Re: [Mpls] Greg Gray on the Hennepin County Stadium Boondoggle:Supports a Referendum
Linda Higgins is currently my State Senator and I wrote to her when I heard this as a rumor. She replied to me personally that she was, in fact, going to seek Stenglein's County Board seat. I know she participates on this list and I am sure she will directly address it soon. Caucuses are right around the corner! Bob Velez Shingle Creek Ward 4-1, SD 58 David Brauer wrote: Eva Young writes: I saw Greg Gray at the Minnesota Women's Political Caucus annual luncheon. (I was actually rather surprised that his opponent, Linda Higgins wasn't there). I'm newly out of the loop, but while I know Greg Gray is running for Mark Stenglein's Hennepin County Board seat, I didn't know Linda Higgins was also seeking the position. Can someone confirm this? David Brauer 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] Police Accountibity
I really think that policing, by its very nature, is significantly different from other forms of municipal public service. Police officers are given a LOT of authority and power to do their jobs (and rightly so). Their job is unique in that they are dealing one-on-one with community members as well as having to deal with those that would harm the community by committing crimes against citizens or property. This work is, IMO, significantly different from services like public works or taxpayer services. There is an intangible and indirect benefit that comes from having police be members of the communities they are charged to protect and serve. I believe that offering incentives for officers to live within Minneapolis proper is a very good idea. Ultimately, I would prefer having a residency requirement for officers, but I don't believe that desire ought to stand in the way of at least getting more officers to live in the city. No one would automatically lose their jobs if other municipalities enacted such rules. Grandfathering and/or transition periods would provide workers with plenty of time to either move or find other employment. I viewed Mike's remark as somewhat of a red herring. No offense, Mike. :-) Bob Velez Shingle Creek Ward 4-1 board member, Minneapolis Civilian Police Review Authority Michael Hohmann wrote: Aaron Neumann says, in part, Let's advocate at the Legislature for a Minneapolis residency requirement for all City employees... [MH] I believe this issue has been discussed on this list in the past. In general, I think residency requirements simply serve to limit the pool of qualified individuals eligible for any given position-- a result that is not in the best interest of city residents and taxpayers. Residency requirements also unfairly restrict an individuals ability to choose where they want to live, etc. Consider for a moment what would happen if all surrounding municipalities enacted residency requirements-- all Mpls. residents employed outside Mpls. would loose their jobs! Mike Hohmann Linden Hills -Original Message- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Behalf Of Aaron Neumann Sent: Wednesday, October 12, 2005 4:45 AM To: mpls@mnforum.org Cc: 'greendiscuss'; [EMAIL PROTECTED]; 'Green Party of MN'; 'UofM Greens'; 'Mpls-5thDistrictGreenParty' Subject: [Mpls] Police Accountibity As many of you know, there is a public City Council Public Safety Regulatory Services Committee meeting today (Mpls City Council Chambers, 3rd Floor, City Hall, 350 South 5th Street) where there will be an opportunity to speak out to improve police/community relations in an effort to implement the Minneapolis Federal Mediation Agreement (MFMA). The City specifically agreed to diversify the Minneapolis Police Department (MPD), foster cultural awareness and sensitivity among the MPD, and to end all racially biased policing, to name a few. I believe a comprehensive, multi-faceted strategy to demonstrate that we are committed to effective, responsive, and respectful policing is essential to our mission. Let's also create incentives for community policing that include financial benefits for officers who choose to live in the neighborhoods they serve. Let's advocate at the Legislature for a Minneapolis residency requirement for all City employees, including our police. Let's restore two-officer teams for their safety, but tied with foot/bike patrol and a community policing policy. Let's increase conflict resolution training to better community-police relations. Let's strengthen the Civilian Police Review Authority (proper funding and expedient appointments to the Board) to hold reckless officers accountable officers who are in fact guilty of misconduct. We must support the newly created Police Community Relations Council (PCRC) that came out of MFMA. One area of concern in the MFMA is section 2.2.12, which calls for the development of a protocol for communications and media contacts by PCRC members on critical incidents, high profile police misconduct allegations, and other topics identified by the PCRC. Let's ensure that this does not become a muzzle for community's ability to criticize the MPD and to demand accountability. And last but not least, let's restore To Serve and Protect on all marked squad cars, better yet, let's add respect (and that does go both ways) to our mission to read: Serve. Protect. Respect. As I've stated in previous posts, we must restoring nobility and respect to our police department and the communities that they serve and protect. I believe these worthy goals, agreements and policies are imperative to truly having accountable policing, and to developing the most effective, responsive, and respectful police today for the generations of tomorrow. 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
Re: [Mpls] Mayor/County Rep question
Mike Opat is Commissioner in District 1. I believe that Peter is District 4 Bob Velez Shingle Creek 4-1 On Thu, 15 Sep 2005 12:38:33 -0700, Tim Bonham [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: This would leave his seat open on the county board. Who would be a likely replacement for Peter on the county board? What position on the stadium does this person hold? So far, no one has registered a campaign committee for Hennepin County Commissioner District 1 (except Peter's committee), as can be seen on the County website. There are a whole bunch of people who I have heard mentioned as possible candidates if this happens. You will see an exciting, hotly contested race. And highly compressed; the special election will probably all take place in Feb, 2006. Tim Bonham, Ward 12, Standish-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 -- Using Opera's revolutionary e-mail client: http://www.opera.com/mail/ 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] Big Raises for City Administrators
Justin E. wrote: Some might find this current Southwest Journal article interesting as they make their choices for who to vote for in the primary. It's interesting how top City administrators are getting $10-18,000 pay increases (on base salaries of $114-129k) while City workers are capped at 2% (making$25-30k). I guess they must be doing a super great job and working extra hard. See if you work hard, you'll turn you're City's economy around, provide for police and fire along with other essential services, and contribute to a general optimism about the City's leadership. Oh, wait, sorry I was starting to believe rhetoric and not reality for a minute there...scratch that last sentence. Bob writes: No administrator's work is work that much; especially when they are NOT on the front lines delivering public services. The same problem exists in the Hennepin County bureaucracy. Thanks to our current legislature, also, since they changed the law that capped public official's salaries to either 90 or 95% of the Governor's salary (I can't remember which; when your are over six figures, it doesn't matter much anyway, does it?). So...our Hennepin County Administrator, Sandra Vargas, collects more in salary than the Governor of the ENTIRE STATE. Of course she is Latina', so I can't go doggin' my peeps, right? WRONG. While workers who delivered the services, the FRONT LINE in public service, got the big goose egg (2004 - 05), the Commissioners and top administrators got FAT (or phat?) guzzling at the public trough. This is another bargaining year. Workers are expecting to get rewarded for constantly meeting the 'do more with less' challenge and keeping the County's world-class service delivery standard. None of us is expecting to pull down the bucks that Ms. Vargas is, but we hope that we can get support from the other work-a-day folks that are finally coming to their senses about WHICH public employees REALLY have it made. Hint: it ain't the workers, y'all. FULL DISCLOSURE: there was one lone vote on the 24th floor /against /Ms. Vargas' latest salary boost: Peter McLaughlin. Bob Velez Shingle Creek 4-1 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] Metro Pass and Public Employees
Hennepin County employees ARE eligible for MetroPass. Bob Velez Shingle Creek, Ward 4-1 David Strand wrote: Which public employees are eligible for Metro Pass? 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] Civilian oversight of MPD
Oh, you betcha! I attended the 6/15/2005 PCRC meeting and am interested in going to more of these, as are my colleagues on the CRA Board, but even though the PCRC is a public forum, the time and location have been prohibitive for many of us to attend regularly. In addition, whether real or imagined, there was a sense among CRA members that the PCRC was not a friendly place for us and that they really were not interested in working directly with our board. Thankfully, I have been able to connect with Anita Selin, a PCRC member and find some common ground to build off of. I continue to encourage my colleagues to participate in PCRC meetings. There is another factor, however. The PCRC already has a list of 82 action items to deal with. That is a huge burden, I'm sure, especially given the resistance (or so I hear) from the Police/City side of the table. CRA has spent the last year or so tweaking our ordinance, cutting through the case backlog (SUCCESSFUL!), and deflecting the criticisms fired at us. That has been a full time job, to be sure. I agree: it only makes sense that CRA work with PCRC and I look forward to our groups working together in the not-so-distant future. Bob Velez Shingle Creek 4-1 Board member, Minneapolis Civilian Police Review Authority rashard zanders wrote: Interesting. Since the Police/Community Relations Council and the CRA are both concerned with oversight of the MPD, shouldn't both entities do more to work together for the purpose of ensuring said oversight? Rashard Zanders Community Editor Minnesota Spokesman-Recorder 3744 4th Ave. S. Mpls. MN 55409 [EMAIL PROTECTED] -Original Message- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Bob Velez Sent: Saturday, August 20, 2005 1:08 AM To: mpls@mnforum.org Subject: [Mpls] Civilian oversight of MPD At today's council meeting, a 7-6 vote sent the latest ordinance change to the Civilian Police Review Authority (172) into holdover status. Hopefully it will only be for one cycle. I was not in attendance, but I heard that rather than a discussion on the validity of the change, much was said about the CRA needing major overhaul. I heard that one councilmember faulted CRA for not doing enough to mitigate the city's liability (as noted in City Pages 'The Hit Parade Revisited'). The current board has successfully eliminated the backlog of cases and we are hoping to play a role in healing police/community relations. Is there still a sense in our communities that civilian oversight of police is a good thing in principal? Any insight/input would be appreciated. Bob Velez Shingle Creek 4-1 Board member, Minneapolis CPRA 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] Civilian oversight of MPD
