[Mpls] Whittier "Taj Mahal"?
Re: the Taxpayer's League bashing of Whittier School: construction figures of about $171 per square foot for a facility serving not just the school population but the entire community seem pretty reasonable to me. Our condo (hardly a Taj Mahal) costed out at about $194 per square foot, and while it serves us well for eating, sleeping, and living it hardly serves as a community resource. Dee Long Living in Minnetonka, working in St. Paul, but still shopping and socializing in Mpls. 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
[Mpls] smelling the coffee and bagels
Jeff Carlson writes that "the Business Journal actually boasts that Allina and company can "smell the cofee and bagels from Starbucks and Brueggers.'" Actually, the reference to coffee and bagels is to the owner of Roberts Shoe Store, a family-owned business located at Chicago and Lake since the 30's, hardly an Allina functionary: "During the 22 years he's run Roberts Shoe Store, he's contended with prostitution, litter and drug dealing outside of his store. But now, he's so upbeat about the future he can virtually taste the coffee and bagels from chains such as Starbucks and Bruegger's Bagels. He and many of his neighbors are ready to invest in their properties." I'm no fan of chain food purveyors, but let's be a little more accurate. Dee Long Living in Minnetonka, working in St. Paul, but my heart's still in Mpls. 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
[Mpls] sorting recyclables
When we moved to Minnetonka last summer, my husband called the city to enquire about recycling rules, day of pickup, etc. He was told by a Minnetonka employee that Mpls. only requires separation to "make the residents feel good" about the program. It is a little bit easier for us to toss all the cans, glass and plastics together, but what we really appreciate is the weekly pickup. In Mpls, it was always "is this recycling pickup week?" We still separate the newspapers, cardboard, grocery bags, etc. I'd be curious as to the extra costs of post-collection separation. Dee Long Living in Minnetonka, working in St. Paul, but my heart's still in Mpls. Mark wrote: Minneapolis has spent more than 10 years teaching residents what gets recycled and what doesn't. That investment has paid off by making our = city a leader as far as quality and purity of collected recyclables and it = likely played a large part in getting three bids that were all improvements = over the current contract with BFI as far as the marketing agreements = (revenues from selling collected recyclables) are concerned. That's something that = the Solid Waste and Recycling division of Public Works should be commended = for. Moving to single-sort would be a huge step backwards in that regard. 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
[Mpls] Media Panel Today
I know this isn't exactly Mpls specific, but given all the policy wonks on the list, thought you might appreciate a reminder of a very interesting event today. The Citizens League business meeting starts at 5 pm. Hope to begin the media panel by 5:40. Annual Meeting, Dec. 10 "Of the Press, By the Press, For the People?" Join us for the 2003 Citizens League Annual Meeting, an interactive conversation with leading media representatives in the Twin Cities about the critical and rapidly changing relationship between media, the public, and government. The meeting will take place today, Wednesday, December 10 at 5:00 p.m. in the Cowles Auditorium at the Humphrey Institute of Public Affairs, 301 - 19th Avenue South in Minneapolis. Parking is available at the 19th Street Ramp, across the street from the Institute. See their site for directions and more parking information <http://www.hhh.umn.edu/about/contact/parking.htm>. The event is open to the public. There's no charge to attend, but please fill out the Annual Meeting Registration Form <http://www.citizensleague.net/html/annual_meeting.html> to let us know if you're coming. Participants will include: Karen Boros <http://www.stthomas.edu/directories/dirindex.cfm?page=empcontent&code=KSBOR OS>, University of St. Thomas (formerly with CBS TV) Jae Bryson, Publisher, One Nation News <http://www.onenationnews.com/> Bill Buzenberg <http://news.mpr.org/tools/search/author/author_collection.php?id=8&alt=Bill %20Buzenberg>, Senior Vice President for News, Minnesota Public Radio David Erickson, e-strategy.com <http://e-strategy.com/>, MNPolitics.com <http://mnpolitics.com/> Lou Gelfand <http://www.startribune.com/stories/782/>, Readers Representative, Star Tribune Bill Hanley, Executive Vice President for Content, TPT <http://www.tpt.org/> Alberto Monserrate, President, Latino Communications Network <http://www.lcnmedia.com/> Kate Parry, Senior Editor, Politics and Education, Pioneer Press <http://www.twincities.com/mld/twincities/> Dane Smith, State Policy Reporter, Star Tribune <http://www.startribune.com> Given the increase in media sources, the importance and complexity of critical policy issues, and the genuine time constraints of citizens: What is the media's fundamental role in informing the public? Are citizens 'underinformed and overwhelmed'? How does media competition help or hurt the coverage and understanding of complex policy issues? How does the media encourage and discourage participation in policy issues? How can Minnesota continue to be a leader in policy development and implementation? What role can organizations like the Citizens League play to increase media coverage and public awareness of critical issues? Dee Long Now living in Minnetonka, working in St. Paul, but my heart's still in Mpls 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
[Mpls] Upcoming Mind Openers
ANNOUNCEMENT: for all you policy wonks- The Citizens League is once again sponsoring "Mind Opener" Breakfasts. The first one is tomorrow. All breakfasts are at the Four Points Sheraton, I 94 and Hamline in St. Paul. Time is from 7:30 to 8:30 a.m. Cost is $10 for League members and $15 for non-members. Register at http://www.citizensleague.net Schedule is: Thursday, November 20 Finance Commissioner Dan McElroy Topic: How do we think further ahead in forming public policy? Tuesday, December 2 Education Commissioner Yecke and Judy Schaubach, Education MN President Topic: How do we measure achievement and progress in K-12 education? Wednesday, January 14 Sen. John Marty and Wy Spano of Politics in MN Topic: Private money and public policy Also: The Citizens League Annual Meeting will be December 10 at the Humphrey Institute. The meeting is open to the public and the program looks very interesting. Here's the information: Wednesday, December 10, 5pm Interactive conversation with leading media representatives about the relationship between the media, the public and government. "Of the Press, By the Press, For the People?" Kathy Wurzer of MPR and Almanac will moderate. Panelists include Karen Boros, formerly with CBS TV and WCCO TV and now with St. Thomas; Jae Bryson, publisher of One Nation News; Bill Buzenberg of MPR; David Erickson of MN Politics: Lou Gelfand, the Strib's Readers' rep; Bill Hanley of TPT; Alberto Monserrate of the Latino Communications Network; Kate Perry of the Pioneer Press; Dane Smith of the Strib. See the Citizens League website for additional information and to register (no charge). 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
[Mpls] Duigi's Closing
This is really sad. As Jan and Holle point out, this was a neighborhood institution. We knew the owner when it was Casalendas, and saw how very involved he was in the community and how very supportive he was of all of its residents. I'm not that familiar anymore with how Mpls. permit requirements compare with those in the suburbs, but a dozen years ago or so there were a lot of more restrictive (and more costly) requirements for work done in the city as compared to many of the suburbs. For example, we wanted to convert a wood-burning fireplace in our bedroom to gas and found we couldn't do it the way folks in Edina were allowed to. And when we did a major renovation on our house, we had to listen to complaints from the contractor and the subs about how they hated doing work in Mpls, because of the additional requirements and the difficulty of working with the inspections department. I hope things have changed since then. There is a state-wide building code, but it seems to be interpreted differently in different municipalities. Dee Long Living in Minnetonka, working in St. Paul, but my heart's still in Mpls. 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
[Mpls] Not-to-be-missed event next Wednesday
Many thanks to Ann Berget for posting this earlier this week. I'm re-posting for those who may have missed it. This should be a really worthwhile event for list members, regardless of their political leanings! Dee Long, living in Minnetonka, working in St. Paul, but my heart is still in Minneapolis On Wednesday, October 29th at 7pm, the Citizens League and Minnesota Public Radio are pleased to present Ted Halstead, speaking on "The Radical Center and America's Democracy" at the Fitzgerald Theater in St. Paul. Are recent voters in California - and Minnesota - confused? Or are they just unhappy with their choices? What do they want and who will engage them? What does this mean for the elections this November, and especially for next year's Presidential election? What does it mean for democracy, and for the most important public policy issues of our time? Ted Halstead is a defining voice for a new generation of political leaders. Mr. Halstead is the author of The Radical