://www.e-democracy.org/rules. If you think a member is in violation, contact the list manager at [EMAIL PROTECTED] before continuing it on the list. 2. Don't feed the troll! Ignore obvious flame-bait. For state and national discussions see: http://e-democracy.org/discuss.html For external forums, see: http://e-democracy.org/mninteract Minneapolis Issues Forum - A Civil City-focused Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: mailto:mpls@mnforum.org Subscribe, Un-subscribe, etc. at: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
[Mpls] Uptown Vigil
This evening I drove past a group of Cindy Sheehan supporters holding vigil in the triangle where lake street and lagoon converge between lakes Calhoun and Isles. I am deeply grateful to live in a city where the people still believe in real democracy and that basic human decency should drive public policy. I am glad that there are public spaces here to nurture this sentiment and let citizens communicate directly with one another. The lack of them leads to anomie, apathy, and the vague notion that a loss of personal responsibility is the root of all our troubles. I read in the southwest journal that my ward (10) voted 84% for Kerry. I believe that the real heart of the red/blue divide is not between traditional political extremes, or even cultural issues, but between those who think that democracy and decency in public policy matter, and those who find this attitude farcical. I love my adopted city. Mike Jensvold East Isles REMINDERS: 1. Be civil! Please read the NEW RULES at http://www.e-democracy.org/rules. If you think a member is in violation, contact the list manager at [EMAIL PROTECTED] before continuing it on the list. 2. Don't feed the troll! Ignore obvious flame-bait. For state and national discussions see: http://e-democracy.org/discuss.html For external forums, see: http://e-democracy.org/mninteract Minneapolis Issues Forum - A Civil City-focused Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: mailto:mpls@mnforum.org Subscribe, Un-subscribe, etc. at: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
[Mpls] Mayoral Candidate Forum on Crime August 24th 6-9 Women's Club 410 Oak Grove St.
Central Cities Neighborhood Partnership invites you to a: MAYORAL CANDIDATE FORUM Crime Safety and its Impact on Schools, Housing, and Business Wed., August 24th 6:00-9:00 p.m. The Woman's Club of Minneapolis 410 Oak Grove Street FFI - call 871-7307 or 874-9002 You are encouraged to attend the Mayoral Candidate's Forum being planned by Central Cities Neighborhood Partnership (Citizens for a Loring Park Community, Elliot Park Neighborhood, Stevens Square Community Organization, The Whittier Alliance, Downtown Minneapolis Neighborhood Organization). This Forum is on Crime and Safety and its Impact on Housing, Schools, and Business. It is moderated by the League of Women Voters and is hosted by The Woman's Club of Minneapolis located at 410 Oak Grove. Parking is available across and adjacent to the Woman's Club. Bus routes 17 and 18 take you to 15th and Nicollet (walk 3 blocks west) and routes 4, 6 and 12 take you to Oak Grove and Hennepin (walk 1.5 blocks east). Check schedules online at www.metrotransit.org. Candidate Information will be available at 6:00 p.m. The Forum will be from 7:00-9:00 p.m. Questions, call Jana @ CLPC @ 612-874-9002 or pull up our website at www.loringpark.org FYI - the City of Minneapolis's stated Safety Goals are as follows: GOAL: Build communities where all people feel safe and trust the City's public safety professionals and systems EXPECTATIONS: Prevention and Response: The City will balance its resources between prevention and response. Working with our partners, we will create awareness and prevention models to minimize safety issues before they arise. We will focus more of our energies on livability issues by exploring creative methods to address livability crimes within our communities. We will employ and encourage environmental design strategies to physically promote public safety. Relationship with the Community: The City will provide quality public safety services that are competent, consistent, and fair. We will hold ourselves accountable to these standards. We will strive to ensure the community's trust and confidence in our public safety professionals by strengthening relationships with the community and engaging them as partners in public safety approaches. Particular focus will be given to strengthening our relationship with communities of color and new arrivals. We will balance public expectations with available resources and will communicate our priorities to the community, so that they know what to expect from our public safety services. Partnerships: The City will lead our partners to implement strategies to address issues of emergency preparedness, criminal justice reform, and neighborhood livability issues. Barb Lickness Whittier Ward 6 Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it's the only thing that ever has. -- Margaret Mead REMINDERS: 1. Be civil! Please read the NEW RULES at http://www.e-democracy.org/rules. If you think a member is in violation, contact the list manager at [EMAIL PROTECTED] before continuing it on the list. 2. Don't feed the troll! Ignore obvious flame-bait. For state and national discussions see: http://e-democracy.org/discuss.html For external forums, see: http://e-democracy.org/mninteract Minneapolis Issues Forum - A Civil City-focused Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: mailto:mpls@mnforum.org Subscribe, Un-subscribe, etc. at: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