At today's council meeting, a 7-6 vote sent the latest ordinance change to the Civilian Police Review Authority (172) into holdover status. Hopefully it will only be for one cycle. I was not in attendance, but I heard that rather than a discussion on the validity of the change, much was said about the CRA needing major overhaul. I heard that one councilmember faulted CRA for not doing enough to mitigate the city's liability (as noted in City Pages 'The Hit Parade Revisited'). The current board has successfully eliminated the backlog of cases and we are hoping to play a role in healing police/community relations. Is there still a sense in our communities that civilian oversight of police is a good thing in principal? Any insight/input would be appreciated. Bob Velez Shingle Creek 4-1 Board member, Minneapolis CPRA 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] Property taxes for homestead property must INCREASE
Vicki Heller said: Homeowners should be paying MORE TAXES (a much larger share of the total burden), which will bring in a lot more money to solve the City's growing financial crisis. As pointed out by other Listmembers, Minneapolis homeowners pay less than HALF of those in Milwaukee. WHO do you think should pay for all of your recreation and public amenities? Businesses [that choose to stay] and apartments [that aren't owned by non-profits] already pay punitive property taxes to subsidize Minneapolis homeowners. Do you think that a tax system should be fair and offer equal protection? Or do you prefer arbitrary and unfair? Bob here: Unfortunately, there are no simple answers when seeking a solution to the red ink in our government. I would consider the statement above to be too simple a solution. Any idea that results in a 'hooray for me, screw you' is a bad idea. Increase the homeowners burden and decrease the property owners burden? I believe THAT is unfair because business property is generating a profit. Homeowners by and large are NOT generating profits out of their home. Also, Businesses [that choose to stay]... is a loaded statement; if your business is to own property and rent them to individuals, you are not going to pick up your building and move it to South Dakota to save on taxes, are you? Owning and operating a business is not the same in every area. It is a benefit to business owners to have access to the customers in Minneapolis; our average earnings are higher, our education levels are higher and we understand the value of the intangible things in life. If a business decided it would not stay, are they going to move to Mexico? They certainly won't have the same kind of business... Close the corporate tax loopholes first then fix the health care issue. My theory is that were those two things done, we wouldn't have to rob Peter to pay Paul by shifting tax burdens between non-homesteaded and business properties to homesteaded properties. Also, a one percent property tax (which it how shakes out to be for me) is more than fair, IMO. Bob Velez Shingle Creek 4-1 REMINDERS: 1. Think a member has violated the rules? Email 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 City-focused Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Subscribe, Un-subscribe, etc. at: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
Re: [Mpls] City/County Parking lot
In case anyone missed it, Chair of the HC Board, Mike Opat, said at the State of the County address that the parking underneath the Government Center will likely reopen in the beginning of 2003. Bob Velez Shingle Creek Ward 4-1 -- Citizen Bob Velez Green Party endorsed candidate for Hennepin County Commissioner, District 1 AFSCME (Local 34) ENDORSED http://www.webspawner.com/users/citizenbobvelez/ Quoting Dave Harstad [EMAIL PROTECTED]: Query for City/County Parking staff: Why is the underground parking lot between City Hall and the County Government Center still closed to the public? This lot is the most convenient lot for persons doing business in City Hall or the government Center. I recall that the lot was closed to the public after 9/11. If it is closed due to terrorist threats I cry foul. The lot under the federal court house is open to the public (albiet with a security guard there). If a lot under a federal court house is open, than there is no reason this lot, which isn't even under a building, shouldn't be open too. I respectfully request that it be re-opened to the public. I'm also curious, who is using it now and what are those users paying? Dave Harstad Whittier __ Do you Yahoo!? Faith Hill - Exclusive Performances, Videos More http://faith.yahoo.com ___ Minneapolis Issues Forum - A City-focused Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: mailto:mpls;mnforum.org Subscribe, Unsubscribe, Digest, and more: http://e-democracy.org/mpls ___ Minneapolis Issues Forum - A City-focused Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: mailto:mpls;mnforum.org Subscribe, Unsubscribe, Digest, and more: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
Re: [Mpls] Strib on Traffic Congestion.
If I recall correctly, I heard that fares fund about 25% of Metro Transit's budget with the rest coming from the state. How do these other cities spend so much more per capita dollars and what are their funding sources? I doubt they are charging $5.00 each way for express busses. Or are they? Anyone? Bob Velez Shingle Creek Ward 4-1 -- Citizen Bob Velez Green Party endorsed candidate for Hennepin County Commissioner, District 1 AFSCME (Local 34) ENDORSED http://www.webspawner.com/users/citizenbobvelez/ Quoting ken avidor [EMAIL PROTECTED]: Buses do serve commuters well, but can they unclog congestion? http://www.startribune.com/stories/781/3360329.html Laurie Blake writes: But when it comes to total transit impact, the number of buses serving the Twin Cities area is smaller than in many similarly sized metro areas that have one downtown. .when it comes to the actual number of rush-hour buses on the streets, Metro Transit has 772 with two downtowns to serve, compared with 839 in Denver; 931 in Seattle; 848 in Pittsburgh and 1,152 in Houston. Only Cleveland, with about 600, and Portland, with about 570, have smaller rush-hour bus counts. The number of buses on the street reflects transit spending. Per capita spending for transit in the Twin Cities area came to $87 in 2000, compared with $264 in Seattle, $200 in Portland, $138 in Pittsburgh, $129 in Denver, $91 in Cleveland and $89 in Houston, according to Federal Transit Administration data. ___ Minneapolis Issues Forum - A City-focused Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Subscribe, Unsubscribe, Digest, and more: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
Re: [Mpls] Dear Peter McLaughlin
Quoting Anderson Turpin [EMAIL PROTECTED]: However, as Ed says above, the county can't change this law. I don't want my representatives spending a significant amount of their time lobbying a different branch of government. We elect county representatives to mind county business, and State and Federal representatives for their respective jurisdictions. It wastes time and perverts the will of the electorate to work on issues outside one's own branch. [BV] County Officials do spend time lobbying other government entities on behalf of County residents. It is WHAT they lobby for that determines whether it is in the interest of the citizens or not. Example: Local Government Aid. The state provides this to meet some of the expenses of County governance thus avoiding a seperate County sales tax. Tim Penny has spoken about eliminating this aid (if he is elected GOV) and suggesting that Counties add their own tax to eliminate one level of beauracracy. County officials lobbying the legislature to continue this funding (or City officials for that matter) are acting on behalf of their constituency, thus preventing the implementation of a Countywide sales tax and the administration of such that would increase County costs. Example: Stadium (again, I know, I'm sorry). The Hennepin County Board Chair has ALREADY said THIS year that he is preparing for NEXT year's legislature and a stadium funding bill that will include Hennepin County as a player. This is an example of lobbying in OPPOSITION to constituents best interests, IMHO. :-) Bob Velez Shingle Creek Ward 4-1 -- Citizen Bob Velez Green Party endorsed candidate for Hennepin County Commissioner, District 1 AFSCME (Local 34) ENDORSED http://www.webspawner.com/users/citizenbobvelez/ ___ Minneapolis Issues Forum - A City-focused Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Subscribe, Unsubscribe, Digest, and more: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
Re: [Mpls] City budget woes- a microeconomic view from Crack Street North
Remember that a lot of the pension problems that are being raised are due to the downturn in the economy/stock market; NOT because they are OVERLY generous. It is very frustrating to constantly defend those working in the public sector and their compensation. With the increase in cost of health care, inflation, the cost of living, etc. wages have all but stagnated in real dollars. The PERA (Public Employees Retirement Association; City/County/State employees pension fund management) has filed suit against AOL/Time Warner charging that the devaluation of their stock (which PERA has a chunk of) is due in part to their corporate malfeasance. We need to see more pension managers doing this type of thing to penalize companies in which pension money is invested. Not across the board, but penalizing the companies that are found guilty of wrongdoing. Why doesn't the income gap get brought up more? Instead, the easy targets are the folks who work. Maybe unions HAVE inflated wages beyond skill sets required. If they hadn't, what would wages look like across the board now? The would be lower overall. Could you imagine MORE jobs at the minimum wage? Corporations have done a much more grievous evil by inflating CEO and upper management compensation beyond what any individual could ever need. The corporate media has done a great job, however, of directing the frustration of the upper middle class at the middle and lower classes rather than at the stratospheric class who are running away with the store. Bob Velez Shingle Creek Ward 4-1 -- Citizen Bob Velez Green Party endorsed candidate for Hennepin County Commissioner, District 1 AFSCME (Local 34) ENDORSED http://www.webspawner.com/users/citizenbobvelez/ This is a great union perspective on this problem. We should ignore the fact that the city has been unwise in granting pensions that are a major liability. We should ignore the fact that work force reductions are often a necessary and wise business practice. And, we should believe that growth (unions can always use new members) is always beneficial. We need to recognize that unions in some professions have inflated wages beyond the skill sets held by their workers. And, we need to recognize that, in the long run, this is not good thing for our country. Michael Atherton Prospect Park ___ Minneapolis Issues Forum - A City-focused Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: mailto:mpls;mnforum.org Subscribe, Unsubscribe, Digest, and more: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