Center, and a regular contributor to the New York Times, the Atlantic, the Washington Post and the LA Times. Ted Halstead is recognized for his thoughtful analysis, and his entrepreneurial and bold public policy recommendations. His speech, "The Radical Center and America's Democracy" will suggest that the future of American democracy, policy, and political parties, lies with whatever group claims this "radical center" - a synthesis of common themes from the left and the right. Given the fact that this has recently been confirmed, we encourage you to forward this invitation to anyone that you think might be interested. Tickets are $12 for the general public, $10 for Citizens League and Minnesota Public Radio members, and free for students with a valid student ID. Advanced ticket sales are available through the Fitzgerald Box Office, at 651-290-1221. (Proceeds help to cover Citizens League's expenses. The event is not a fundraiser for either organization.) Parking is available right behind the Fitzgerald Theater in the World Trade Center parking ramp. Here is a link to the theater: www.fitzgeraldtheater.com. NOTE: From November 3-9, 2003, public radio stations throughout the country are airing special coverage, Whose Democracy Is It? which explores the health of democracy in America. Ted Halstead's public address is part of this collaborative programming and is being recorded for broadcast on Minnesota Public Radio news and information stations, 91.1 FM in the Twin Cities. To learn more about this project, you can go to: http://www.whosedemocracy.org. Additional information on Ted Halstead and the speech can be found at http://www.citizensleague.net. Program participants include the following organizations: · Civics Incorporated · e-strategy.com · Humphrey Institute Policy Forum · MNPolitics.com Questions can be directed to Sean Kershaw, Citizens League President, at 612.338.0791, or [EMAIL PROTECTED] Thanks, and we look forward to seeing you there! P.S. There will be an informal reception after the speech for people interested in further conversation with Mr. Halstead.
[Mpls] personal property taxes
Cathy Leighton writes- > I am afraid that Ms. Long is, at least, partially mistaken. Personal > property taxes, as used in previous posts, refers to the property taxes > that > are paid by profit-making enterprises that are located in or on tax-exempt > properties. These are properties that would primarily be owned by > non-profit organizations and the government--at all levels. My reference was to the statutory definition of personal property taxes. While some posts may use the term in reference to "in lieu of" taxes, which are paid by for-profit entities located in tax exempt properties, it leads to confusion among those of us who are used to using the definitions as the occur in Minnesota Statutes. Dee Long East Isles for another 6 days TEMPORARY REMINDER: 1. Don't feed the troll! Ignore obvious flame-bait. 2. If you don't like what's being discussed here, don't complain - change the subject (Mpls-specific, of course.) 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
[Mpls] Glen Taylor's personal property tax
In a recent post, David signs himself: David Brauer King Field Who long ago noted on the list that Taylor paid millions in personal property taxes Not to be picky, but as the term "personal property tax" is generally applied, I think it's doubtful that Taylor pays this tax. At one time, all Minnesotans were liable for the personal property tax - an assessment against one's furniture, tv sets, jewelry, etc. This tax was in addition to the "real property" tax, owed on land and buildings one owned. The personal property tax on individuals was repealed several decades ago and eventually repealed for all property owners except utilities. The utilies continue to pay the tax on their attached machinery - the equipment used to generate electricity, for example. So Glen Taylor no doubt pays a property tax on what he personally owns - his house(s), and his corporations pay a commercial industrial property taxes on what they own, but unless he is a utility, he would't pay "personal property taxes." Dee Long East Isles for another week or so. TEMPORARY REMINDER: 1. Don't feed the troll! Ignore obvious flame-bait. 2. If you don't like what's being discussed here, don't complain - change the subject (Mpls-specific, of course.) 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
[Mpls] nee Rainville
Susan Maricle writes:
SAM:
Who in the Fourth Ward {if that's what it still is}
can receive a groundswell of support to run against
her, shock the system, and win? Barb Johnson is
related by marriage to the Rainvilles, and I'm sure
there's a Rainville In Waiting to take her position
if/when she steps down. Any suggestions? Jonathan
Palmer, maybe?