[Mpls] Naming Rights
Excellent point. The problem with MPL's isn't a lack of facilities, it is a lack of people and funds to keep them open. And while corporations and large donors will make capital investments in facilities in exchange for naming rights, it's a lot harder to hire librarians willing to tattoo 3M or Target on their forehead. It is very hard to fund sustained services on one time funds, and it is far more difficult to get sustained long-term operations funding for any operation from large donors. I'd be far more happy to see MPL invest significantly in their grant seeking capacity, which has a better potential to yield money with fewer strings attached. Was there any discussion of that at the candidate's forum? Just to be clear, I'm not belittling either of these corporations or their philanthropic efforts, just seeking a recognizable example of logos. The fact that they spring to mind in this context is really a compliment. aaron klemz cooper +++ Aaron Klemz, Minneapolis, Minnesota [EMAIL PROTECTED] +++ __ Do You Yahoo!? Tired of spam? Yahoo! Mail has the best spam protection around http://mail.yahoo.com REMINDERS: 1. Be civil! Please read the NEW RULES at http://www.e-democracy.org/rules. If you think a member is in violation, contact the list manager at [EMAIL PROTECTED] before continuing it on the list. 2. Don't feed the troll! Ignore obvious flame-bait. For state and national discussions see: http://e-democracy.org/discuss.html For external forums, see: http://e-democracy.org/mninteract Minneapolis Issues Forum - A Civil City-focused Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: mailto:mpls@mnforum.org Subscribe, Un-subscribe, etc. at: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
Re: [Mpls] From Candidates Library Board Forum
C'mon, Wizard. You know full well he's saying the idea that a librarian can't run for Library Board is what's absurd, not the person suggesting it. Would you also say that teachers shouldn't run for the School Board? Furthermore, I thought you were the one who'd spent so much time advocating FOR librarians to be on the Library Board so as to have a greater understanding/appreciation for what actually goes on in our libraries on a daily basis. If I'm right about that, why the sudden switch? Mark Snyder Windom Park On 8/17/05 4:23 PM, wmmarks [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Thank you Mr. Hinsdale for making my point. Calling your patrons absurd is so affirming of the job the board is there to do. As I said, librarians need not apply. WizardMarks, Central Eric Hinsdale wrote: I may be a librarian (I don't work at MPL) but I'm also a citizen of Minneapolis. My wife uses the library for work and my kids visit at least twice a week. Saying that I shouldn't be on the Minneapolis Library Board because I work in a library is absurd. It's hard to talk about 'thinking outside the box' when you have two minutes to make an opening statement and a minute each to answer two questions. I tried at least two times: one time suggesting that librarians needed to change the way they provide service (get out from behind the desk and help people find things in the stacks) and one time suggesting that MPL stop buying new materials (save for children's and foreign language materials) until we restore the branch libraries to full staffing and normal hours. Eric Hinsdale www.erichinsdale.com REMINDERS: 1. Be civil! Please read the NEW RULES at http://www.e-democracy.org/rules. If you think a member is in violation, contact the list manager at [EMAIL PROTECTED] before continuing it on the list. 2. Don't feed the troll! Ignore obvious flame-bait. For state and national discussions see: http://e-democracy.org/discuss.html For external forums, see: http://e-democracy.org/mninteract Minneapolis Issues Forum - A Civil City-focused Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: mailto:mpls@mnforum.org Subscribe, Un-subscribe, etc. at: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
[Mpls] the poing of Broadband on the Electrical Grid (
Let's not let the relevant point get lost as we discuss the viability of BPL - The point is, Minneapolis should definitely NOT give any entity exclusionary rights with regard to any form of Internet access. We want to make Minneapolis open to more possibilities of methods of communicating and not get locked into monopoly style providers as happened in the past with telephone and cable. Dan McGuire Ericsson REMINDERS: 1. Be civil! Please read the NEW RULES at http://www.e-democracy.org/rules. If you think a member is in violation, contact the list manager at [EMAIL PROTECTED] before continuing it on the list. 2. Don't feed the troll! Ignore obvious flame-bait. For state and national discussions see: http://e-democracy.org/discuss.html For external forums, see: http://e-democracy.org/mninteract Minneapolis Issues Forum - A Civil City-focused Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: mailto:mpls@mnforum.org Subscribe, Un-subscribe, etc. at: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
[Mpls] KARE-11 story on STOP program
