[Mpls] New Ethics guidelines for Minneapolis
Susan Herridge writes: In the climate of the last year of indictments and convictions for illegal behavior by Council members, it behooves that group to lead the way in a public showing of cleaning up our act, city- wide. RL I do believe that this proposed ordinance in response to the two occurrences of Council Member misconduct over the last two years. I think it is important to keep in mind through the upcoming discussions that nothing in this proposed ethics ordinance would have prevented either criminal offense. Nor would an ordinance like the one proposed have given the citizens of Minneapolis any better system of recourse. Though it is easy--and popular -- to connect the need for this ordinance to these recent disgraces, it is irrelevant. Yours, Robert Lilligren Ward 8 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
Fwd: [Mpls] Rybak orders police not to talk to media
[EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: In the corporate world, situations which occur internally are not discussed with the media We are discussing our city's government here, not the corporate world. Free, intelligent media - like the one we are participating in now - are a requirement for a healthy democracy. The media have a right to expect access to the city government players in a news story. Individuals with something to contribute to a story - be they city employees or not - have a right to talk to whomever they choose (be they reporters or not). Discussion about centralizing the city's communications functions have been going on for quite a while at City Hall. I did not know when, or how, this was going to be rolled out. I also did not know that the mayor was going to propose limiting access to police officers. And I do not support this. This action raises many questions: Who will craft the unified message that the centralized communications department delivers? Is it valuable to have ALL city communications uniform and unified? Does this mean that the mayor's own CIO, Laura Sether, will now report to the city's Communications Director? How is this reform to the city's communications functions formalized by city council action? I am a reform minded person. I am always interested in thoughtful, responsible improvements. I hope that we can use the mayor's proposal as a starting point in the discussion about how to find efficiencies and cost savings by integrating some of our city's communications. Yours, Robert Lilligren Ward 8 --- Begin Message --- I do not see why Mayor Rybak's idea of having a unified front is merely putting a "spin" on the issues coming out of city hall. Right now, when the police force is under extreme scrutiny from the media and public, instead of letting the police "hang out to dry," the Mayor has chosen to solidify himself and his office with the police force and make sure that everything coming out of the office has been examined and reported in a valid nature. In the corporate world, situations which occur internally are not discussed with the media until either the situation is resolved or a majority of the investigation surrounding the incident has been completed. If a unified message is not given before an issue has met resolution, then the media will drag out premature conclusions and blow them up all over the 5 o'clock news. Lets let the decision makers make their decisions and report in due time. We have elected these officials, its about time we start showing our trust and appreciation for them in this city's time of need. Ryan Hagemeier Minnetonka Message: 11 From: "Lisa McDonald" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> To: [EMAIL PROTECTED], [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subject: RE: [Mpls] Rybak orders police not to talk to media Date: Fri, 07 Feb 2003 08:42:33 -0600 I must say I'm curious about the lack of response on this list to the Mayor's latest effort to try to spin news out of City Hall. As someone who has been both a reporter and an elected official I have found that the best way to have a relationship with the media is to be open, available and honest, regardless of whether it is good or bad news. In fact I think the media is often fairer with those folks who are, than those that aren't. Case in point...how the media often treated past City Council President Jackie Cherryhomes, who was generally unavailable to the media. I'm bewildered that the Mayor and his chief of communications and the communications director could all make such a bonehead move with the media, especially since two of the three had been reporters themselves. And clearly from the amount of backpadeling in today's paper by the Mayor in an article and a letter to the editor, indicates that this wasn't a well thought out decision. Quite frankly reporters will report the story of the day and you can't ask them to sugar coat it by giving them some goody, goody news to print at the same time. Good public relations folks know that. You try to push the positive stories as stand alone articles highlighting the accomplishments of the police department. And this new city communications policy in no way makes that happen, any more than the previous policy. In fact it might cause reporters to not pick up positive stories because they figure it is an attempt by the Mayor's office to control the news. If the Mayor is so concerned about controlling what the media gets, than why in a recent Strib article, when asked what he though about the incident in the Native American Community, did he say no comment and direct reporters to the police chief. That's hardly consistent with this new policy. Secondly his comment in today's paper indicating that reporters should asked the police chief why he disagreed with the change came across as petulant. Yesterday's article indicated that the Mayor instituted this change to give people the reality... the good, the bad and the ugly. Unfortun
Re: [Mpls] 35W Weave prblems solved?