Actually, Barb Johnson is a Johnson by marriage and
a Rainville by birth. Her mother, Alice Rainville,
served on the Council before her.
Dee Long
East Isles
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[Mpls] Minneapolis is the State Economic Engine
I appreciate Chris Johnson's research into taxes paid by Minneapolis residents, but I have a question concerning the sales tax figures. Are these sales taxes collected IN Minneapolis or sales taxes paid specifically BY residents?They aren't the same thing. Back when the Minneapolis half-cent for the convention center measure was passed, it was estimated that two-thirds of the sales taxes collected in Minneapolis were paid by NON residents. Dee Long East Isles TEMPORARY REMINDER: 1. Send all posts in plain-text format. 2. Cut as much of the post you're responding to as possible. 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
[Mpls] First Apartment
Ah, the good old days. My husband's and my first apartment, in the mid 1960's, was in the Windsor at 3rd and Franklin. Had a huge one bedroom with a walk-in closet off the living room large enough to use as a study. We paid $115 a month including heat and electricity. Both of us were grad students and both of us worked a variety of jobs on and off the campus. Made about $12,000 between the two of us, so our rent with utilities was less than 12% of that. Had more disposable income then than we've had since. Bought a brand new '66 Mustang convert for $2400 and filled up the tank with 25 cents a gallon gas. Dee Long East Isles TEMPORARY REMINDER: 1. Send all posts in plain-text format. 2. Cut as much of the post you're responding to as possible. 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
[Mpls] Leading the march?
(Sorry, David, but these comments ARE Mpls specific) I heard from a friend in attendance at Saturday's march/rally that a FORD EXPEDITION was the lead vehicle for the anti-war committee. While I support the goals of the committee and the march, I couldn't help but notice the supreme irony of this gesture. Driving a 12 mpg SUV while surrounded by signs proclaimiing "No Blood for Oil", "Draft SUV Drivers" and "How Did Our Oil Get Under Their Sand?" is a really appalling bit of hypocrisy! Dee Long East Isles TEMPORARY REMINDER: 1. Send all posts in plain-text format. 2. Cut as much of the post you're responding to as possible. 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
[Mpls] RE: Who owns the quotes?
