[Mpls] A post-primary overview of the electorate
David Brauer has added his shrewd thoughts to reflections on why the Minneapolis wards have the boundaries we are now using and G.R. Anderson's in depth analysis of the redistricting episode is certainly worth a visit. http://blogs.citypages.com/blotter/2005/10/redistricting_m.asp I've been a busy bee in my own right and the product of my endeavor can be viewed at http://minneapolisgoldenoldies.blogspot.com/ This analysis displays the core voting population of the city down to the ward level. My apologies for the limitations in the graphics - I'll be using better software in the time ahead but if you make it through the park districts to the individual wards, you'll have a remarkably accurate overview of the Golden Oldies - my term of convenience for the chronic voters who vote in every even-year election and very likely in the municipal election cycles as well. These maps are based on the current voter rosters as of April 11, 2005. There is no sure way to know what voters of more recent provenance have on their minds but we'll soon discover how matters stand when the electorate goes to the polls on November 8, 2005. I've also included a precinct-level map that shows the outcome of the mayoral primary for the win, show, and place candidates. There's lots of food for thought in these maps because they bear out perceptions about the electorate commonly held in the trade but not so easily brought to broader civic consciousness. I assume that the technology involved here will be in much wider circulation by this time next year. We all had at this during the redistricting process at the state and local levels earlier in this decade and the information management lessons learned have been showing up around the country in partisan marketing strategies too numerous and convoluted to mention here. Fred Markus, Phillips West 2000 Redistricting Commissioner 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] Rybak gets Strib Endorsement
John Blackshaw Rybak Campaign 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: Mains/Wittstock Fundraiser 11/5
You are most cordially invited to a fundraiser for Sheldon Mains and Laura Waterman Wittstock, two candidates for Minneapolis Library Board. Join us at the very cool Frank Stone Gallery and meet artists from all over the city that support Sheldon and Laura. Arts are vitally important to the cultural life of Minneapolis and libraries are irreplaceable resources that artists use in creating and showing their work. ARTISTS FOR LIBRARIES WHEN: Saturday, November 5, 2005 TIME: 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. LOCATION: Frank Stone Gallery 1224 Second Street NE, Minneapolis 55413 612-617-9965 SUGGESTED CONTRIBUTION: Artists: $10.00 Others $35.00 Enjoy tasty tidbits and wine provided through the generosity and support of Sam Sylvia Kaplan ARTIST SPONSORS: Rosy Simas Guthrie, Choreographer J.T. Guthrie, Painter, Photographer Michael Thomsen, Painter Marilyn Lindstrom, Public Artist, Painter Marcie Rendon, Writer Malichansouk Kouanchao, Painter, Web Designer Britta Hallin, Performance / Visual Artist Dawn Strom, Dancer Kristina Graber, Dancer Kelly Morgan, Painter Aldo Moroni, Sculptor Nathanael Flink, Painter Julie Buffalohead, Painter Jina Penn, Dancer/Sketch Artist Robert DesJarlait, Muralist Thanks! - Laura and Sheldon Como Neighborhood and Seward Neighborhood Laura Waterman Wittstock Candidate for Minneapolis Library Board of Trustees DFL and Labor endorsed AFSCME Mn Council 5 AFL-CIO COPE Minneapolis Building and Trades Stonewall DFL Minnesota Women's Political Caucus www.laurawatermanwittstock.com http://laurawatermanwittstock.blogspot.com/ Wittstock for Library Committee 913 19th Avenue SE, Mpls, 55414 Minneapolis, MN 612-387-4915 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] Flyer at Schiff/Bicking Forum
Recently I posted the text of a flyer distributed at the Schiff/Bicking campaign forum on October 26 and speculated that it was authored by David Tilsen and possibly distributed by Barb Tilsen. http://www.mnforum.org/pipermail/mpls/2005-October/046153.html David Tilsen responded to my post: Well I did not see the original post, but I did not write anything that mentions Annie Mae. whom I did know and whom I mourn. Barb certainly did not hand out any materials at any forum, as she is eschewing electoral politics this year and has not attended anything. I accept this statement and apologize to David and Barb Tilsen. I found some similarity between the logic I heard David use on his Northern Sun Radio appearance on behalf of Zimmerman for Justice recently, went too far based on innuendo, and jumped to conclusions. I am sorry for going out on that limb, but I remain angry about this offensive flyer which is no less real. It remains unattributed; that was the intention of whomever produced it. Silly me. On primary day, Brandon Lacy Campos posted a report from Farheen Hakeem that a McLaughlin campaign worker was campaigning in the Somali community of Cedar-Riverside by telling voters not to vote for Farheen Hakeem because she is a lesbian and therefore not a true Muslim. The McLaughlin campaign said that the individual was not affiliated with the campaign, despite the public protestations of Brandon and/or Hakeem, but Peter himself responded, clarifying that the individual was not one of his campaign workers and condemning the tactic of using a homophobic appeal in campaigning. End of story. So why not ask the Zimmermann and Bicking campaigns to say that they had nothing to do with his flyer? Why not ask that the Zimmermann and Bicking campaigns say that they don't approve of this tactic of laying prejudicial, unattributed, and (what I consider) offensive information in the form of suggested questions on the chairs prior to a public candidate forum? (The act is akin to push polling, which the American Association of Political Consultants condems.) Why not ask that they publicly condemn the use of Stonewall as a slur against an openly gay council person? I challenge the Zimmermann and Bicking campaigns to be address each of these issues. Russell Raczkowski Bancroft 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] Oops wrong tab
The email sent as mclemore at bitstream.net is most decidedly my work. My partner and I share a computer and email program. I composed it in the wrong tab. Sorry for the confusion and an apology to Liz. She is in no way responsible It is certainly my day for apologies. Russell Raczkowski Bancroft 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] Minneapolis Living Wage Ordinance gets public hearing on Monday