RE: [Mpls] Community Ownership of the Twins
Quoting Walt Cygan [EMAIL PROTECTED]: I watched the end of the Twins win yesterday with mixed emotions. On one hand, I felt great for the over-achieving players, who weren't given a prayer of winning. Great stuff. On the other hand, as Hocking was squeezing the third out, Carl Pohlad was probably thinking that he could get an extra $25 million for the Twins now. [snip] [BV] I had the same knot in my stomach. This community ownership thing is really a bad idea, more so if governmental units are involved in any way. [snip] [BV] Yah...the public can ELECT to purchase stock in such an enterprise, but our pension funds/mutual funds/state investment dollars should be left alone. If you believe the owners' complaints about the river of red ink on their profit and loss statements, what happens when the $300 million stake is eaten up in operating losses [snip] [BV] Could these losses be part of an ENRON-esque accounting system in the OPPOSITE direction in an attempt to drum up some sympathy for gazillionairres? Perhaps they add in all the deprecitation early and UNDERestimate revenues in their forecasts? Using governmental entities to front for this bad investment would be really irresponsible. [BV] I was a New York Mets fan when I was a kid and went to the games even though they were in the cellar during the seventies. Green Bay hasn't always been a great team either. I think hat if the enterprise was sound and the fans weren't thinking they were bankrolling Carl Pohlad's heirs that folks would come irrespective of their performance. That's just me, though... I wouldn't necessarily link attendence to the performance of the team in every situation. Carl Pohlad has really alienated Minnesota baseball fans with his rhetoric and threats and MLB removed some fans from the equation with the LAST strike, but with the recent labor agreement and a franchise owned by people in the community, I think that Minnesota baseball would recover. Bob Velez Shingle Creek Ward 4-1 -- Citizen Bob Velez Green Party endorsed candidate for Hennepin County Commissioner, District 1 AFSCME (Local 34) ENDORSED http://www.webspawner.com/users/citizenbobvelez/ ___ Minneapolis Issues Forum - A City-focused Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subscribe, Unsubscribe, Digest, and more: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
Re: [Mpls] The importance of the Twins and a stadiumless solution
Quoting JIM GRAHAM [EMAIL PROTECTED]: [snip] For that reason I believe we should do what is necessary to keep the Twins. [BV] I don't think we ought to do ANYTHING necessary and I appreciated that word being omitted whether on purpose or not. I think that very few people WANT the Twins to go. It is an issue of wants and needs in these days of budget woes. [snip] I still have a problem subsidizing multi-millionaires, so I suggest the Twins be bought by the City of Minneapolis, or the State of Minnesota, or by some group of multi-millionaires and then immediately incorporated and sold as a publicly held corporation whose by-laws and charter do not allow the team to be moved from the area. The homebound person, the outstate senior; as well as all the other fans could take some vicarious thrill of being part of the ownership of the team. If you have about 100,000 small owners of a team that could not be moved, and that team were truly the MINNESOTA Twins, I would not be adverse to a publicly owned stadium. Such a team ownership might negate the need for a new stadium, and it is certainly cheaper to buy the team than to build a stadium. In fact, it is less than half the cost of building a stadium. Such ownership would generate a lot more interest in going to see the team play in regular season. Look at Green Bay, people like going to see a team play that they personally own. It is the Rich ownership that is demanding a new stadium and blackmailing the State to build such a stadium with threats of moving or killing the team, not fans. [snip] [BV] A courageous idea! I wonder if it is even in the realm of possibility with Selig at the helm of MLB, however. [snip] Fans absolutely love the Dome. The Dome experience is almost as important to an attending fan as the game being played. At this time fans have a vicarious ownership of the team and get so excited, but I can only imagine the excitement if you had a hundred thousand owners. Only half of who would be able to get into the game at any one time. [snip] [BV] I wouldn't say that everyone LOVES the dome; it is certainly quite practical for our climate, but the new stadium hawks would say that's why we need to drop the extra $100 - 200 mill on the retractible roof! I attended a Twins game this year with my youngest daughter and it struck me for the first time: There's no BULLPEN! Bummer... What a wonderful year for Twins baseball, eh? I would caution us, however, to not be seduced by those eager to compensate the Twins for an excellent season with a new ballpark. The danger lies not only in placing future generations in hock for a new ballpark, but also setting a precedent that sports teams will hold us to in the future. Bob Velez Shingle Creek Ward 4-1 ___ Minneapolis Issues Forum - A Civil City Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subscribe, Unsubscribe, Digest option, and more: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
[Mpls] District 1 County Commisioner Issues
While we're at it, how about some questions for County Board chair, Mike Opat? 1) When you ran against John Derus, you were proposing a 10-year limit on service as County Commissioner (Star Tribune, Feb 29, 1992, Metro section, Steve Brandt, reporter). It has been 10 years since you took office. How and why has your position changed on term limits? 2) With a $34 million shortfall in the County's operating budget, how could Hennepin participate in a public financing stadium deal? Is it the right thing to do at this point? 3) You have been noted in the Star Tribune as wanting to give the County Board a higher profile in civic affairs. What have you done in the last 10 years to start along this road? 4) The 4 most senior County Board members have been serving for a collective 64 years. How are you going to engage and encourage the next generation of leaders to contribute to County governance? 5) What can be done about the SH 252 corridor which is quickly becoming another bottleneck of traffic. Do you support the Northstar Corridor project? 6) What are your opinions on the Met Council? Will you support modifying that body to become an elected body? 7) Have you signed the pledge to support the Anoka-Hennepin ISD levy proposal (s) this fall? If not, why not? Bob Velez Shingle Creek Ward 4-1 -- Citizen Bob Velez Green Party endorsed candidate for Hennepin County Commissioner, District 1 AFSCME (Local 34) ENDORSED http://www.webspawner.com/users/citizenbobvelez/ Quoting Walt Cygan [EMAIL PROTECTED]: It has been a week since Peter McLaughlin posted a item about his accomplishments. It was nice, but he has not yet answered Jordan Kushner's follow-up questions, some of which Ed Felien had also posed: 1) Why have you appeared to consistently support public funding for a private sports stadium? 2) What was your role in the decision to have Highway 55 fly over Lake Street while causing a much larger delay in the traffic lights at that intersection? 3) Why did you sign your names as one of the co-authors of an op-ed piece in the Star Tribune on March 27, 2001, in which you appeared to denounce the Minnesota Attorney General's investigation of Allina Health System's unethical practices? 4) How do you justify your consistent past support for the Highway 55 reroute near the Mississippi river which was destructive to the environment, the community, Native American culture, and has actually led to more rather than less traffic? 5) How do you compare or distinguish your political agenda from your allies in the city of Mineapolis' DFL leadership who were defeated in last year's elections? These are some issues that a lot of us would like to hear about. Mr. McLaughlin, how about stepping up to the plate, so to speak? Please engage Mr. Felien and those of us who are planning to cast a vote in November in a real dialogue on the issues. If you have some questions that you'd like to pose to Mr. Felien, please post them. Let's hear about issues that affect our lives. Walt Cygan Keewaydin ___ Minneapolis Issues Forum - A Civil City Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subscribe, Unsubscribe, Digest option, and more: http://e-democracy.org/mpls ___ Minneapolis Issues Forum - A Civil City Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subscribe, Unsubscribe, Digest option, and more: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
[Mpls] Riverview site housing
List, After evaluating my remarks on the Riverview site, I agree with Keith Reitman. They WERE snooty. I apologize to the list. As a Northsider, I can appreciate Mike Hohmann's comments about investment in the Northside and the implications. I hope that this will encourage some enhancements to 2nd St N as well. I do struggle watching developments like the Riverview site, the Humboldt Greenway and all the new homes along the river. Taken in total, it seems that we are not addressing the affordable housing issue that I hope will get some attention from the new CLCLT that Cara Letofsky spoke of and is participating heavily in. That development in South Minneapolis along the West side of Hiawatha where they put in those single family homes...does anyone know the going rate on those homes? They weren't greenway style homes, they just seemed like newer single family homes that would fit in well with that neighborhood. Did they cause the neighborhood housing prices to skyrocket? Bob Velez Shingle Creek Ward 4-1 -- Citizen Bob Velez Green Party endorsed candidate for Hennepin County Commissioner, District 1 AFSCME (Local 34) ENDORSED http://www.webspawner.com/users/citizenbobvelez/ ___ Minneapolis Issues Forum - A Civil City Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subscribe, Unsubscribe, Digest option, and more: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