It is my understanding that the legal owner of a letter is the recipient. If that's accurate, then by extension, any subscriber to the list would legally own any of the messages. Any of you legal experts out there care to comment/clarify? (And I agree that it still would be a courtesy to at least inform the person being quoted, and perhaps give them the opportunity to expand on their remarks). Dee Long East Isles TEMPORARY REMINDER: 1. Send all posts in plain-text format. 2. Cut as much of the post you're responding to as possible. 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
[Mpls] SUVs and Tax Breaks
Several people have sent responses to me asking about the tax breaks for SUVs. This article from the Detroit News is a good summary of the current law. Bush is now proposing to significantly increase the value of the deduction. http://www.detnews.com/2002/autosinsider/0212/18/c01-38875.htm Write your Congressperson/Senator. Dee Long East Isles TEMPORARY REMINDER: 1. Send all posts in plain-text format. 2. Cut as much of the post you're responding to as possible. 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
[Mpls] Wither the well off man from the suburbs
In response to Dennis Plante, Barb Lickness, Anne McCandless, Terry Erickson- Oh my, evidently my tongue-in-cheek response concerning the Land Rover was way too subtle for some of you. If you re-read my message, the focus was on the Land Rover and why anyone would need to drive one of those gas guzzling monstrosities. (By the way, the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy rates that vehicle as "inferior" even when compared to the other SUVs in its class.) No offense was intended other than to those who heedlessly choose vehicles needlessly damaging our environment. And I do intend to keep raising this issue with them. But let's see how my comments were received: Dennis raises the distinction between "what we need and what we want" - a very good point, and one well-illustrated by the SUV culture. A vehicle needed by those who travel off-the-road or in extreme snow conditions has become an "in" vehicle of choice for those with no such needs, with significant environmental consequences. Anne accuses me of "doing my own form of profiling" and wonders if my East Isles neighbors "need to justify owning BMWs and Mercedes?" Anne, I haven't noticed many Beamers or Mercedes in my immediate neighborhood (most of us seem to be driving 9 or 10 year old beaters), but I'm not hesitant to repeatedly needle friends and neighbors who drive fuel-inefficient vehicles about their need to drive them to get to Lunds or wherever. Perhaps I am guilty of "profiling" these drivers. Barb accuses me of a "double standard" and wonders if "we ask people living in the wealthy neighborhoods around the Lakes who drive Land Rovers if they need them?" Damn right I do, and I hope you do too. I do have a new neighbor who has recently acquired a Hummer. I'd never met him before but stopped and asked him if he was planning to volunteer the vehicle and himself for the Iraq attack. He didn't seem to have a reply. Terry says "this was simply a tactic to side step the central issue" and refers to "our elected officials" who "publicly speak this kind of language" and "suburb vs. city divisive talk." Terry, I'm not engaged in the third ward race in any way. From what I've heard, there are two fine candidates. I'm not sure I even grasp "the central issue" but I was struck by both Dyna and Dennis' references to the man with the Land Rover and did my usual dig at the SUV culture. This was in no way intended as a slur on the suburbs, with whom I had very good relationships during my legislative tenure. And by the way, Terry, isn't there some point when I can stop being tagged as one of "our elected officials"? I've been a private citizen for over four years and would hope I would have the right to speak my mind just like any of the rest of you. So, I apologize if my comments were too obtuse - but instead of taking offense, how about joining me in working to clean up the environment? Write to your members of Congress to demand higher fuel standards for all vehicles and a halt to special tax breaks for the gas-guzzlers. Speak strongly or gently to your friends and neighbors who follow fads in choosing vehicles rather than assessing their real needs. We've only got one planet - let's do what we can to save it! Dee Long East Isles TEMPORARY REMINDER: 1. Send all posts in plain-text format. 2. Cut as much of the post you're responding to as possible. 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
[Mpls] Whither the well off man from the suburbs?