Living Wage Public Hearing will be held Monday, Oct 31st in Minneapolis - Supporters encouraged to attend The Minneapolis City Council Committee on Ways and Means/Budget will hold a public hearing on the Living Wage Ordinance Monday, October 31st. A coalition of faith, community, and labor groups will hold a press conference prior to the public hearing. Speaking at the press conference will be lead sponsor City Council Member Paul Zerby, Minneapolis Central Labor Union Council President Bill McCarthy, and Rabbi Simeon Glaser of Temple Israel. The Living Wage Ordinance was introduced in the Minneapolis City Council on October 7th. After the public hearing on October 31st, the Living Wage Ordinance will likely move to a vote in the full council on Friday, November 4th. The living wage law would cover large businesses who receive significant city resources in the form of contracts or subsidies. The law will establish a standard requiring those businesses to pay their workers enough to feed their famililes without requiring food stamps (130% of the federal poverty level or $12.09 an hour currently). This law will support responsible spending of public resources by ensuring that the city invests in companies who pay their workers above poverty wages. A concurrent campaign in Saint Paul will establish a Twin Cities-wide standard. Throughout the summer the Living Wages YES! coalition has been mobilizing community support for a strong living wage law. Going door to door, the Coalition collected 7,000 postcards supporting a strong living wage law to send to Council Members. Town hall forums hosted by ISAIAH were attended by hundreds of residents and the majority of City Council Members. The Minneapolis Living Wages YES! Coalition: Minneapolis Central Labor Union Council, ISAIAH, Minnesota ACORN, Archdiocese of Saint Paul $ Minneapolis Office for Social Justice, Jewish Community Action, Progressive Minnesota, SEIU MN State Council, AFSCME Council 5, MFT Local #59, Teamsters DRIVE, UNITE HERE Local #17, Twin Cities Coalition of Labor Union Women, Confederation of Somali Communities of Minnesota, Twin Cities Religion Labor Network, JOBS NOW Coalition, Minnesota Association of Professional Employees, Minneapolis DFL Party, Green Party of Minnesota - 5th Congressional District, MPIRG, Alliance for Metropolitan Stability, and Saint Stephens Catholic Church. * Kyle Makarios Political Director Minneapolis Central Labor Union Council 312 Central Ave, #542 Minneapolis, MN 55414 (612) 379-4206 www.minneapolisunions.org http://www.minneapolisunions.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
[Mpls] In Ballot Box: Notes on Thursday's Ward 13 debate
In Ballot Box: Notes on Thursday's Ward 13 debate Go to: http://www.mplsobserver.com/ballot_box/ -- Craig Cox Founder/Editor The Minneapolis Observer www.mplsobserver.com 612/721-0285 Support the independent media! Pick up your neighborhood newspaper! 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] Flyer at Schiff/Bicking Forum
Raczkowski wrote: Recently I posted the text of a flyer distributed at the Schiff/Bicking campaign forum on October 26 and speculated that it was authored by David Tilsen and possibly distributed by Barb Tilsen. ... I accept this statement and apologize to David and Barb Tilsen. I found some similarity between the logic I heard David use on his Northern Sun Radio appearance on behalf of Zimmerman for Justice recently, went too far based on innuendo, and jumped to conclusions. No, that's only part of what you did. You smeared four people more thoroughly than some anonymous flyer left on a chair. According to our fearless leader, there are over 1000 people on this list. You smeared four people with, I posit from the tone of the post, malice aforethought. Now you say you based your outrageous behavior on some similarity between what one of the smeared persons said on a radio show and a scurrilous half sheet you found on a chair. No. Never. There is a similarity between George Bush and George Washington--both white males named George. (The wrong one is dead, but that's a different post.) There's a similarity between Ralph Nader and a guy who passes by my window who also wears a cheap, wrinkled suit. I posit that a screed like the one you posted was designed to smear four people, two of whom are legitimate candidates currently running for office in an election less than two weeks from today. It wasn't an accident, it was a deliberate. The candidates need not eschew the flyer, they are not at fault. You owe the candidates an apology as well, because you assumed they had something to do with it. The candidates are extremely approachable, they're running for office. You might have walked up to them and said, for example, Have you seen this? You might have gathered people's attention at the event and asked, What idiot put this thing on the chairs? You could have crumpled it into a ball and tossed or recycled it which I'm fairly sure most of the other people attending did--if they even noticed it.. It was a deliberate choice on your part to make a mountain out of a moronic mole hill to disadvantage specific people on the internet. Your screed was a political statement of no class whatsoever. A lister could jump to the conclusion that the writer of the post and the writer of the flyer had a lot of similarities between them, therefore WizardMarks, Central 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] On the smoking ban and Porter's
Anthony Thomas wrote: Interesting anecdotebut how do you honestly expect to refute the stone cold facts that it was the smoking ban which forced Cafe Di Napoli and the Olive Garden to close shop in downtown Mpls? I can't believe those two spots are included with a straight face. You can couch it by saying they were closed in that timeframe but they dont seem to be related at all. I'm against the ban, but if that list of 40 restaurants is what people are pointing to as restaurants that have closed since the ban, that's irresponsible. Ken Bradley writes: In a previous life (1980's) I worked in the restaurant industry in downtown Mpls and only two of the seven establishments I worked at are still open. All of these restaurants closed many, many years ago, so we can't blame the smoking ban for them going out of business. I know for a fact that Minneapolis has significantly more restaurants open in 2005 then it did in the 1980's, so it would seem that competition has a bigger impact then anything. But we still have more restaurants, and better restaurants, so the industry is not hurting. New restaurants fail at a rate as high as 90%. I have a friend that workings in the banking industry specifically with smaller size businesses. He has told me that restaurant loans face the greatest scutiny, and have the highest rejection from his bank because of the high failure rate. I have suffer from asthma (former-smoker, I am as well to blame) and in recent years have really disliked even going out to bars in our city. Since the smoking ban I go out much more, and do not turn down invitations from friends like in the past. My clothing also spells much better when I come home. Ken Bradley Kenny Neighborhood - Yahoo! FareChase - Search multiple travel sites in one click. 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] DECORUM ALERT
Folks, this whole thread has devolved into personal attacks, forbidden by the rules. Get it back to the issues, not the people, or out the virtual door some folks go. David Brauer List manager 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] Flyer at Schiff/Bicking Forum