Re: [Mpls] Fw: get to gether
I'm not sure what the capacity is at Keegan's, but I was thinking maybe Broadway Pizza on West River Road near the new Park Board digs...AND the Riverview Supper Club land (on it's way to SKY HIGH, market-rate, non- affordable housing...) The Broadway has other stuff besides pizza (great hoagies) and has a downstairs room that we could comandeer... They also have a FULL bar selection, unlike many other smaller spots up here on NorthSide. Plenty of parking and public transportation access and is a couple of blocks away from the River Road bike trail that comes from Minnehaha Falls through Downtown as well! Bob Velez Ward 4-1 -- Citizen Bob Velez Green Party endorsed candidate for Hennepin County Commissioner, District 1 AFSCME (Local 34) ENDORSED http://www.webspawner.com/users/citizenbobvelez/ Quoting Barbara Lickness [EMAIL PROTECTED]: I like the idea of Keegan's. Too bad Delisi's isn't open on Penn and Broadway anymore. 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 __ Do you Yahoo!? New DSL Internet Access from SBC Yahoo! http://sbc.yahoo.com ___ Minneapolis Issues Forum - A Civil City Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subscribe, Unsubscribe, Digest option, and more: http://e-democracy.org/mpls ___ Minneapolis Issues Forum - A Civil City Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subscribe, Unsubscribe, Digest option, and more: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
Re: [Mpls] List Get Together
Quoting Craig Miller [EMAIL PROTECTED]: Hello Everyone; It's been awhile since the last listmember get together. How about one in honor of our farthest traveling member, Pamela Taylor? Craig Miller [EMAIL PROTECTED] SUPERB IDEA! Hey Craig...any chance you can get us a spot on the Northside? *WINK* Bob Velez Ward 4-1 -- Citizen Bob Velez Green Party endorsed candidate for Hennepin County Commissioner, District 1 AFSCME (Local 34) ENDORSED http://www.webspawner.com/users/citizenbobvelez/ ___ Minneapolis Issues Forum - A Civil City Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subscribe, Unsubscribe, Digest option, and more: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
Re: [Mpls] Mpls Issues
If a stadium IS to be built, of COURSE it should be in Minneapolis; for all the reasons stated by Barbara. IF a stadium is to be built, however, it is foolish for Hennepin County to foot the bill albeit in FINANCING not PAYING for the stadium. I believe the Met Council is the appropriate entity to be taking the stadium issue on since it has levy authority over the 7 County metro area. In fact, I would think it logical that the Met Council partner with counties OUTSIDE their 7 county purview to spread the cost (and the benefit) across a broader spectrum of communities/municipalities. If the only way to obtain a stadium deal is for Hennepin County (or any other individual County) to bear the brunt of the cost and RISK (remember, baseball's financial woes are NOT solved), the the deal should be quashed. I believe, however, that the responsibility for brokering a deal is on the BUSINESS - not the municipality be it County, City, or otherwise. We have too many other pressing issues to be focusing on pasting a stadium deal together. Bob Velez Shingle Creek Ward 4-1 -- Citizen Bob Velez Green Party endorsed candidate for Hennepin County Commissioner, District 1 AFSCME (Local 34) ENDORSED http://www.webspawner.com/users/citizenbobvelez/ I'd like to set whether or not a stadium SHOULD be built aside, I think the list has debated that ad nauseum. (capital letters not meant to shout, just for clarity) We know there will be a push to build a stadium in Minneapolis, RT said so last night. We also know that the leader of the effort will be Opat, of Hennepin County, not RT. What I'm interested in knowing is whether or not there is any activity going on right now either with legislators or municipalities in Hennepin County to lay the groundwork to get the stadium built in Minneapolis. And, if so, what? ___ Minneapolis Issues Forum - A Civil City Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subscribe, Unsubscribe, Digest option, and more: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
[Mpls] Baseball
According to preliminary reports (wcco.com), part of the 11th hour deal struck to prevent a baseball work stoppage is that contraction of teams will not be reconsidered until 2006. Note to elected officials: THIS DOES NOT MEAN THAT WE REWARD our owner-in- waiting, Carl, with a new stadium. Note to citizens: We can expect at least 4 more years of our elected officials coming back each year with some new stadium deal. The solution: THROW OUT THE INCUMBENTS! I can state that I will be a solid NO vote on a stadium proposal as long as the education funding issues and other budgetary problems/issues loom. I say let Carl come up with a proposal and get the public behind it; why should our elected officials be on the hook for convincining the public that we need a new stadium? Bob Velez Shingle Creek Ward 4-1 -- Citizen Bob Velez Green Party endorsed candidate for Hennepin County Commissioner, District 1 AFSCME (Local 34) ENDORSED http://www.webspawner.com/users/citizenbobvelez/ ___ Minneapolis Issues Forum - A Civil City Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subscribe, Unsubscribe, Digest option, and more: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
Re: [Mpls] List Manager's suggested reading of Syl Jones' racist prayer
Quoting Anderson Turpin [EMAIL PROTECTED]: Yes the Strib is correct to include diverse opinions. Personally I would like to see more edgy opinions in the Strib. *SNIP* Of course the Strib would never do that, because political correctness overrides their desire for balanced coverage. *SNIP* Mark Anderson Bancroft Neighborhood (BV) Speaking of our hometown newspaper ... What's the deal with the ignoring of the Hennepin County District 1 commissioner race? I realize there won't be a primary, but their actions have turned me into a conspiracy theorist! Review the facts; I would love to hear feedback from the list: Jun 17: I issue my first press release announcing that I am going to run for Opat's seat and that I am seeking the Green Party endorsement. Pioneer Press reporter David Hawley calls me THAT SAME DAY to ask a question or two and they print an article in the following day's paper. NO CONTACT FROM THE STRIB! Jul 16 (filing deadline): I get a call from Bill McCauliffe, Star Trib. He says that he saw my name on the list of candidates who filed and they are doing a piece on the County races for tomorrow's paper. I give him name, age, current occupation, etc. He assures me it won't be a large write up, but that there will be an article on the County races in the paper tomorrow. Jul 17: In the article on County races, all contested races for County Commissioner EXCEPT DISTRICT 1 are noted. Jul 21: Star Trib publishes an editorial titled Hennepin rising in which it notes the County Board and Minneapolis Mayor will be commencing talks in August to see if there are any efficiencies that can be found by combining services where appropriate. This is a great themed article except for the DE FACTO ENDORSEMENT that the Strib gives our incumbent Commissioners, calling them big- picture politicians and that they are certainly up to the task. Were it not for the previous three incidents, and their lack of response to the half-dozen commentaries and letters to the editor that I have submitted, I would write it off, but instead, I choose to write reader rep, Lou Gelfand. I send him an e- mail on a Wednesday or Thursday (I don't remember) and then follow up with a call on Monday. He calls me at home and leaves a message. We never connect. I have since issued at least six press releases to all media outlets in the affected areas. North News/Northeaster has connected with me about an article and the MN Sun publications have also published some info. I understand that the paper has the right to print what they deem appropriate, but for a paper that depends so heavily on Associated Press articles, why can't I even get a mention? We heard about the fringe governor candidates from the major parties, but nothing yet on my race. Opinions? Feedback? Strib reportes encouraged to respond... Bob Velez Shingle Creek Ward 4-1 -- Citizen Bob Velez Green Party endorsed candidate for Hennepin County Commissioner, District 1 AFSCME (Local 34) ENDORSED http://www.webspawner.com/users/citizenbobvelez/ ___ Minneapolis Issues Forum - A Civil City Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subscribe, Unsubscribe, Digest option, and more: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
RE: [Mpls] Sears Tower
David List, You couldn't be MORE ON TARGET! More space means more space to maintain. ONGOING costs that the County can ill-afford to take on. Hennepin County already has an ongoing project in the area: Powderhorn Partnership. Perhaps they are looking to pull up the stakes there and move into the Sears building. Outreach into the communities is VERY important. However, Hennepin is facing a $34 million shortfall in their budget. The Commissioners should spend more time in the communities themselves rather than simply making gestures or creating new projects as their outreach. The reason most folks ignore what's happening in County government is that the Commissioners have done a poor job in communicating all they do; we hear more about stadiums (boo!) and roads than the vital social services that they provide. Let's hope for some new blood up on the 24th floor this fall, eh? Bob Velez Shingle Creek Ward 4 Green Party endorsed candidate for Hennepin County Commissioner, District 1 \ Dick Saunders, and the good folks at the BizJournal, write: 3) Hennepin County wants to buy three floors of the old 1928 tower for 120,000 SF of offices and a service center; Interesting. Here we are in tight budget times (witness the Park Board HQ brou-ha-ha). Why does Hennepin County, which also must cut its budget, need more office space here in our fair city? We so often pay less attention to county government than any other. But it's all part of the same property tax bill. David Brauer King Field ___ Minneapolis Issues Forum - A Civil City Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subscribe, Unsubscribe, Digest option, and more: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
[Mpls] ACK! Another metrodome thread! (other stuff too!)