Dennis Plante writes, in part- ..."I thought it might be appropriate for me to tell what I know about the well-off gentleman from the suburbs driving the Land Rover, that spoke with Dyna on Saturday. His name is John Odell. On April 1st he'll be my new neighbor across the alley on 27th & James/Knox, as he just purchased the property and has a move-in date of 04/01/03." Just wondering, Does he need the Land Rover to plow through the huge amount of snow we've received this winter or is he planning some off the road driving at his new North Minneapolis location? Dee Long East Isles TEMPORARY REMINDER: 1. Send all posts in plain-text format. 2. Cut as much of the post you're responding to as possible. 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
[Mpls] NRP Funding
Jim Graham writes, in part: "Is it true NRP is not a City Program, it is a State mandated program set up by State of Minnesota Statute?" While this might be technically true, here is the actual situation. First, State law fairly specifically controls how and where cities may use Tax Increment Financing. There have been some additional restrictions imposed over the years because of what the legislature saw as abuses in use of TIF (one example - an Iron Range city used TIF to lure an automobile dealership from an adjacent city two miles away). In addition, city use of TIF took tax dollars away from the county and school district which otherwise would have benefited from the tax dollars collected. The state then had to make up, with state tax dollars, the loss to the school districts. Anyway, a number of changes were made in TIF to correct some of these problems. The Minneapolis Neighborhood Revitalization Program was set up by re-directing and dedicating repayment dollars from TIF districts which otherwise would have gone into the city's treasury to be used either for additional spending or property tax reductions. In order for the city to re-direct these tax increment revenues to NRP programs, they needed the consent of the state. The city thus came to the legislature asking for permission in statute to set up the program. The program is specific to Minneapolis. No other cities were included in the enabling legislation, and as far as I know, none have since asked for similar programs. As I recall,the original bill was very loosely drafted. As the bill passed through various committees, much more specificity was incorporated into it. It was still fairly controversial. A number of legislators felt that Minneapolis, which gets the "lion's share" of the state's local government aid dollars, shouldn't be diverting dollars into neighborhood programs when no other city had a similar opportunity. There was also a feeling that Minneapolis was guilty of over-using tax increment financing, promoting developments which may have occurred without the additional TIF cost to the taxpayers. The version which passed specified some payments from the increments to the school district and county and iterated the uses for which the NRP funds could be expended. It is important to note that the law specifies that 75 percent of the program dollars, after deducting the school district and county payments, must be expended on HOUSING PROGRAMS AND RELATED PURPOSES (emphasis mine). There has been some feeling around the legislature that this has not been honored by the program. Lastly, when the legislature reduced the tax rates on commercial/industrial property, the TIF proceeds expected by cities participating in TIF were reduced accordingly. This directly effected the dollars available for NRP programs, as well as other TIF dollars and other commercial/industrial tax dollars available to the city. While the impact of these tax changes has been substantial, the changes shouldn't have taken anybody by surprise. During my last decade or so in the legislature, the cities were warned time and time again that such reductions would eventually occur, whether or not we supported them, and that they should be very careful in relying on TIF revenues and in engaging in more use of tax increment financing. To read the relevant statutes, go to http://www.revisor.leg.state.mn.us and find sections 469.1781 and 469.1831. Dee Long Recovering Career Politician East Isles TEMPORARY REMINDER: 1. Send all posts in plain-text format. 2. Cut as much of the post you're responding to as possible. 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
[Mpls] Political Dynasties
Interesting comments about Sabos, Humphreys, Rainvilles and Dziedzics, but some of you seem to think that coming from a political family should automatically preclude someone from running for office. Granted, if all that someone has to offer is their name, that may be the case. Also, some folks seem to assume that a familial relationship means identical political philosophies. This certainly isn't necessarily the case. I've got two kids, both of whom disagree with me on a number of issues. Don't know if either would ever be interested in seeking office, but if they were, I'd hate to think that their parentage would prevent it. Dee Long East Isles ___ 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
[Mpls] Re: Lawn Signs