Perhaps I'm wrong, but I was under the impression that personal attacks were off limits on this list. Jenny Heiser's comments put me in the rather awkward position of publicly defending myself. Rather than engaging in a personal counterattack, I'd prefer to explain why--as a Green--I'm not supporting the Green-endorsed candidate in the 6th. Ward Council race. First of all, I do indeed consider myself a Green, albeit one who decided not to support Dean Zimmermann in this election. As a Green, I felt honored to serve on the state Green Party Coordinating Committee several years ago (with none other than Cam Gordon and Jenny Heiser). I have voted for Greens consistently over the last few years, as well as working for and donating to their campaigns. So why am I not supporting Dean Zimmermann in his bid for reelection? I simply do not agree with his position on several issues that are important to me. Two years ago at a Fifth District meeting, I asked Dean publicly why he was supporting the Access Project. (Along with several other Greens, I consider Dean's support for the project to be a violation of Green principles.) Fortunately, public discussion ensued, and Dean was persuaded to change his mind. Shortly thereafer, he voted against the Access Project. He has since decided to remain neutral on the Access project. I was also disappointed to learn that Dean may be open to reconsidering his support for the smoking ban. Since I share the Green Party's commitment to making decisions with the seventh generation in mind, I find Dean's inattentiveness to clean air issues disturbing. I'm also concerned about his acceptance of campaign donations from contractors and developers. Although he is not running as a Green, Kevin McDonald has decided to eschew donations from these groups. I sincerely wish all Green Party candidates would do the same. So am I a Green? Aside from some phone banking I did for Paul Wellstone, I have been consistently supportive of Green candidates for almost 10 years now. Whether the Greens accept me as a Green is their choice (I do not equate the Zimmermann campaign with all Greens). I will continue to support the Green candidates I believe have remained faithful to a Green vision I cherish. I did not challenge Dean Zimmermann's endorsement by the 5th. District Greens because I feared that doing so would be far more injurious to the Party than simply making my own choices. And I have made my choice. I am supporting Council Member Robert Lilligren in this election, and I'm proud to say that I have volunteered to work for his campaign. I believe his position on the issues is far closer to my own than is Dean Zimmerman's. As far as the The Gang of Five goes, that's truly the first I've heard of this. Most Greens who know me know that I do not care for Mark Knapp; in fact, I've had absolutely nothing to do with him. Bone-headed/careless mistakes notwithstanding, Russell Raczkowski is my spouse of almost 23 years, and I love him deeply. Ken Avidor is my friend. As a feminist, I take pride in the fact that I think for myself: I do not let my male friends or my spouse speak for me, and I do not speak for them. They are responsible for their own actions and opinions, just as I am responsible for mine. Liz McLemore Bancroft 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] Lasallians in the news
Elizabeth Wielinski wrote: ... the Lasallian umbrella ( like many others including DeLaSalle and Cretin- Derham Hall) ... the qualifications that had to be met to fit into the group. It seems that at least 25% of the student body had to be receiving financial aide ( not wealthy) for them to qualify. Not poor either. For a high school DLS has a pretty steep tuition. While some of the parents of students at DLS may not be Mr. and Mrs. Gotbucks, parents who want their kids in DLS do need to have fairly solid salaries in order to afford tuition and other attendant costs. Even with a full scholarship, poor parents cannot send their kids to most private schools. However, none of this is about the issue: an MPRB that wants to give away, under the phony rubric of shared space, an acre or so of a regional park to a private entity. It is hugely immaterial that it is a private school or a private club or a private company or a private bordello. If Nicollet Island is a public, regional park, then there are real questions about DLS, the houses, Nicollet Island Inn, the railroad tracks still in use, and whatever is in the old creamery on the downstream end of the island. Frankly, with all that, a major bridge six lanes wide and parking lots and roads, there's very darn little park in that park. Several park boards and other public entities, have never guarded Nicollet Island as park space. It's a joke to pretend that the island is a park. I would feel much better about the park reformers if I had heard them point out how little park there truly is on Nicollet Island and what a shame it is that an historic regional park is treated so shabbily. WizardMarks, Central 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] On the smoking ban and Porter's
A brief comment on that now famous list of 40 restaurants that has been going on this week. When I hear statements like that an image pops into my head of a former Wisconsin US Senator speaking before a womens group and proclaiming he had a list of 57 card carryimg members of the Communist Party working in the State Department. My gut reaction is that they are usually just as accurate as he was. For the younger members of this list I refer to a speech made February 9, 1950 in Wheeling West Virginia by Joe McCarthy that stirred fear in many hearts and launched the early fifties commie scare. It got him elected but it also brought him down. Steve Nelson Willard Hay Anthony Thomas wrote: Interesting anecdotebut how do you honestly expect to refute the stone cold facts that it was the smoking ban which forced Cafe Di Napoli and the Olive Garden to close shop in downtown Mpls? I can't believe those two spots are included with a straight face. You can couch it by saying they were closed in that timeframe but they dont seem to be related at all. I'm against the ban, but if that list of 40 restaurants is what people are pointing to as restaurants that have closed since the ban, that's irresponsible. Ken Bradley writes: In a previous life (1980's) I worked in the restaurant industry in downtown Mpls and only two of the seven establishments I worked at are still open. All of these restaurants closed many, many years ago, so we can't blame the smoking ban for them going out of business. I know for a fact that Minneapolis has significantly more restaurants open in 2005 then it did in the 1980's, so it would seem that competition has a bigger impact then anything. But we still have more restaurants, and better restaurants, so the industry is not hurting. New restaurants fail at a rate as high as 90%. I have a friend that workings in the banking industry specifically with smaller size businesses. He has told me that restaurant loans face the greatest scutiny, and have the highest rejection from his bank because of the high failure rate. I have suffer from asthma (former-smoker, I am as well to blame) and in recent years have really disliked even going out to bars in our city. Since the smoking ban I go out much more, and do not turn down invitations from friends like in the past. My clothing also spells much better when I come home. Ken Bradley Kenny Neighborhood - Yahoo! FareChase - Search multiple travel sites in one click. 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] Reuse of the closed school buildings