List, Went to the Twins game last night with my daughter (participating in the Trade Union Night @ the Metrodome) and I must agree that it sucks as a baseball venue. I ABSOLUTELY OPPOSE public funding for millionaires, but I do agree that it leave a lot to be desired for baseball fans. 1) I hate that there are no bullpens for pitchers to warm up in. 2) The turf and faux dirt give it a gymnasium feel rather than a ballpark feel. 3) Those lights are really distracting when you try to follow a fly ball, even for the fans; let alone for the players. I enjoyed JEERING A-Rod and inciting others to do the same. Life's wicked little pleasures... Had a talk with Joe Mullery (Rep for my area, 58A) regarding the whole stadium issue and other Minneapolis issues. The stadium issue is not the only one that legislators try to shaft Minneapolis with. After talking with joe, I was astounded at some of the things that the legislature does to make the Minneapolis delegation miserable. We've got a bunch of abandoned, dilapidated structures along the West side of the River that are just sitting there. Joe explained that the legislature has forbidden, through their legislative powers, redevelopment of that area. No real reasons given or needed apparently, it is just an opportunity to put Minneapolis in its place that lawmakers get off on. Very discouraging to say the least. Bob Velez Shingle Creek Ward 4-1 ___ Minneapolis Issues Forum - A Civil City Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subscribe, Unsubscribe, Digest option, and more: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
Re: [Mpls] Be Bop to Work Day
I have been taking the 94G bus from North Minneapolis into downtown for over 2 years now. Of course today, B-Bop day, I woke up late, missed the bus, and had to burn fossil fuels to get me to work! UGH! I am actually going to start biking the 6 miles starting in June. I have been conditioning my pear-shaped bod to endure the jaunt and I believe I am ready. I will spend the rest of May conditioning and on Tuesday, June 4th I will make my first stab at the bike commute. My route will take me from my home to North Mississippi Regional Park to 2nd Street N and lead me South into Downtown. Eventually I'll switch to Washington, but later rather than sooner. I hope that this makes up for my burning fossil fuels today; I WILL be taking the bus home today, for sure! Bob Velez Shingle Creek Ward 4-1 *** Desperately seeking anyone with advice on my upcoming bike commute. Please e-mail me off list with any suggestions of products to purchase, techniques to employ or simple encouragement :-) Who Be Bopped and how did you do it? Barb Lickness Whittier (I biked- OUCH!) = 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 __ Do You Yahoo!? LAUNCH - Your Yahoo! Music Experience http://launch.yahoo.com ___ Minneapolis Issues Forum - A Civil City Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subscribe, Unsubscribe, Digest option, and more: http://e-democracy.org/mpls ___ Minneapolis Issues Forum - A Civil City Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subscribe, Unsubscribe, Digest option, and more: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
[Mpls] Neighborhood name histories
Since I am not from Minneapolis originally, I am quite curious as to the origins of the names of neighborhoods. Of course, Shingle Creek is named after the creek of the same name that runs through it, but I am MOST curious about the neigborhoods that have a bit more esoteric names: Namely: CARAG Wedge Keewaydin Seward Please advise! Bob Velez Shingle Creek Ward 4 ___ Minneapolis Issues Forum - A Civil City Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subscribe, Unsubscribe, Digest option, and more: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
Re: [Mpls] City purchasing energy on behalf of residents
How does that new Energy Co-Op in Phillips work? Is it similar to these thoughts of purchasing energy (natural gas/electricity/whatever) at reasonable rates by leveraging membership size in a group like an energy co- op? Bob Velez Shingle Creek Ward 4-1 (still!) On Fri, 3 May 2002, Michael Hohmann wrote: The city of Minneapolis could investigate purchasing gas or electricity directly from competing producers on behalf of all residential customers located within the city. I like this idea. I doubt that, as a residential customer who uses a small amount of energy per month, I would ever be able to negotiate a deal as favorable as would a large consumer of electricity, such as a manufacturing plant. It is my fear that residential customers will be ignored by the energy suppliers as they compete with each other for large energy consumers. The City of Minneapolis, with its thousands of residential households, would have more influence in negotiations with energy suppliers than any residential customer could ever expect and could negotiate a better deal for its citizens than we could individually. ___ Minneapolis Issues Forum - A Civil City Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subscribe, Unsubscribe, Digest option, and more: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
Re: [Mpls] Chain Restaurants in Downtown
- -Michael Libby (Cleveland/North Mpls), who recommends 13 Moons in downtown (Robbinsdale) for an excellent locally-owned restaurant experience. At least I assume it's local. Like I said, it gets so hard to tell. I'd like to recommend a local Italian restaurant: Casalenda's @ 38th St S 23rd Ave S The aesthetic is excellent and the portions are healthy. It is a real Mom Pop feel. Much more welcoming than snotty hostesses at the Olive Garden. Any Northsiders (past or present) have a recommendation for some spots in or near Camden? My tastes are very American-ized, but occasionally I am adventurous... Bob Velez Shingle Creek Ward 4 ___ Minneapolis Issues Forum - A Civil City Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subscribe, Unsubscribe, Digest option, and more: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
Re: [Mpls] Olson buyout erodes
Alan wrote: For the record, I support the Mayor's concern about the Police Chief and his--the Mayor's--exploration of ways to expedite a change in Police leadership. During the closing year of the ancien regime it was a mistake to re-up the Chief for three years, in the face of strongly expressed dissent, and now it will be detrimental to the city to have a lame duck (and widely denigrated) Chief for 20 more months. snip I support the Mayor's concern as well and have articulated that to MY City Councilperson. While there may be some ambiguity of fact surrounding the recent events cited on this list (Anyone seen an autopsy report on Jeilani? I heard that he was shot over a dozen times, but I couldn't find any report that was published with exactly how many shots hit him), I think that the circumstances are enough for me to favor a removal of Olson as Police Chief. Apparently, other constituents made themselves heard as well in opposition to a buyout and R.T.'s action was not backed up by the leaders in some key citizen groups. snip I am surprised that the Council does not see a serious problem with the Chief's management (or lack of management) of the Department. snip If other constituents outweighed the opinions of the participants on the list, we must applaud representative democracy in action, no? snip Anyway, if we have to orbit for another 20 months before we can get a Chief who can win the respect of the officers and of our diverse communities, I hope the Mayor and Council make sure the current Chief is put to work on those things that he is good at AND that move the ball down the field. Since he is likely a short-termer I wonder why, according to the Stribe, he is headed to Washington, D.C., to meet with federal officials to discuss efforts to counter terrorism. Let's send people who will be around awhile. snip I think Alan's point here is absolutely the KEY argument in this situation. I see the same law at work in other governement office-holders as well and other top-brass that are appointed at the County. It is my belief that when 'outsiders' are elected or appointed at these upper levels as opposed to recruiting from within, the result is a bunch of opportunitsts looking for a golden parachute rather than folks invested in the success of whatever office or program that they are placed in charge of. What the heck do they care? Pull down their six-figure, CONTRACTED salary and benefit program (which is another problem), and then bail when they have amassed enough to float out on their golden parachute. I say, hire from within at ALL levels of City, County and State Governement. snip I'd say, let's heighten the visibility and authority of our Inspectors and Deputy Chief(s) for a while (sort of extended job interviews?), and get the Chief riding a desk and spending more time on the budget trimming assignment that he apparently has been avoiding. snip Bravo! He's already not in the forefront of the department; chain his skinny behind to a desk until his contract runs out! Bob Velez Shingle Creek Ward 4-1 ___ Minneapolis Issues Forum - A Civil City Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subscribe, Unsubscribe, Digest option, and more: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