Not sure how I missed this when it aired, but I thought this was interest. It would appear that the STOP program is the very kind of proactive/preventive policing that folks have been crying out for? Mark Snyder Windom Park http://www.kare11.com/news/news_article.aspx?storyid=104768 Minneapolis police take a whole new approach to fighting crime by going after the bad guys before they commit serious crimes. It's all part of efforts underway by the department's STOP unit. Chief Bill McManus formed STOP this spring while looking for creative ways to prevent street crime, rather than just respond to it - after the fact. At the corner of an intersection in North Minneapolis, a man in a dark shirt, who police call C.I., is being watched. He is also being approached by people interested in buying drugs. The police radio squawks as a man speaks to the C.I., Ok, the C.I. is saying the parties in the Suzuki wanted to buy crack. In police speak, C.I. means 'confidential informant' and the man in the Suzuki has no idea his conversation with the C.I. is about to get him arrested. The man didn't buy drugs. He didn't sell drugs, but on this night, that doesn't matter says Minneapolis Police Sergeant Mike Young. They got him on tape asking for crack cocaine, this guy. (other officer) So that's good enough? We got a loiter on him, if nothing else. Police are working with the C.I. on a sting. The Suzuki driver will spend the night in jail for a petty misdemeanor called loitering with the intent to buy narcotics. Sergeant Young plans to arrest several people like the Suzuki driver to send a message about drugs on the Northside. The people that come here to buy, we're gonna relocate that. Because they realize that, if they buy there, they're gonna run the risk of going to jail, explains Young. Most of the people arrested during this sting won't do anything worse than have a conversation with or buy marijuana from the C.I. Marijuana is the only drug he's carrying. At $10 a baggie, I mean, you chop up a pound of marijuana, and you're looking at $15,000, says Young. Though marijuana isn't typically considered a serious drug, Young says $15,000 is serious money, and for that kind of money, drug dealers fight turf wars. This summer, the turf wars have been escalating. Just last month a 12-year-old was grazed by a bullet after she was caught in the crosshairs of what was believed to be a drug related shooting. The sting Sergeant Young is supervising is in the same area where that girl was shot. Young is part of the Minneapolis STOP unit. It was created this year to fight street crime by being proactive in areas where police usually just re-act to someone calling 911. Part of the effort includes sending a message to children. One of the drug suspects police chased down was a boy just a year older than the girl who was shot. Surveillance video shows the 13-year-old stopping to talk to the C.I. He showed the C.I. some marijuana bindles. He says maybe the sting will get the child thinking about the road he's riding down. At the end of the sting, nobody arrested and booked was going to spend more than one night in jail. The biggest fine most will face is a couple of hundred dollars and that's to recover their cars, which police towed. In a little more than two hours, 13 people were arrested, and they all were booked on misdemeanor charges. Police say this wasn't about taking serious criminals off the street, it was about letting people know they're concentrating efforts on an area where serious crimes happen. This operation is called a reversal and was the first one this summer in which police have gone after drug buyers. Normally they target the sellers. But they say they're planning a couple more of these reversals before the summer is over. By Scott Goldberg, KARE 11 News (Copyright 2005 by KARE. All Rights Reserved.) Last Updated: 8/11/2005 8:45:06 PM REMINDERS: 1. Be civil! Please read the NEW RULES at http://www.e-democracy.org/rules. If you think a member is in violation, contact the list manager at [EMAIL PROTECTED] before continuing it on the list. 2. Don't feed the troll! Ignore obvious flame-bait. For state and national discussions see: http://e-democracy.org/discuss.html For external forums, see: http://e-democracy.org/mninteract Minneapolis Issues Forum - A Civil City-focused Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: mailto:mpls@mnforum.org Subscribe, Un-subscribe, etc. at: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
[Mpls] The Green Party's position on the stadium
aaron klemz writes, I don't know for what reason Doug Mann didn't solicit GP endorsement, nor do I think that his signs are a big deal. But it is more than clear that the GP has a strong position against state funding for a stadium, referendum or not. To wit (MNGP Platform, available at mngreens.org): [Doug Mann]: The MN GP platform is one thing. The 5th district steering committee's stance toward the stadium proposal was quite different. The steering committee was for public financing of the stadium if there was a public ownership component. This is reflected in the press release pasted at the end of this message. The steering committee produced a draft resolution about the stadium, but the adoption of a stadium resolution (and discussion about how to fight the Stadium deal) has yet to be put on the agenda of a 5th district Green Party meeting, so far as I know. (I do pay attention to the meeting notices, agendas, meeting notes) The local Green Party therefore does not have an official position that is binding on the leadership. Why? The Green Party leadership has been divided on the stadium issue. Dean Z. and Natalie Johnson Lee took a firm stand against the stadium. Annie Young didn't want to reject a stadium deal out of hand. The compromise they came up with was to say no to a publicly funded stadium unless it is publicly owned. As I see it, calling for public ownership is a ploy to get