Here is the list of meetings set up so far for community input on the reuse of closed Minneapolis schools. Since this was sent out yesterday afternoon from the MPS ReUsePlan group and the first meeting is Tuesday, I hope they work on getting info out sooner. Buzzy Bohn Folwell Outreach teams are identifying locations, dates, and times for neighborhood meetings. Additional sponsored meetings will be announced and distributed as received and confirmed. Cooper/Howe Meetings: November 1, 2005: 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm: Sanford Middle School Auditorium: 3524 - 42nd Avenue S., Mpls. MN 55406 Cooper Additional Meeting Dates: Wednesday, November 9, 6:30 pm - 8:00 pm: Minnehaha Academy, 3100 W. River Parkway S., Mpls. MN, in the Campus Room Saturday, November 12, 9:30 am - 11:00 am: Longfellow Park, 3435 36th Avenue S. Mpls. MN, meeting in the Multipurpose Room Howe Additional Meeting Dates: Wednesday November 16, 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm Hiawatha School, 4201- 42nd Avenue S., Mpls. MN 55406 Wednesday December 7, 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm Sanford Middle School Auditorium: 3524 - 42nd Avenue S., Mpls. MN 55406 Northrop Meetings: Thursday, November 10, 2005: 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm: McRae Recreation Center: 906 E. 47th Street, Mpls. MN 55407 Holland Meetings: Thursday, November 17, 2005: 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm: Sheridan School, 1201 University Avenue NE, Mpls. MN 55413 Hamilton Meetings: Thursday, December 8, 2005: 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm: Lucy Laney @ Cleveland Park: Penn Avenue N., Mpls. MN 55412 Willard Meetings: Tuesday: November 22, 2005: 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm: North High School, Planning team available following town-hall meeting Phillips (Four Winds) Meetings: Monday, December 5: 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm: Andersen School: 1098 Andersen Lane, Mpls. MN 55407 ___For more Information, contact:_ MINNEAPOLIS PUBLIC SCHOOLS Facilities Reuse Planning 807 Northeast Broadway Minneapolis, MN 55413 Direct: 612-336-9601 Fax: 612-342-9267 Email: [EMAIL PROTECTED] 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] corporate contributions
Dave Weinlick asked about corporate contributions. Yes, they are illegal under Minnesota Statute 211B. And one of these corporate contributions to the Johnson-Lee campaign are from Augie's strip club no less! Also illegal are contributions from foreign nationals. I noticed in an article about the St Paul mayor's race that Randy Kelly bragged about getting contributions from Australia and Belgium. Those are illegal too. Of course if it is a US citizen who is temporarily living abroad, that would be legal. On another somewhat related note, I'm serving on a task force to redesign the voter registration card, and we were all reminded that you are to vote WHERE YOU LIVE, not where you work or own rental property, unless you actually live where you work or rent out units. For example, a landlord who lives in Edina and owns property in North Minneapolis should not vote in the Mpls elections, only Edina ones. linda higgins old highland 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] On the smoking ban and Porter's
On Sat, 29 Oct 2005, ken bradley wrote: Anthony Thomas wrote: Interesting anecdotebut how do you honestly expect to refute the stone cold facts that it was the smoking ban which forced Cafe Di Napoli and the Olive Garden to close shop in downtown Mpls? Historical question: were there restarants and bars in Europe prior to 1600? Answer: There were none, because there could have been none. Because tobacco and smoking came to Europe only after 1600. On the other hand, for many centuries prior to 1600 in the Americas, the home of tobacco and smoking, there were - because there must have been - huge restaruant-bar chains everywhere you might look, and fabulously wealthy owners with huge smiles on their faces. Smoking is as American as smoking and apple pie and smoking. If you don't love smoking, you hate America. Simple. Light up for freedom. --David Shove Roseville 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] PIP's flyer
I just received my flyer from the People for Independent Parks. Nice color with photos of three candidates on it. Does it seem strange that there is statement that says... This is an independent expenditure prepared and paid for by PIP etc/ is distributed without the authorization or expressed or implied consent of and is not distributed in cooperation or in concert with, nor distributed at the request or suggestion of, any candidate, candidate's campaign committee or agent. Photos used without permission. I believe to use someone's photo without permission is illegal, does someone have actual facts on that? The candidates must have given the photos to them to be printedso that would cover..consent, knowledge, permission, and authorization. . Nothing against the respected candidates but this is a really stupid disclaimer...PIP dorie gallagher/nokomis 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] In Ballot Box: Notes on Thursday's Ward 13 debate
I pretty much agree with the Observer's take on the Ward 13 debate, with one addition - While Ms. Hodges was on the attack, particularly in calling Ms. McDonald's various finance ideas gimmicks, she was herself short on ideas. She expresses support for all the right things (NRP funding, crime reduction, affordable housing), but her insights on how these things might be accomplished is limited to, I'll sit down with constituents and talk about what we can do together. I've seen Ms. McDonald talking one on one with people, and there's no doubt that she's as tough, focused and determined as she ever was. She's remarkably well read, and well versed in what's going on not just in Minneapolis, but in other cities. I think what she showed on Thursday is that she has matured and gained more perspective on life in her time away from the council. McDonald would bring an independent voice to the council that I think would benefit more than just Ward 13 constituents. Hodges, I suspect, would dance with them what brung her. Becca Vargo Daggett Seward (disclaimer - I don't live in 13, but I am, obviously, a McDonald supporter) 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
Asthma rates and the smoking banRE: [Mpls] On the smoking ban and Porter's