Re: [Mpls] Oh that One Book
I recommend the book I just checked out today. I have no idea how I will feel after I've read it, but the author's story is intriguing: Upton Sinclair: The Millenium: A Comedy of the Year 2000 Bob Velez Shingle Creek Ward 4-1 Isn't it refreshing to have a controversy over books and reading--considering all the other controversies we are battered with every day? I'm pleased to report that Metronet is in the process of developing a One Book Twin Cities project, with participation from both the Minneapolis Public Schools and the Minneapolis Public Library, along with many other school and public libraries in the Twin Cities area. The idea behind our One Book effort is to stimulate a community-wide discussion through a book of literary merit with local appeal for people from high school age up. Our goal is to entice people who are not typically readers into joining with those who are. We plan to introduce the project this fall, with reading and related events from September 15 to November 15, 2002. Should be great! Susan J. Baxter Metronet ___ Minneapolis Issues Forum - A Civil City Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subscribe, Unsubscribe, Digest option, and more: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
Re: [Mpls] Chief Olson's Contract
I support Police Chief's being appointed and serving at the pleasure of the Mayor/City Council. What, are Police Chiefs now on the same level as some type of professional athlete / Head Coach that they need a contract? If their experience and accomplishments are legit, then why do they need a contract? When you aspire to leadership, you must accept that there are fewer protections for you. You are MORE prone to public scrutiny, you are MORE accountible than the average worker. As due compensation, you are also PAID more. It comes with the turf. Now, Minneapolis Police Chief Robert Olson gets to sit in the 'Catbird Seat' and take a sweet golden parachute. Hardly the 'destruction' of his career. This is to say nothing of whatever retirement package he has coming to him. Bob Velez Shingle Creek Ward 4-1 ___ Minneapolis Issues Forum - A Civil City Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subscribe, Unsubscribe, Digest option, and more: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
RE: [Mpls] Rybak to Olson: Start looking for another job
The Strib reports CM Barb Johnson as a strong supporter of Olson. CM Johnson notes that he is the only upper echelon city manager who lives in the Camden neighborhood. Was Chief Olson from Minneapolis' Northside when he was chosen? Was he chosen since he has invested in Minneapolis as his home? I am guessing that he is FROM MN with a name like 'Olson', but I am finding it hard to support even a native-born Police Chief who hits the 'panic' button so easily. Bob Velez Shingle Creek Ward 4-1 ___ Minneapolis Issues Forum - A Civil City Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subscribe, Unsubscribe, Digest option, and more: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
[Mpls] (no subject)
David Brauer: Should Minneapolis folks form an interest group that can advance city interests throughout the state. Just like other interest groups, it would contribute money, but hopefully bodies, to helping candidates identified as city-friendly win outside of the city. Just for fun, and just for now, I'm calling this group The Fellowship of the Ring, since the suburban rings are the ones that have the power and they're the one's we need to win over (if we can't build a rural-urban majority). Bob Velez: Why couldn't MN E-democracy, more specifically the Minneapolis Issues, Twin Cities Metropolitan issues, and Saint Paul Issues list members form this group. What is required to form an interst group like the one you mentioned? Bob Velez Shingle Creek Ward 4-1 ___ Minneapolis Issues Forum - A Civil City Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subscribe, Unsubscribe, Digest option, and more: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
RE: [Mpls] Skyway 6 Theatre
Congrats to CityBiz (wish I had that story), but the idea of refurbishing the Skyway into movie theaters seems deeply weird. The Crown Theatres 15 will be opening on Block E in November - you'll get more movies than I suspect the market can support, Bill. Does anyone know if the 15 theaters are going to be the cool stadium style like the Regal in Brooklyn Center or the Showplace in Coon Rapids? If not, I have a hard time seeing how they will succeed. If you are going to drop 8 bucks to see a movie, you ought to be seeing it in the stadium style theaters. More and more of them are showing up in the Metro and I would imagine that Minneapolis would have a hard time attracting people downtown for a movie if the seats are as close together as the Mall Of America ones are. Those stadium seating theaters are in Coon Rapids, Eagan, Brooklyn Center and I believe there is one in either Saint Louis Park or Plymouth. I live in Minneapolis, but I would drive to either Coon Rapids or Brooklyn Center to see a movie if the price was the same and the seating is much more spacious in the suburbs. Bob Velez Shingle Creek Ward 4-1 ___ Minneapolis Issues Forum - A Civil City Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subscribe, Unsubscribe, Digest option, and more: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
Re: [Mpls] Open Season
[Zack] They way I see it the city of Minneapolis has two problems...Second, the city and Hennepin County must come together and address the undeserved and mistreated mentally ill. What has been happening to the mentally ill with Minneapolis is no less of a moral crime then some of the ungodly things that have happened to the weak and disoriented during war time, civil rights movements, or slavery? We can no longer permit our fellow citizens to be forgotten and allow the police department to have open season on them. [Bob] I can speak to the issue of how the mentally ill are served (or how they are underserved) in our City and County. You have tax-cutting, political opportunists to thank at the County level for the underserving of the mentally ill and vulnerable in the City. Social services have been targeted as the way that our elected officials can do more with less while getting those that opt to cocoon themselves in their 1.5+ acre suburban lot to re-elect them. Those elected officals then hire a hatchet-wielding County Administrator whose only interest is the bottom line. You have social workers who are told to only focus on bill-able hours not on whatever the needs of the client are. Then, when social workers attempt to access medical/mental services for their client, their efforts to contact their co-workers within the same organization (County) are frustrated due to vacant caseloads (thank the HIGH turnover of workers in the County) and a phone system that has them on hold for 20 or 30 minutes (sometimes longer) only to reach a clerical person who is unable to help their client. This is the culture of liberty that right-wingers are demanding. Oh, but were the fifth highest taxed state in the COUNTRY!!! We need tax relief!!! Though this certainly isn't the entire issue, this is where it starts; when a resident who needs help can't get it from the agencies designed to help them. Bob Velez Shingle Creek Ward 4-1 ___ Minneapolis Issues Forum - A Civil City Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subscribe, Unsubscribe, Digest option, and more: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
Re: [Mpls] Strib: Is Mpls-Issues too powerful?