Tom McGreevy writes: It was my understanding that the Minneapolis City Council was to vote on the project in March or April. Will they be given the approved documents well in advance of said vote? I have been trying to discover the projected schedule of City Council decisions on the project for several weeks. City Traffic Dept. staff will be providing me with a response by the end of next week. The Project Advisory Committee (PAC) materials have referenced Council decisions to be made in Jan. '03 (not done), Mar. '03, and other dates, I believe. I am sure that the entire Council will be well briefed, that is "given the approved documents", before making a decision. I will publish the timeline of Council actions for this project on this list as soon as it is available. Yours, Robert Lilligren Ward 8
[Mpls] Civilian Review
At the full City Council meeting on March 22, 2002 I voted against giving the current Civilian Review Authority the ability to subpoena. I have received many comments both of support and of criticism on this vote. Clearly there is a great interest in this issue. Here I would like to discuss my reasons for this vote. I support a strong civilian complaint process - and civilian involvement - with the Minneapolis Police Dept. I can easily support the ability to subpoena, or any other "teeth" a new civilian complaint process requires. I think last Friday's motion was premature. With this action we would have directed increasingly more rare and valuable staff time to define and attach "subpoena power" to an Authority which the majority of the Council and the Mayor have criticized and have directed that we redesign. This action would have been an empty gesture. This transition has gone poorly and I apologize. We are still learning how to best direct our resources in City Hall. The City's policy group for this redesign plan will implement an interim operating plan for civilian complaints with a civilian interface. That is, a person with a complaint will have a non-police place to lodge their complaint. This is for the short term. The more lasting solution will come from strong citizen participation in this redesign process. Our City's Communications Dept. will keep the public and media posted on our progress. This is an opportunity for you to influence critical Minneapolis policy for how we handle complaints about the treatment of our people by our Police Dept. In fact, I urge you all to encourage our elected officials to use this CRA redesign process to bring longstanding concerns like use-of-force policy and racial profiling to a City policy level. I hope to see you all in City Hall soon. Remember, in a democracy those who participate will find that their needs are the best met. Peace, Robert Lilligren, Vice President Minneapolis City Council Ward 8 612-673-2208 [EMAIL PROTECTED] ___ 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] Where housing goes
Lynne Lowder writes: Further, to Mayor Rybak and to councilmember Lisa Goodman, what can you suggest the City do to open up non-saturated neighborhoods to supportive housing? Good question, Ms. Lowder, and though it wasn't addressed to me I hope you don't mind my taking a shot at it. This question not only promotes the discussion of the placement of supportive housing developments in Minneapolis, but also brings forward the question of where and how we site all future housing development here. I believe our approach can be simple and systematic. Using data projecting population growth for the city and region that is available today, we can create a pretty accurate picture of our housing needs in a prescribed time period - say 15 years. With these projections we can make some specific determinations about our future housing needs; like the number of rental units needed v. the number of ownership units, levels of density required, etc. We can look at the full spectrum of housing types and costs - from facilities for the homeless and supportive housing to upper-end market rate. We can then place the projected units equitably throughout the entire city. Using this plan to place future supportive housing facilities in non-saturated communities and at least 1/4 mile apart is a way of enforcing the spacing ordinance for supportive housing. Also, it is a way to more evenly distribute increases in the density of housing that is necessary to make our city stronger by placing multi-unit developments in non-traditional communities (the lagging population growth in Wards like 11, 12 and 13 are going to make Minneapolis' redistricting much more challenging). This will mean changing the way we do housing development. It will take more flexibility in our zoning codes, licensing, and regulatory procedures, but I think we will be moving toward a more vibrant, diverse and healthy city. It will take a committed, strong and farseeing city council and mayor to accomplish this. Yours, Robert Lilligren Ward 8 Phillips West