Michael Atherton asks: Not that I don't have sympathy for people with asthma, but what is the comparative percentage of asthma sufferers who will frequent bars compared to the percentage of smokers? I don't know if the following statistics help or not but here are some statewide percentages. According to the Minnesota Department of Public Health's website on asthma, one in 10 Minnesotans statewide report having been diagnosed with asthma in their lifetime. 7% of Minnesotans 18 or over report current asthma. One in 8 students in grades 9-11 in rural Minnesota report having asthma and asthma rates have been rising in the state over the last 20 years particularly among children. Rates are significantly higher in Minneapolis and St. Paul and Minneapolis and St. Paul typically have higher death rates from asthma than either suburban areas or rural areas. According to a more recent report in 2003, some schools in the Minneapolis Public School District have asthma rates in their student population as high as 20% with a city wide average of 12% of students currently sufferring from asthma(which is close to the one in eight figure found statewide in 2000). Women are nearly twice as likely to suffer from asthma as men. In 2002, 91 Minnesotans died from asthma. So, potentially, one in 10 people who would like to go out to a bar on any given night suffer from asthma and as many as one in eight to one in five children may suffer from asthma if a family is going out to an event or for dinner or a snack at a restaurant. Asthma is not curable but can be controlled and reducing indoor air pollutants can reduce frequency and severity of asthma attacks. Coronary heart disease is also heavily impacted by second hand smoke as was demonstrated by a study of heart attack rates in Helena, MT after implementation of a smoking ban for six months in 2002. The study found that the number of heart attacks in the city fell by 40% compared to the average for the five previous years for the same six month period. http://www.newscientist.com/article.ns?id=dn3557 A reduction of 40% percent in the number of heart attacks in the twin cities would save all of us alot of public and private healthcare dollars and I think the interest in public health. It will be interesting to see if we have a slowdown in healthcare inflation in the region after the smoking ban has been in place for a little while. As far as the peanut allergy question, not nearly as many folks suffer from peanut allergies currently though their numbers are growing as well as the incidence in the overall population of such allergies. I know that most auditoriums and theaters in the metro have gone peanut free due to peanut allergies including the Orpheum and other downtown auditoriums. Most people with severe peanut allergies which make them vulnerable to severe or deadly allergic reactions carry epipens with them in case of accidental exposure. For most peanut allergy sufferers, avoiding things with peanuts in them is sufficient, but if your child brings home a letter asking that they not bring peanut butter sandwiches or other peanut products with them into the classroom due to a child in the classroom with a severe peanut allergy, I'd reccomend taking it very seriously. David Strand Loring Park __ Yahoo! Mail - PC Magazine Editors' Choice 2005 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
[Mpls] Fw: Commentary -- Our Current Development Process: Money Talks
Our Current Development Process: Money Talks Fed up with big money controlling their local elections, citizens of Albuquerque, New Mexico voted 2 to 1 in favor of an Open and Ethical Elections Code - making it the first city in the country to pass a clean elections referendum. Here in Minneapolis, we've read the headlines about an FBI investigation of a sitting City Council member for allegedly accepting money from developers in exchange for votes. But you don't need a federal wiretap to learn about the entanglement of developers with the Council - simply peruse the lists of campaign contributors. With a two-term incumbent council member, parcels of land ripe for redevelopment along the new light rail line, and developers salivating to cash in on it, Minneapolis' 12th Ward has hit the trifecta for campaign sleaze. Council member Sandy Colvin Roy's 2005 Campaign Finance Report reveals thousands of dollars in contributions poured into her campaign from individuals employed by Klodt development's contractors. Over 26 of those contractors had a piece of Klodt's recently completed Oaks Hiawatha apartment building along the LRT. Now Klodt is rushing for city approval of the nearby massive Hiawatha Flats apartment complex Developers' money is drowning out residents' voices and trumping our city planners' professional advice. Minneapolis may not quite have reached the point of Albuquerque, but we desperately need to reform how we finance municipal elections. This summer, the Star Tribune featured a Steve Berg commentary about how Vancouver bucked development trends to build a vibrant, healthy city with a focus on neighborhood-friendly, pedestrian-oriented development. In other words, we need reform not just because of ethical considerations, but because of the results we want to achieve. While the practice of city council candidates bankrolling their campaigns with developers' money is perfectly legal, it is plainly wrong and is also a bad way to do development. Continuing along this path will yield ill-planned development that doesn't fit the character of our neighborhoods, and increases traffic congestion and parking problems. Our city politics have become so entangled with the interests of developers that former Council President Dan Cohen believes a moratorium on new development is needed to give Minneapolis time to straighten out its campaign finance system. This is why, from the beginning of my campaign, I have pledged to reject campaign contributions from developers and their contractors doing business with the city. I am pushing to reform Minneapolis' ethical standards to encourage our elected officials to refrain from accepting contributions from developers. I want greater transparency in the reporting of campaign contributions. Foremost, I want the concerns of residents to be heard. Minneapolis was once regarded nationally as an oasis of clean politics and good government. Next month, we can rekindle this spirit by supporting candidates who are committed to cleaning up our elections and restoring community voices in guiding our city's redevelopment. -Kevin McDonald, independent candidate for Minneapolis City Council, Ward 12. He lives in the Hiawatha neighborhood. Strib article passed on by Dorie Rae Gallagher/Nokomis... Kevin McDonald supporter..new leadership is needed in our neighborhood! 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] In Ballot Box: Notes on Thursday's Ward 13 debate
I listened to both Lisa McDonald and Betsy Hodges speak and answer questions a couple weeks ago at the East Harriet Farmstead Annual Meeting. I thought Lisa McDonald did a fabulous job of answering all their questions. She had concrete facts to deliver about where funds would come from to pay for her supported initiatives. It was very obvious that everything she said came straight from her data banks from past and present experience dealing with the city. She knows her stuff. She was comfortable and natural talking about it. Betsy talked about her vision 20 years from now where neighborhoods would be world class with trolley cars running throughout the city to take people home from work. I couldn't help but wonder where the money was going to come from to pay for all those trolleys and the tracks to run them on. I also don't think we need to wait 20 years for world class neighborhoods. I believe we have them now. I will just throw it out there. I love Lisa McDonald and I hope she goes back to city hall. She knows her stuff. The people of the 13th ward would get great constituent service from her. She is a dang hard worker. I have seen her in action and no dust settles under her feet. Barb Lickness Whittier 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] pictures used without permission