Clarification re sign removal- The 10 day provision is contained in state statute and says that if a municipality regulates by ordinance the size of signs, the regulations are not in effect from August 1 until 10 days after the election. Minneapolis ordinance 543.260 forbids placement of signs on public right-of-ways, including boulevard trees and utility poles and also requires that signs be placed 8 feet or more from an adjacent lot. These provisions are rarely, if ever, enforced. During my 10 legislative races, I would personally (usually with friends or family) make an effort to remove all signs the day following the election. If a candidate has decent records of placement, they can usually find and remove most of the signs. And most candidates have time on their hands the day after the election and should be able to personally participate. Dee Long ___ 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
[Mpls] Judgeships
Lloyd Zimmeran was considered a superb attorney in his work at the EEOC and has an outstanding reputation on the bench. A number of (IMHO) less-qualified judges are running unopposed. Perhaps Ms. O'Neill could respond on this forum as to why she chose to run against this particular jurist? Those who know her should forward this request to the candidate. Jordan Kushner wrote: I suppose that Julie Delgado O'Neill can handle being judge (although I hope that her agenda from being a city attorney is not to fill up the jail with low-level misdemeanor offenders), but I cannot understand why the incumbent Lloyd Zimmerman should be unseated. His background consists of many years as a trial attorney with the EEOC prosecuting complex discrimination cases, and is highly thoughtful and intelligent. I tried to ask Julie why she was running against Zimmerman, but unfortunately it was at the city attorney's office so she could not go into detail. Can someone please explain? Dee Long East Isles ___ 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
[Mpls] Equal Protection
Jim Graham writes:I wonder if the City Council will be just as willing to call for Federal Mediation about the City's unwillingness to supply equal protection under the law for poor communities of color in the inner city. Some neighborhoods are thinking of taking action in Federal Court because these communities do not receive enough or even close to adequate police protection. Jim - My son has been approached by dealers when stopped at the light at Franklin and Chicago. I can't imagine that happening at the intersection of Franklin and Hennepin. Do you see other issues, although of lessor importance, that clearly delineate the neighborhoods? A few years ago, my husband's car was stolen from the parking lot of his mother's apartment at 14th and 11th Avenue. I suggested we cruise the alleys of Phillips to see if perhaps it had been dumped there. This was in January. The alley snow removal was almost non-existent. If we got that kind of service in my neighborhood, the city council member's phone would be ringing off the hook. Does anybody document these discrepancies? Dee Long East Isles ___ 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
[Mpls] Wild Animal Safari
We've had racoons up on the roof, although not nested in the eaves as some neighbors have had. Had bats in the walls years ago, but got rid of them. My daughter lives in Powderhorn and is getting a cat to get rid of the mice in her basement. Dee Long East Isles ___ 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
[Mpls] Library Board
Jim Mork wrote, Seems like there's a pattern of uncontrolled spending with the library board. Where do those people come from, anyway, Kenwood? Every time we turn around, they have more expensive plans. While I do not now, nor have I ever lived in Kenwood, I do want to respond to Mr. Mork's slurs against that neighborhood. Kenwood property taxes are so high that few if any residents could afford to engage in "uncontrolled spending" in their private lives, nor would they support "uncontrolled" public spending, driving their taxes even higher. By the way Jim, I don't think any of the Library Board members live in or even near Kenwood. Dee Long East Isles ___ 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
[Mpls] Subject: (Mpls) racism
James Jacobsen writes,in part_ Reference 'racism' in Minneapolis, It should be considered that the cities here started as a solidly Scandinavian, European stock community and it should be normally expected that afro types would be culture and community different. Actually, Minneapolis was founded mainly by New Englanders. The Scandinavians began arriving in any numbers in the 1880s, and were initially a definite underclass, no doubt considered "culture and community different". Historians point out that from that point until after the turn of the century, nearly all the cooks and maids in the city were immigrants, with 2/3 of these being Scandinavians and 1/3 German and Irish. James continues - I heard first hand that before the 1954 major civil rights activities, in Southern cities there was harmony between the whites and blacks, a lot of blacks had domestic work jobs with the whites, the blacks and whites circulated amongst each other and all went well, no crime problems, everyone got along. James, from whom did you hear this first-hand account? Everything probably did go pretty well for many of the whites. For blacks who didn't mind staying away from the voting booths, drinking from their own water fountains (when available) and using their own washrooms (ditto), standing in the back of the bus when there were plenty of empty seats up front, attending their own (usually inferior) schools and colleges, overlooking the occasional cross burnings or lynchings, not minding being called "boy" or "girl" regardless of their age, well I guess maybe they thought life was just fine too. So James, is your point that if these folks would just stay in their place everything would be just hunky dory? If that isn't your point, what is it? Dee Long ___ 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] List decorum