Re: [Mpls] Strib edit: build the exta/transit lane on 35W
[EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: Welcome to the bigs, Robert Lilligren; you've been challenged by the Strib editorial board: "Mayor-elect R.T. Rybak and Eighth Ward Council Member Robert Lilligren have an opportunity to clear up the frustrating double talk that has surrounded this project -- neighbors wanting an interchange but not more traffic, activists wanting more transit but not on I-35W, people continuing to demand apologies for a freeway that has been in place since the 1960s. These two new leaders can provide the clarity needed to bring the Lake Street neighborhoods into the metro mainstream." RL Thanks for the words of welcome, David. I think this is an attempt by the Strib editorial board to recreate me as a MnDOT mouth-piece - a role I'm not interested in playing. I remind the editorial board that I took an oath to protect the interests of my constituents to the best of my ability. I am not convinced that fast-tracking a capacity project (HOV lanes) on I-35W is in the best interest of the 8th Ward. I have been involved in the access project since the spring of 1998. CM Dore Mead is educating me about the earlier work on this project and the Neighborhood Transportation Network (NTN). I will be meeting with freeway activists (past and present; pro and con) to determine a strategy. My guess is this will mean a community-wide meeting(s) early in 2002. Hopefully, this will move us toward the clarity the Strib board seeks. I am disturbed by the oblique threat in the quote from Commissioner Tinklenberg. RL I hope that we can move forward in a cooperative spirit and consider the needs of all the people of the city, state and region. Yours, Robert Lilligren 8th Ward
Re: [Mpls] Property Rights Open Forum
Mr. Luce posts: Less than two weeks after a major victory, in what I would guess is the first or one of few public fora that all of these folks will attend, it happens to be the monthly PRAC meeting Since the election I have attended the public fora of Council committee meetings, a full Council meeting, a tour of the Hollman site, the mayor's budget address, a joint block clubs meeting, and the Politically Saavy Luncheon on the topic of reparation with guest speaker Alderman Dorothy Tillman. I have been invited - and accepted - invitaions to neighborhood meetings, faith-based affordable housing group meetings, non-profit development group meetings, politcal action group meetings and more. I know Natalie Johnson-Lee's schedule is as full. I can only imagine what RT's schedule is like. Mr. Luce continues: RL Am I excluded from your invitation because I am a - gasp - landlord? I hope it's just an oversight. I bet I have something to share. I look forward to your invitation, Mr. Luce. Yours, Robert Lilligren Council Member-elect Ward 8
[Mpls] The DFL, Stonewall and me
This is the time to build bridges. And then traverse them. I would like to put some punctuation on the discussion, as it pertains to me, of the pre-election actions of Stonewall DFL. How about a semi-colon, or - my favorite - the dash? I do think there is something to be learned by the DFL from this last election regarding party politics in Minneapolis. There are seven new council members. That's a majority on the council. Of the seven, four of us (another majority) won our races without DFL endorsement. Obviously the DFL endorsement has lost value. I believe this happened because, in Minneapolis, the DFL reins were held tighter and tighter by fewer and fewer people. I grew up training horses. I know the long-term effects of holding the reins too tight. You end up with a hard-mouthed, unresponsive, and uncooperative animal that nobody wants to ride. With seven new council members - a majority - we have the chance to make a difference. To make changes. To actually deliver on some of the things we said we would do while campaigning. To change the status quo before we become the status quo ourselves. I challenge all of us new council members to work together; to use our unique position as a majority to enact positive changes; to open up processes; to share information and power with each other and our constituents; to care more about our actions than our reelections; and to not only talk about the new "collegial" atmosphere we will have on the council, but to create it. To me a collegial atmosphere will be defined by open and frank dialogue, fair treatment, and cooperation. Yours, Robert Lilligren Council Member-elect Ward 8
[Mpls] Pickle Seeds