I would be remiss if I didn't chime in about the issue being that I reside in CM Johnson's 4th Ward and am an active participant on 'THE LIST'. While the majority of topics do seem to address other parts of Minneapolis rather than my own, I certainly do not feel that 'THE LIST' is elitist or exclusive. I have to wonder why my Ward does not apparently have any outstanding issues that make it to 'THE LIST'. Could I be shirking my Northsider responsibility to broadcast my ward's issues? I will take responsibility for that portion since, as David figures, I am the sole Shingle Creek resident who currently posts to 'THE LIST'. I, too, wish that CM Johnson would participate in 'THE LIST' and seek input from the many great thinkers who have distinguished themselves vis a vis this forum and embrace the technology. CM Johnson, what say you? I am willing to forward your reply to 'THE LIST'. Bob Velez Shingle Creek Ward 4-1 ___ Minneapolis Issues Forum - A Civil City Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subscribe, Unsubscribe, Digest option, and more: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
[Mpls] Caucus experience DFL 58A - W4 P1
I attended SD 58A, Ward 4 - 1 caucus last night as a Becky Lourey for Governor supporter. I was surprised at her appeal in the Metro since she is an outstate State Senator currently. The body lacked some organization, but we elected 25 delegates to the SD 58 convention and adopted the resolution that I posted to the list yesterday regarding calling upon the Federal Government to establish a Federal Bureau of Audits to audit publicly traded companies. If you missed it, e-mail me off list and I'll shoot you a copy of the resolution. A total of 30 people attended. Four letter were received from people who were unable to attend but wanted to be SD delegates. $48.00 was collected and will be turned into the state DFL. Bob Velez Shingle Creek Ward 4-1 ___ Minneapolis Issues Forum - A Civil City Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subscribe, Unsubscribe, Digest option, and more: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
[Mpls] Resolution for caucuses tonight
In case anyone is interested in a resolution stemming from the ENRON debacle that can be presented at caucuses tonight, here is the one I am planning on putting forward: WHEREAS the scandal involving ENRON Inc. and its affiliates has caused scores of employees to lose their life savings and WHEREAS the situation has been exacerbated by essentially false financial reporting by ENRON Inc. and WHEREAS the company responsible for auditing the Corporation was apparently unable to uncover the irregularities and WHEREAS Government oversight and regulation is necessary to ensure that this tragedy for ENRON Inc. employees past and present and working families in general THEN BE IT THEREFORE RESOLVED that this body go on record in support of H.R. 3795 currently proposed by Dennis Kucininch, U.S. Representative from Ohio, calling for the establishment of a Federal Bureau of Audits operating within the Securities and Exchange Commission responsible for auditing publicly traded companies and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that this body call upon the Federal government to fully fund such a department through the additional taxation of the corporations that would be subject to this Bureau's audits enabling the creation of the department to remain cost-neutral for taxpayers and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that this body request that the current representative from Minnesota's 5th Congressional District, Hon. Martin Olav Sabo sign on as a co-sponsor of this bill. Bob Velez Shingle Creek Ward 4-1 ___ Minneapolis Issues Forum - A Civil City Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subscribe, Unsubscribe, Digest option, and more: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
Re: [Mpls] stadium
I can really appreciate this post. There are many things that I don't elect to participate in, but I am not trying to do away with them. I didn't vote for the library referendum, but I am not going to torpedo in word or deed the new project; Minneapolitans have spoken. They want a new library. The one thing I want to mention is this: if we HAD no stadium and wanted to attract a team to Minneapolis, we would HAVE to build a new stadium. I disagree in whole with the building of a new stadium to KEEP a team here. Owners ought to be lobbying Major League Baseball and the player's Union for a salary cap; not lobbying our legislators/civic leaders for a stadium. Bob Velez Shingle Creek Ward 4 Dare I post another letter on the stadium issue. I have never been in the Guthrie. They want to build a new Guthrie -with some of my tax dollars- And with a design and expense I am not enthused about. But I am glad to see them do it. I am not into Harley Davidson culture, Though I don't get road rage when I see Harley drivers on my tax paid highways. I said at first, I rarely go to a game or event at the stadium. I am not much into baseball culture of bums and chewing tobacco, I doubt they need my tax dollars there. But I am glad to see a new stadium for millions of people who do want to go there. I also like the 'membership' in the national sports community, --having teams. And if it takes a few cents of my tax dollars when I eat a sandwich, I won't feel violated. I have television. There is a lot on TV that I don't car about watching, I am not trying to get my least favorite stations taken off the air. I prefer sail boating which doesn't take even much gasoline, thank you. I do go to the library, variously, and will visit the new library they are working on and which is paid for with taxes from a lot of people who won't go there. I believe in a balanced society and culture in which reasonable options are available to people. I wouldn't think to forbid others from having activities which might not be my cup of tea. James E Jacobsen Whittier ___ Minneapolis Issues Forum - A Civil City Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subscribe, Unsubscribe, Digest option, and more: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
[Mpls] EVICT THE TWINS/VIKINGS!
How about this scenario: EVICT the Twins and the Vikings from the Metrodome and have Monster Truck competitions and Lutefisk festivals year-round! Throw in a Billy Graham / Robert Schuler double-header every now and then and we've got plenty of events to keep the Metrodome going... Look, who's to say that in another few years the Evil Empire that is Major League Baseball (and the NFL for that matter) won't contract the Twins anyway? Wouldn't that be goofy; brand spankin' new stadium and the Twins are liquidated and the funds rolled into a trust fund for the Pohlad Foundation. Honestly, what would it take to keep the Metrodome a viable facility? Do we need the Vikings/Twins in there to keep the place at the very least cost- neutral? It IS owened by the Metro Sports Facilities Commission, right? Heck...lets hots curling tournaments, Figure skating and Gymnastic competitions (with LOCAL not international judges of course), motocross events, and last but not least: BRING BACK ROLLER DERBY!!! Bob Velez Shingle Creek Ward 4 If you don't have good dreams, Bagel, you got nightmares ___ Minneapolis Issues Forum - A Civil City Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subscribe, Unsubscribe, Digest option, and more: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
Re: [Mpls] Central Library site
If the new library is going to be on the 'south' block (meaning the site that the current library is located), then I feel very fortunate since my office (the OLD Federal Courthouse, now known as the 110 Building) is a mere 100 or so yards from it. And wouldn't you know, my cubicle faces the library! YAY! Bob Velez Shingle Creek Ward 4 ___ Minneapolis Issues Forum - A Civil City Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subscribe, Unsubscribe, Digest option, and more: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
Re: [Mpls] Class Size in MPS
What the public (apart from those who stay active in the inner workings of City policy like us masochists) thinks of the decisions of the MPS Board should be irrelevant in the minds of those serving in their capacity as a school board member. Leaders must accept their difficult task of facing scrutiny after doing what's right. It is part of the deal with the office, right? This also leads into my personal conviction on term-limits, but that is not Minneapolis-specific (I expect a pat on the back, Mr. Moderator, for tempering my idealogical comments rather than a scathing rebuke for straying from our precious charter *tongue firmly planted in cheek*). I believe, personally, that were they to place class sizes on the block to offset some of the budget shortfalls, that the MPS Board ought not to be burned at the stake. Bob Velez Shingle Creek Ward 4 My question to list members-- Do you feel that the MPS Board would loose public creditability if they were to stray from the 'lower class size' commitment of recent years- the promise of the referendums? Or, do you think city residents would understand the situation and not hold such a change (larger class sizes) against the School Board? Would such a change- larger class sizes- hurt future efforts to raise school funds at the local level? Thanks in advance. Michael Hohmann 13th ___ Minneapolis Issues Forum - A Civil City Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subscribe, Unsubscribe, Digest option, and more: http://e-democracy.org/mpls ___ Minneapolis Issues Forum - A Civil City Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subscribe, Unsubscribe, Digest option, and more: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
Re: [Mpls] Public Schools
I am not sure what Pamela means, but what I mean is that I expect that teachers will be required to continuously update their education by taking courses in new teaching methods, keeping up with the current theories and models of teaching being taught as general acceptable standards of teaching by colleges and univerisities of the day. What I mean is that the school district should require, and provide some of the means for, teachers to continuously revamp, revise and update their education. So that we don't have the current phenomena of 30 year veteran teachers that are using outmoded teaching techniques. (That is in no means to say that there aren't excellent teachers that have 10, 20, or 30 years under their belts Connie Blom, recently retired from Patrick Henry, was one of those teachers who was simply amazing). Bob Says: I don't know about everyone else, but I think some of the problems stem from continually trying to revamp teaching methods. Everyone who is working on their Master's thesis or dissertation is trying to figure new and innovative ways to teach children. Why? Kids are kids, right? What's wrong with my children learning how I did 20 years ago? Mathmatics hasn't changed THAT drastically has it? This is not an unusual requirement. Lawyers, for example, are required to update their legal education in order to maintain their status with the bar association. Bob Says: the law is continually changing thanks to career politicians of whom I am guessing that 80 percent are LAWYERS! It is job security for them! Basic tenets of education (reading, writing, math) haven't changed nearly as much as laws have. Bob Velez Shingle Creek Ward 4 - Original Message - From: Robert Schmid [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Monday, February 04, 2002 12:40 PM Subject: Re: [Mpls] Public Schools Pamela Taylor said: If we do not demand that our teachers teach in new methods coming out college, This statement worries me. As a victim of many of the educational experiments of the last 30-40 years I tend to equate this with lowering expectations of our children. I'm sure this isn't what you meant but I'd really like to hear some specifics of what these methods are and how we expect to resolve the issues. how do we expect to infuse any kind of change in how ANY of our kids learn? By doing so, you can address the issue of children of color. Without changing methods, you will continually get the same results you have always gotten, no matter how much money you can find to put into the educational system. Lets not waste what little we have. Otherwise, I agree. --- Brandon Lacy Campos [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: My feeling: 1. The Budget Crisis...the new school board members are going to have to be adept at re-creating the Public Schools into a non-profit model that may need to include grass-roots direct appeal fundraising to the parents and citizens of Minneapolis. NO WAY. The moment we retreat to fundraising events to support our public education system is the day we might as well shut it down. It just gives policy makers a chance to reduce funding more and more and/or turn our schools into the hands of corporate interests. 2. Addressing the needs of students of color and poor students...the school district CONTINUES to fail to meet the needs of and educate students of color and poor students. ignoring social factors that come to school with students does not allow all students to learn. These are not the only students whose needs are not met. In my experience the system only works for mainstream, white, heterosexual average students. Students at the top and bottom, left and right are dis-served whether they are segregated from the heard by race, gender, intelligence, talent, sexual preference, economic class, and even political views. Education is supposed to be the great equalizer, but it can't be when not all students are being educated to their potential. Robert Schmid Central ___ Minneapolis Issues Forum - A Civil City Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subscribe, Unsubscribe, Digest option, and more: http://e-democracy.org/mpls ___ Minneapolis Issues Forum - A Civil City Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subscribe, Unsubscribe, Digest option, and more: http://e-democracy.org/mpls ___ Minneapolis Issues Forum - A Civil City Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subscribe, Unsubscribe, Digest option, and more: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
[Mpls] More with less
I am so dissapointed in the Mayor for making that statement. Being a public employee at the lower end of the pecking order, I can tell you that public employees are sick and tired of that statement. I feel like I may be hyper-sensitive to that SPECIFIC vernacular used by the Mayor, but he will not get the team effort he'll need to turn things around if uses that as his mantra. Bob Velez Shingle Creek Ward 4 ___ Minneapolis Issues Forum - A Civil City Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subscribe, Unsubscribe, Digest option, and more: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
Re: [Mpls] Computers and Schools
Could the Minneapolis Public Schools donate a glut of computers to Community libraries? I fully agree that I would much rather have by Elementary School child (Attends Sheridan Global Arts Communications magnet) have art, phys ed and music instead of an hour of computer time in school. Perhaps Mpls Public Schools could even donate computers to families that need them at home! Bob Velez Shingle Creek Ward 4 Every school budget is finite. So is every school day. When schools add computer instruction, they do so by cutting something demonstrably beneficial to young children. ___ Minneapolis Issues Forum - A Civil City Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subscribe, Unsubscribe, Digest option, and more: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
[Mpls] WCCO reports Bloomington PD patrol MOA
Story from Channel 4000 (WCCO website) http://www.channel4000.com/news/stories/news-118872420020114-120153.html Now, I remember when the fur protesters were hanging out by Macy's that the argument was that the Mall was private property and the suggestion that since Bloomington PD were there that it was a public place was dismissed when it was said that they were hired by the Mall and were there off regular duty hours. Now they are regularly patrolling the Mall. Does this mean that it is finally considered a 'town square'-like place? I know that this is Bloomington and not Minneapolis specifically, but I figured there would be more than enough opinions on this to go around. I hope it's appropriate for the list. Bob Velez Shingle Creek Ward 4 ___ Minneapolis Issues Forum - A Civil City Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subscribe, Unsubscribe, Digest option, and more: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
Re: [Mpls] Well?