David Brauer wrote: To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Date: Wed, 28 Aug 2002 03:15:48 GMT Subject: [Mpls] Decorum update Well, it figures, I go on vacation, and an insult-fest breaks out. Please, members, refrain from indulging in this inflammatory back-and- forth, however deserved you think the insults are. If not because of the list rules, then for my sake...please? I'd just like to have a little less discipline to impose, at least this week. David Brauer King Field To which I say: AMEN! Indulging in invective and innuendoes does nothing to advance the debate or the understanding of the issues being discussed on this forum. If you're stressed out, take a walk. Don't take it out on those who have come to the forum for an intelligent discussion of the matters at hand. And if you absolutely must resort to pejoratives, please strive for some degree of elegance rather than the juvenile drivel to which we've recently been subjected. Dee Long East Isles ___ 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] Question on the park board controversy
While I have no position on the Park Board's proposed new building (I think it would take far more time than I have available to thoroughly understand the issue, and to take sides without such understanding is certainly irresponsible), I do have a question about the information provided by Ms. Ero Phillips and Mr. Rice: Reference is made to the $349,000 current annual cost for rent and PARKING. How much of the total is rent and how much is parking? For whom is this parking provided? Does the park board provide free parking for its employees? Reduced cost parking? Or what? If the employees are paying their own parking, as is the case for most businesses, non-profit organizations, and state employees located in downtown areas, what difference does it make if the city will be raising parking rates? Also, does the Park Board participate in providing all or part of the cost of transit passes to its employees? Couple of other comments - Re: the Board of Estimate satire, lighten up Brian! And for those of you who said your park commissioner had done a good job in other areas, but you could never vote for them after the park building vote, I hope you never criticize other voters for participating in single issue politics! Dee Long East Isles ___ 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] How many Jon Gorders?
On 07/30/02 Jon Gorder wrote: "One of only three Jon Gorder's in the country ( that I know of)" Actually, Jon, if you check switchboard.com you'll find a total of 7 Jon Gorders nationally, with three of the seven living in Minnesota (and none in Loring). What are the odds of this happening and is there a conspiracy here? Dee Long East Isles ___ 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)
Subject: (Mpls) McKinsey and Company Perhaps not directly Mpls, but with all the comments on the McKinsey Report, you might want to read an interesting article in the New Yorker online about McKinsey, Enron, and managment practices: http://www.newyorker.com/fact/content/ Dee Long East Isles ___ 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] RE: Mpls digest, Vol 1 #910 - 19 msgs
Craig Miller wrote: Are there any listmembers who remember the one year that Ted Williams spent in Mpls? Or for that matter Willy Mays? Could they tell us about the old ballpark on Nicollet? This should be a proud day for Minneapolitans. The greatest baseball hitter just passed away. He played for us. The greatest living player and maybe one of the two greatest players of all time also played for us. Craig Miller Former Fultonite [EMAIL PROTECTED] Craig (and others who remember the Millers) For an excellent site dealing with the history of the Millers team as well as the old Miller ballpark, see Minneapolis author and sports fan Stew Thornley's site: http://stewthornley.net/millers.html He lists all of the Hall of Famers who played for the Millers. Ted Williams was a Miller in 1938 - a bit before my time. I do remember seeing Willie Mays play in 1951. He was on a very hot hitting streak and there was no joy in Millerville when the Giants called him up. The Miller ballpark was at Nicollet and 31st. I used to go to games with my dad, and stop for ice cream cones on the way home at a place on about 34th or 33rd and Nicollet - 2 scoops for 5 cents or 3 scoops for 7 cents. The President's Cafe was a well-known restaurant on Nicollet across from the ballpark. Down the block was a sort of sleazy looking spot called the Vice President. We kids thought the names were most amusing. Dee Long East Isles ___ 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)
Re: Power outages - I have a friend in Indian Hills/Edina whose neighborhood has outages several times a year, lasting up to one or more days at times. So, at least the problem, like Shakespeare's gentle rain, is falling on the unjust as well as the just. Dee Long East Isles ___ 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