Wizard Marks posts <> I made no such statement about Portand Place or JSI. Actually as a neighborhood activist I was vocal in my criticism of the Portland Place project as it progressed through the neighborhood approval process on two major points: 1. the bulldozer- (now called Hollman-) effect of eliminating the housing for a very vulnerable section of our population without planned replacement; and 2. the elimination of reclaimable, historically significant housing. There is no denying that the Portland Place development is a sweeping and important project. As we proceed to develop housing in the core city I think we must protect the interests of those already here in our communities, as well as those we want to attract. Not all of the residents of the 2600 and 2700 blocks of 5th and Portland Avenues we drug dealers or undesirables. Even if they were, affordable housing solutions will need to address the needs of all concerned - be they chemical dependency, un- and under-employment, etc. My other connection to Portland Place is that I moved the one and only existing building off the site before demolition. It took a year of hard work and the bringing together of the City, MCDA, Honeywell, the neihgborhood and a long list of other folks to accomplish this nearly impossible task. I was told at least a dozen times, "This will not happen," by people who were in positions to say "No". Not only is this building a surviving relic of the site, it is a testimony to how well I can bring people together to accomplish something difficult. Also, this project's construction site will be the location of my campaign's Election Night Party (2919 3rd Ave) - announcement/invite to come. I'm guessing this rumor that Ms. Marks heard from one of her friends started because of the appearence of my new campaign literature piece today (Sat.). On it is a quote from Joe Selvaggio, local founder of PPL, 8th Ward resident, and affordable housing guru, who I met in 1981 when he was working on the brownstone renovation at 18th and Elliot (City View Co-ops) and I was a 21-year-old renovation groupie. Quote Mr. Selvaggio, "I think Robert Lilligren has demonstrated his commitment to community development. We would be fortunate to have him as our council member." Yours, Robert Lilligren City Council Candidate Ward 8 www.voterobert.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
[Mpls] ISAG cases/Lucille's and W6 Forum
Rosalind Nelson asks << All you candidates for mayor and city council, you have an opportunity to let us know how you will direct our zany city legal department. Should they continue to throw money and resources on top of the million or so that has already been spent on ISAG, or should the matter at last be dropped? >> RL I say enough is enough. Let it be. Do we have a term for the over reaction to an over reaction? I resented having to travel around the bunker around the Hyatt just to get to work during the ISAG convention. I resented having our civil liberties curtailed so 500 geneticists could meet in our fair city. I resented seeing my friends and neighbors abused and beaten only to jusitfy the ridiculous amount of money we spent on security for one convention so that a hotel, the Convention Center, and a few restaurants could make a few bucks. And I still resent the lack of accountability on this from our city government. We have never even heard a satisfactory response from our Conventions Bureau explaining why this misguided event was ever allowed to be held here. Sadly, I believe what I heard an older passenger on MTC Route 18 say regarding the overly agressive response of our city to the peaceful ISAG protesters, "They's jus' practicin". Lucilles and 6th Ward Forum Fred Markus posts < to see the eager faces of the young people who were clearly having a swell time cheering their favorite and giving short shrift to those in the audience whose preferences lay elsewhere. That's democracy emerging before our very eyes. Never mind about the niceties of content - these kids were pumped and they'll never forget this night. >> RL I think this is so right on. I get a thrill from seeing young people getting involved in the election process. At last Tuesday's Lucille's Kichen Policy Forum (Wards 3 and 5), with Price and Johnson Lee in attendance, I was very impressed with the youth involvement. There were two youth groups there; one community service group with members from 18 to 24 years old, and one group of North High students. These African American kids were participating - they stepped forward and asked their questions. It made me feel hopeful for the future of our democracy. In a city with such a disparity in income and opportunity between races it is critical to teach our disenfranchised populations the benefits and power that come from being involved. The obvious place to start is with youth. I applaud anyone, or any group, that involves our young people and trains them to participate in government. Yours, Robert Lilligren Candidate for City Council Ward 8 www.voterobert.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
[Mpls] Lilligren talks