the Green Party engaged in a negotiating process. In my opinion, No new stadium tax without a referendum is really a stronger statement of opposition to the stadium than No stadium tax period (per the MN GP platform) because it addresses the issue of our right to vote on the imposition of a sales tax. A stadium tax has no chance of getting voter approval, which is why the Hennepin County Board is trying to get the tax imposed without a referedum. The 5th District Green Party has nothing to say about that! It is also worth noting that the DFL saved a seat on the Park Board for Annie Young. The DFL only endorsed 2 candidates for 3 at-large positions. Annie attended the DFL convention and lobbied for that result, according to her own account of the DFL convention that was published on the local Green Party listserv. GREEN PARTY LAUNCHES MINNEAPOLIS CAMPAIGN FOR MAYOR, CITY COUNCIL AND PARK BOARD [press release] Minneapolis, MN - On the morning of Thursday, May 12, the candidates endorsed by the 5th Congressional District Green Party (5CDGP) launched what promises to be an exciting city campaign this year. At a press conference at Minneapolis City Hall, they took a stand on some important issues facing the people of Minneapolis, calling for: - No stadium paid with taxes unless we have a locally owned team... -Doug Mann, King Field, 8th ward Green Candidate for City Council, ward 8 - REMINDERS: 1. Be civil! Please read the NEW RULES at http://www.e-democracy.org/rules. If you think a member is in violation, contact the list manager at [EMAIL PROTECTED] before continuing it on the list. 2. Don't feed the troll! Ignore obvious flame-bait. For state and national discussions see: http://e-democracy.org/discuss.html For external forums, see: http://e-democracy.org/mninteract Minneapolis Issues Forum - A Civil City-focused Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: mailto:mpls@mnforum.org Subscribe, Un-subscribe, etc. at: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
Re: [Mpls] The Green Party's position on the stadium
I would like to make some corrections to some of Mr. Mann's statements in the message below. I really don't have time to get into long spiels ( and his diversion tactics) about all the issues he covers and wonder myself when he has time to be out campaigning and yet have time to write on and on and do all this computer info... is that out getting votes...hmmm? Back to the subject matter: LEADERSHIP DIVIDED... There is not any designated leadership in the Green Party. And the Elected Officeholders are no more leadership than the Steering Committee and many other volunteers who do work in the party. I feel there are many who are in the leadership of The Greens. (Mann)The local Green Party therefore does not have an official position that is binding on the leadership. Why? (ay) There has recently been a change in steering committee members. They come and go every year and they certainly don't set official positions for all of the many items voted on by Elected Officeholders. And binding - finding unity in the Greens after the 10 Key Values is somedays very, very difficult. The Green Party leadership has been divided on the stadium issue. Dean Z. and Natalie Johnson Lee took a firm stand against the stadium. Annie Young didn't want to reject a stadium deal out of hand. (AY) I have never been a fan of the stadium being financed by the taxpayers. I have always said, I love baseball and I am not opposed to a locally owned team and stadium. However, that isn't what we have before us at this time (which I am opposed to). However, the caveat had to do with a once-upon a time discussion that some funds would be set aside for future Park Board activities for youth. As a steward of the Park system it is my responsibility to at least listen to what the options are if the Park Board is to be involved in some way. (Mann) It is also worth noting that the DFL saved a seat on the Park Board for Annie Young. The DFL only endorsed 2 candidates for 3 at-large positions. Annie attended the DFL convention and lobbied for that result, according to her own account of the DFL convention that was published on the local Green Party listserv. (ay) Oh to have such powers over a 1200 person convention of another political party - saving a seat. Although it may have been a strategy since I was the only person from my campaign team at the event - I would hardly say I was lobbying for the end result. There were many other factors involved in why the third slot went empty. The most significant one is that convention lost quorum when RT walked out with his supporters and so there were no more opportunities to do another ballot for that 3rd slot. I can rest assure you as much as I may love the outcome, I also am not dumb enough to understand that it could have been a lot different if another vote had been taken. Back to campaigning. Annie Young candidate, Mpls. Park Board Commissioner - citywide REMINDERS: 1. Be civil! Please read the NEW RULES at http://www.e-democracy.org/rules. If you think a member is in violation, contact the list manager at [EMAIL PROTECTED] before continuing it on the list. 2. Don't feed the troll! Ignore obvious flame-bait. For state and national discussions see: http://e-democracy.org/discuss.html For external forums, see: http://e-democracy.org/mninteract Minneapolis Issues Forum - A Civil City-focused Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: mailto:mpls@mnforum.org Subscribe, Un-subscribe, etc. at: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