Dorie asks about a pictures used without permission disclaimer. It's as easy as right-clicking on someone's website to get pictures without permission. People are always grabbing pics of elected officials and using them in newsletters, posters, brochures, etc. without asking permission. It's just a part of being a public figure. During the last legislative session, I was working with some cabbies at the airport on an issue near and dear to them. It got nasty and the other side put up misleading flyers all over with my pic on them. Looked too much like a wanted poster for my taste! Then there was the famous Thunder Under the Rotunda poster from this last session featuring two prize fighters who had Larry Pogemiller and Phil Krinkie's faces superimposed over them. Floats like a butterfly, stings like a fee. I daresay no one asked permission for that one either! linda higgins old highland 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: Asthma rates and the smoking banRE: [Mpls] On the smoking ban and Porter's
David Strand wrote: Michael Atherton asks: Not that I don't have sympathy for people with asthma, but what is the comparative percentage of asthma sufferers who will frequent bars compared to the percentage of smokers? I don't know if the following statistics help or not but here are some statewide percentages. According to the Minnesota Department of Public Health's website on asthma, one in 10 Minnesotans statewide report having been diagnosed with asthma in their lifetime. 7% of Minnesotans 18 or over report current asthma. One in 8 students in grades 9-11 in rural Minnesota report having asthma and asthma rates have been rising in the state over the last 20 years particularly among children. Rates are significantly higher in Minneapolis and St. Paul and Minneapolis and St. Paul typically have higher death rates from asthma than either suburban areas or rural areas. According to a more recent report in 2003, some schools in the Minneapolis Public School District have asthma rates in their student population as high as 20% with a city wide average of 12% of students currently sufferring from asthma(which is close to the one in eight figure found statewide in 2000). Women are nearly twice as likely to suffer from asthma as men. In 2002, 91 Minnesotans died from asthma. So, potentially, one in 10 people who would like to go out to a bar on any given night suffer from asthma and as many as one in eight to one in five children may suffer from asthma if a family is going out to an event or for dinner or a snack at a restaurant. Asthma is not curable but can be controlled and reducing indoor air pollutants can reduce frequency and severity of asthma attacks. Coronary heart disease is also heavily impacted by second hand smoke as was demonstrated by a study of heart attack rates in Helena, MT after implementation of a smoking ban for six months in 2002. The study found that the number of heart attacks in the city fell by 40% compared to the average for the five previous years for the same six month period. http://www.newscientist.com/article.ns?id=dn3557 A reduction of 40% percent in the number of heart attacks in the twin cities would save all of us alot of public and private healthcare dollars and I think the interest in public health. It will be interesting to see if we have a slowdown in healthcare inflation in the region after the smoking ban has been in place for a little while. I won't dispute these statistics, I see no need to. These statistics simply support an argument that there is sufficient market demand for smoke-free bars and restaurants. Years ago I got into an argument about why there were so few movies that accurately portrayed Asian Americans. My advice was that Asian Americans should produce their own films. I'm not egoistical enough to think that it was *my* advice, but it was a good idea and some people have followed up on it. If you haven't seen it, a good example is Picture Bride: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0114129/ Back to the point, I don't see anything that would prevent people with health problems who are negatively impacted by secondhand smoke opening their own businesses. And, I don't see any reason they can't allow smokers to have some public establishments where they can smoke. [snip] For most peanut allergy sufferers, avoiding things with peanuts in them is sufficient, but if your child brings home a letter asking that they not bring peanut butter sandwiches or other peanut products with them into the classroom due to a child in the classroom with a severe peanut allergy, I'd reccomend taking it very seriously. Well, I'm not going to go sneaking peanuts into the pockets of my kids clothes, even if I do love babies and razor blade jokes. ;-) Michael Atherton Prospect 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] On the smoking ban and Porter's
Once again, you miss the point. The core argument here is between what the majority of citizens consider ³public² and others consider ³private.² The law (and a majority of patrons) considers any retail operation, although privately owned, a public accommodation for purposes of protecting public health, public safety because, in the eyes of the law, all retail operations are and must be open to any person wishing to partake of the products or services therein. The owner earns his revenues and profits at the expense of the public to whom he has made his business available and who enter the business to engage its services or purchase its products. Such businesses are, therefore, regulated to protect the public from health and economic exploitation. Restaurants are licensed to serve food and beverages that are free of disease and danger in a climate of safety, including prohibition of any substance that threatens the health and welfare of said customers. Among such prohibitions are filth in the form of rodent feces, rotten or rotting foodstuffs, disease-infested surfaces floors, tables, counters, untended and unclean restrooms, freely operating and well-marked exits for escape from fire and other dangers, and so on. This now includes air space free of pollutants and dangerous chemicals that seriously harm smokers and nonsmokers alike, patrons and employees alike. Workplace and dining air spaces are as important as all the other spaces in these regulated businesses, in some cases more so. Shall I go on? These are public accommodations. As such, they also fall under anti-discrimination statutes and ordinances with regard to service and employment. Privately owned retail operations may not refuse service to any member of the public wishing to be a customer, nor can any bias be shown in the hiring, treatment and retention of employees on the basis of race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, religion, etc. Retail operations, once again, especially those that serve food and drink, are regulated industries and make their money under the above mentioned conditions. We have long had laws in place that punish