I got to the restaurant about 6:30 or so...There were so many conversations going on at once, I was a little intimidated at first. I got to meet David and filled out my little name tag. I scurried over to where Mike Hohmann and Meg Forney were sitting and introduced myself; I REALLY wanted to interrupt all the conversations and just go around the table and meet everyone, so I am glad when we finally did that at about 6:55pm or so. Please take this comment at face value only and realize that I am smirking as I write it: I don't know how I managed to plant myself at the table with all the Republicans, but I did. It wasn't as traumatic as I thought it might be. LOL!!! ;-) I wish I could have stayed longer, but I went from the meeting I was at prior to the party to a meeting I had after that and finally got home at about 11:00pm. *WHEW* I'm not very adventurous when it comes to food and I didn't order anything there. I stopped at the McDonalds afterward (sorry). I CAN say, though, that they DON'T know how to pour a Guinness draught. :-) Bob Velez Shingle Creek Ward 4 Well, I got there for only the last hour or so and Wizard and I closed the party down about 10:00 - we left the balloons but I have the name tags. It looked like people ate plenty and from what I could tell the conversations were very intriguing and, of course, when Council member Zimmermann was there he was on the hot seat about the antics of the day. I also left him in a big debate with Alan Shelepsky over municipally owned utilities and went on to interesting talks with Jay Clark and others. I heard David Brauer is sad these days and I'd love to know who was there earlier. I chatted with Santa Claus ( I mean, Erik ), Ann Berget, saw Eva and Terrell... I too would love to know who else was there and what folks were gabbing about. I had eaten at the restaurant before and really like it. Their wines are very good. Annie Young East Phillips ___ Minneapolis Issues Forum - A Civil City Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subscribe, Unsubscribe, Digest option, and more: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
[Fwd: Re: [Mpls] Superintendent pay in tight budget times]
Original Message Subject: Re: [Mpls] Superintendent pay in tight budget times From: Bob Velez [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Andy, Thank you, thank you, thank you! As a person in civil service (Hennepin County) I can't tell you what an encouragement it is to me personally to hear your comment! Why do we not seem to flinch at the outrageous CEO pay in corporate circles, even when thousands, nay, tens of thousands in those same corporations' employ are pushed out the door? We're speaking millions here. Believe me, I not only flinch, I twitch and foam at the mouth as well. This insistence citizens have for low salaries for public servants while tolerating the inflationary spiral executive pay in the private sector generates is beyond me. I don't think that anything above six figures, in our economic times, is low. I guess people don't feel privileged to bitch about, say, the 3M Chairman's pay at $10 mil (whatever) while screaming bloody murder over the $190,000 salaries paid CEOs of major urban school districts. But guess what: the cost of your Scotch tape and all of 3M's products just jumped 3%-5%, maybe more, because of it. We just want to complain about taxes, not the prices we pay in the marketplace for far more egregious financial assault on the consumer's pocketbook. Oh, I complain about that as well. As a matter of fact, I have several boycotts going on in my personal consumer list based on some of the inequities that exist in these corporate environments. What twisted nonsense. Let's get off the public officials' cases and recognize that the same dynamic that justifies wildly disproportionate pay in the private sector - talent and incentive - needs to work in the public sector to assure us the kind of competence and performance Wall Street demands of corporations. Scrimp on that talent, and you get what you deserve: lousy governance and lousy management, after which you'll want to throw the rascals out. This is the epitome of a no-win circumstance. This is the only place I disagree with you. We need to set the example and have our elected officials lead the way in capping corporate salaries. Why anyone gets into public service when the public treats them this way is beyond me as well. The absolute dedication should be applauded and compensated. Again, thanks for the praise. Bob Velez Shingle Creek Ward 4 ___ Minneapolis Issues Forum - A Civil City Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subscribe, Unsubscribe, Digest option, and more: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
[Mpls] Landlords
I first would like to say that if my pre-conceived notions of the landlord were taken as an insult by anyone, I apologize. I guess I was pretty hypocritical by asking a group to be silent when I detest any group that I am a part of being asked the same thing. Thanks to those who gave me off-list feedback. My experience stems from rental experiences in my own life both here in Minneapolis and in my hometown, New York City. I am certain that the involved citizens who happen to be landlords that populate this list are not cut from the same cloth as the leeches that I have experienced in my rental times. No hard feelings, I hope... Bob Velez Shingle Creek Ward 4 ___ Minneapolis Issues Forum - A Civil City Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subscribe, Unsubscribe, Digest option, and more: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
Re: [Mpls] Superintendent pay in tight budget times
I couldn't agree more with Gary in his comments. We have the same issues with Hennepin County Administration: The County Administrator awards herself (via HR Dept) with a 44% raise increasing her salary ceiling to $40k over the GOVERNOR'S SALARY, over $160K! The reasoning: to keep the County competitive and attract qualified and talented individuals to the position in the future. This same administration had employees begging for a 3% cost of living raise in the recent round of collective bargaining. These steps to keep our talented and highly qualified individuals at the top levels in our administration reeks of professional's free agency problem. Are these officials going to soon ask for a new office since the one they are in won't allow them to remain economically competitive? Bob Velez Shingle Creek Ward 4 However, even with that consideration, I must confess that I am immensely hard-pressed to justify a $30,000 raise to $190,000 in my mind. Let's keep in mind of an expected, what is the amount, $30 million shortfall? How do we say to parents that their children will have to settle for less when a person who was already making more than likely 95% of these parents is now getting a $30,000 raise? Furthermore, when Minneapolis taxpayers voted YES FOR SCHOOLS, I really don't think it was the intent of the taxpayers to pay for administrative pay raises (the article also mentions another $125,000/year for a COO, adding insult to injury) *snip* I would openly challenge Carol Johnson to return her pay raise to either the district or some school related charity (PTA?) and, of course, remain Superintendent of Minneapolis Public Schools. Would this return of $30,000 to an immense budget be largely symbolic vs. of practical use? Yes, but it would demonstrate Carol Johnson's desire to run a good school system not only in letter but in spirit also. Gary Bowman Ward 1, Precinct 1 Questioning whether we voted YES for schools or YES for pay raises ___ Minneapolis Issues Forum - A Civil City Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subscribe, Unsubscribe, Digest option, and more: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
Re: [Mpls] Superintendent pay in tight budget times
Could anyone obtain a staff roster for an average elementary, middle, and high school with numbers of employees and their basic job (teacher, aide, admin, etc.)? If MPS are running so lean, where is the money going? As a parent with two kids in the current system (soon to be three), I am curious to know if there is a disproportionate number of staff involved in non-academic roles in the school system. I can understand the need for a social worker-type staffer since we live in an urban area, but I am wondering how many non-academic staff exist in any given school. Bob Velez Shingle Creek Ward 4 ___ Minneapolis Issues Forum - A Civil City Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subscribe, Unsubscribe, Digest option, and more: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