on-sale alcohol sellers for the besotted condition of their patrons and held responsible for over-serving adults and serving minors at all. Anyone arguing that we must leave private retailers, especially restaurant and bar owners, alone because they¹re privately owned are ignoring the law, history, and reality. One person¹s choice is another¹s serious health hazard and public accommodations must accommodate the least harmful of the two in order to protect all. Even from themselves, if necessary. Any argument to the contrary has no standing in a society and system of laws. Andy Driscoll Saint Paul -- 10/29/05 10:03 PM, [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Andy Driscoll wrote: The fact is, too, is that the rights of the minority are as worthy of protection as those of the majority, perhaps more so, since they are usually powerless to effect changes in a political society. I agree with the recent posts that its not fair to argue the 40 restaurants -bit, and my previous post was perhaps not written in a way to display that while I am opposed to the smoking ban, I dont think its honest to use that specific example as a direct result of the ban. On the other hand, this above statement is exactly why I am against the ban regardless of the numbers of bars that close, or thrive under the ban. You have no RIGHT to YOUR preference (smoking or non) in a private establishment. Or at least you didnt before the City Council and County Commissioners imposed the ban. Argue the pretext of health of the bar workers (they can find something else, and it appears in those cases where the smoking ban is having an effect, they might have to) or a number of other things. But if you argue the minority rights, why wont you at least give them an opportunity to open their own establishments where they WONT bother you? By the way, I in no way intended to argue that Cafe Di Napoli or Olive Garden closed because of the ban. I think there were other obvious reasons those places closed. I would still like to see a list from those interested the apples-to-apples comparison of how bars are faring in Minneapolis (# of closed versus # who are prospering). Anthony Thompson 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] Beyond Nov. 8th Possible Impact of legislative Special Elections on Minneapolis
There will be two elections after Nov. 8th that many politicos will be following because they have a strong potential to have a strong impact on Minneapolis due to the impact of state issues on the city. Two upcoming special elections for state senate to be held November 22nd are close enough to Minneapolis that they have the potential to draw many volunteers as well as dollars from Minneapolis activists and there is already some Minneapolitans and listmembers involved in the District 43 race which is the closest. District 43 covers northern Minnetonka and most of the city of Plymouth and only two candidates have filed and each has been awarded their respective parties' endorsement. Plymouth Mayor Judy Johnson has the Republican Party endorsement and Minnetonka Planning Commission member and noted successful organizer for school funding referendra in Hopkins School District organizer Terri Bonoff has the endorsement of the DFL. Judy Johnson's website is at http://www.voteforjudy.com Terri Bonoff's website is at http://www.terribonoff.org There are no Independence or Green Party candidates filed in this race. We all know that the legislature doesn't always treat Minneapolis' concerns as we would like. One of my personal and political concerns is the proposed constitutional amendment to define marriage as between one man and one woman and ban legal recognintion of any relationship between unmarried persons as the legal equivalent of marriage, an issue that these individuals appear solidly footed in relation to the prevailing positions of their respective parties. As 73% percent of households in Minneapolis are headed by unmarried adults according to the 2000 census and similiar constitutional amendments in other states have resulted in domestic violence suits involving unmarried heterosexual couples being thrown out of court(OH), varying results in challenges to the legality of offerring domestic partnership benefits to public employee's(MI) and even domestic partner benefits being offerred by private businesses within a state(KS), I think Minneapolis has a clear interest in opposing this amendment-- particularly as currently drafted with that ambigous legal equivalent language. What's more, enough DFL'ers in the Senate are thought to be supporters of the constitutional amendment(only one Republican has publicly opposed the amendment)that is believed that the amendment could possibly pass a vote of the Senate at this time if the amendment were to make it to a floor vote and a change of one two votes could mean it won't be on the ballot. I would also like to point out the probable cost and drain in political energies and monies of many Minneapolitans including glbtiq community members, domestic violence activists and others concerned about this proposed amendment who would have their attentions diverted from other city concerns and issues to work on what would likely be a multimillion dollar effort to defeat such an amendment. That energy would be better spent proactively elsewhere. In other states where such amendments have been on the ballot, hate crimes have also increased significantly, sometimes doing much more than doubling. Interestingly, an antigay constitutional amendment in Oregon in the early '90's which was broadly opposed by many religious groups resulted in a rise in hate crimes against Catholics and members of other religious groups which spoke against the amendment in question resulting in many houses of worship being vandalized as well as several murders of opponents of the amendment in the state and other acts of violence. There are many other reasons why I believe Minneapolitans should be interested in the outcome of this race. It's fairly obvious that the dominant tone at the state legislature is often not particularly friendly to Minneapolis or Minneapolis' concerns. I think it's important that we support candidates in other parts of the state that are willing to respect Minneapolitans needs which are not contrary to those of their own community though perhaps different. Being able to work across those differences of need and respect that all parts of the state are not the same or have the same needs is necessary for Minneapolis to continue to be successful as part of a succesful Minnesota. The other special election is in District 19 which covers most of east and southern Wright County much of which is in the process of morphing from exurbs to a near suburban texture. There will be a primary Nov. 1st which will narrow the field from five to three candidates including one DFL'er, one Independence party candidate and one Republican candidate for the general on Nov 22nd. The candidates are Ross Bennett Democratic-Farmer-Labor 110 Ash St. E. Buffalo, MN 55313 320-963-7056 [EMAIL PROTECTED] John Deitering Democratic-Farmer-Labor 1310 29th St. SE Buffalo, MN 55313 763-682-3662 www.votejohndeitering.com [EMAIL PROTECTED] Del Haag Independence Party 714 9th Street N.W.
McLaughlin gets Strib workers endorsement! Re: [Mpls] Rybak gets Strib Endorsement
John Blackshaw Rybak Campaign Sorry John- the workers who really produce the Strib along with thousands of others through their unions have endorsed labor's candidate, Peter McLaughlin. BTW, has R.T. decided if he's going to veto the living wage ordinance? Union strong in Hawthorne, Dyna Sluyter 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] On the smoking ban and Porter's
You're absolutely right, Andy, and if a few people have to lose their jobs for your convenience, what's the harm. At least they'll be healthy collecting unemployment, for those that can get it. Praise God for people like you. As I've stated before, to you especially, if you can have someone else make the tough decisions in life for you, all the better, and if a few barbacks and waitresses are casualties, fine. Your stance on this issue has been quite clear from the start: you simply do not care if some jobs are lost, as long as you don't have to decide to stay away from places that are smoky. Just because you don't think the smoking ban is causing some bars to go under doesn't mean it isn't so. Numerous bars have said they are losing business because of the ban. You can moan about their lack of a business plan, but that too is a red herring. The simple fact is that the smoking ban is hurting their business. Just because you choose not to look at that reality is not the fault of their business plan, it's your fault for not listening to the owners of businesses... businesses that you care little about. Mike Thompson Windom - Original Message - From: Andy Driscoll [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: Minneapolis Issues mpls@mnforum.org Sent: Saturday, October 29, 2005 9:02 PM Subject: Re: [Mpls] On the smoking ban and Porter's The writer below continues to mix and match apples and oranges in order to discredit any governmental action that protects consumers and the public health. Hate government, hate the ban. In truth, while alcohol and smoking are both legal addictions, only smokers have so much an immediate and profound negative impact on nonsmokers in the vicinity of their smoking as alcohol consumption does. When alcohol is abused, it becomes an illegally consumed substance, subject to arrest and conviction, especially when operating a motor vehicle under its influence. Either way, the impact, unless the drunk starts a fight or abuses his date in the bar (not exactly unheard of), usually occurs later. Smoking in the presence of others is an abuse of the privilege of being addicted to nicotine, and, like alcohol abuse, should be illegal in public spaces where it immediate and significantly abuses workers and nonsmoking patron of public accommodations. Furthermore, the presence of smoke not only triggers asthmatic attacks in the already diagnosed, but it actually creates asthmatics of people never before suffering from the syndrome. In fact, we've witnessed as part of the polluted air we've been forced to breathe inside and outside for the last 100 years a 600% increase in both pediatric and adult asthma and other pulmonary diseases - chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD/emphysema), most especially. Not just in smokers, but in millions of nonsmokers exposed to second-hand smoke and other pollutants. The fact is, too, is that the rights of the minority are as worthy of protection as those of the majority, perhaps more so, since they are usually powerless to effect changes in a political society. Smoking bans are a red herring for the vast majority of failing restaurant owners who simply don't want to admit their management, marketing or food failures. If a few small restaurants and bars fold as a result of smoking bans, that's the price of change in society, but, in many more cases, instead of sitting around grousing about smoking bans, those owners should have developed alternative marketing and product plans to offset those losses, primarily in alcohol sales. Smoking bans are little more than a convenient scapegoat for incompetent restaurant and bar management. Andy Driscoll Saint Paul -- on 10/29/05 3:05 PM, Michael Atherton wrote: Ken Bradley writes: I have suffer from asthma (former-smoker, I am as well to blame) and in recent years have really disliked even going out to bars in our city. Since the smoking ban I go out much more, and do not turn down invitations from friends like in the past. My clothing also spells much better when I come home. Not that I don't have sympathy for people with asthma, but what is the comparative percentage of asthma sufferers who will frequent bars compared to the percentage of smokers? What about people who suffer from peanut allegories? Should we be so sympathetic to their desire to go out to bars that we should ban peanut eating in bars? How do we allocate desire and suffering? Can't we leave this up to people's willingness to spend their dollars? If there is sufficient demand from people with asthma, wouldn't there be bars willing to accommodate them or is it just that bars are catering to a larger market? Should we ban alcohol because it's a temptation for alcoholics, as cigarette smoke is to nicotine addicts? Where does all this regulation of behavior end, when we make life so sterile that we all live to be a very monotonous 100? -Denver weighs plan to ease marijuana laws- Voters in Denver will decide