Annie Young posts << Just for the record I think people should ask Robert straight out who his aide is going to be. He was very open in telling me the person's name last week at the Green Tomato Cook-off Harvest Festival in Phillips. >> RL Annie and I did discuss the 8th Ward aide. I told her I had a very short short-list (I would be irresponsible not to) and that I already knew that the top person on the list would be interested in discussing the position if I get elected. I did NOT mention any names. It would be unfair to jeopardize a potential aide's current position by openly mentioning a name. I've made it a personal policy not to mention names when asked (I will discuss criteria, qualifications, etc). The particulars Annie posted are correct - adding that it would be an 8th Ward resident. There was a boisterous and loud crowd at the (Phillips) Green Space Partners 1st Annual Green Tomato Cook Off. I imagine Ms. Young mis-heard me or misunderstood what I said. I am working hard to win an election and I think it is premature to announce any possible future staffing choices. I now see why it is called running for office. I've been moving so much and so fast I haven't posted lately. I would like to comment on the Star Tribune's endorsements. Though I don't agree with all of their endorsements, I think in the 8th Ward they were right on :-) I have been very clear throughout my campaign about my stands on issues like corporate subsidies, the importance of directin development dollars to the neigborhoods, and a new stadium development. I was as surprised as the next person to receive their endorsement. I am grateful to the list members who have defended me as an independent thinker. Obviously, any candidate that screened for their endorsement viewed it as something worth having, and I am pleased and grateful to carry it. Also, on the 10 gay candidates. I say, "Way to go, Mpls!" Who knows why this happened this year? I think it is significant and something for us to be proud of. It seems like it is more and more rare that we in Mpls can point to something concrete - like the number of openly gay candidates - that expresses well known our liberal and progressive attitudes. Let's use this as a springboard to involve other marginalized groups in the decisions that effect their lives. Gotta go get some votes. Yours, Robert Lilligren Candidate for City Council Ward 8 www.VoteRobert.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
[Mpls] Sierra Club Endorsement
I have forwarded my Sierra Club endorsment questionnaire to David Brauer to be posted at the Toolkit. Thanks, David for doing this. I am pleased and proud to carry the important Sierra Club endorsement in my bid for the 8th Ward City Council seat. In my community work I am an advocate for exploring and implementing environmentally aware alternatives to the status quo. In my work as a small-scale housing developer I build energy-saving and less wasteful housing. Like many of my neighbors I do not own a car - I rely on my feet, my bike, or the bus. I will bring to city council an active interest in, and awareness of, transit related development which stresses other than the one-car-one-driver model. A sustainable city the gift that is ours to give to future generations. Yours, Robert Lilligren Sierra Club Endorsed Candidate for City Council Ward 8 ___ 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] Election Day, Some Good News
This morning I met, for the first time, a woman who has been helping on my campaign. She was recruited by other volunteers. She has physical disabilities and uses a wheelchair. From her home she handled thousands of pieces of my campaign literature, preparing them for distribution. She is 53 years old and voting today for the first time in her life. Let freedom ring. Peace, Robert Ward 8, Phillips West ___ Minneapolis Issues Forum - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subscribe, Unsubscribe, Digest option, and more: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
[Mpls] Primary Party
A Work in Progress Please join Robert Lilligren, 8th Ward City Council Candidate, and his friends and supporters on Primary Election night for a celebration called "A Work in Progress". Where: 2919 3rd Avenue South, Minneapolis (just north of Lake St.) When: Tuesday, Sept. 11, Starting at 6pm This is a house move/renovation project in progress owned by Robert Lilligren and Joe Olson. FFI please call 612-825-2237. Hope to see you there! Please remember to vote! Yours, Robert Lilligren ___ Minneapolis Issues Forum - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subscribe, Unsubscribe, Digest option, and more: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
[Mpls] Buses and Subsidies
Ken Avidor posts I LIKE riding with people I don't know!!! I like people-watching on subways and buses! I like over-hearing their conversations. RL I agree with Mr. Avidor. I am always impressed at the consideration shown for others by the vast majority of bus users. During the many, many hours I've spent on the bus I have heard beautiful and profound things out of the mouths of strangers. I've met lots of decent folks. I've observed people settling differences with grace. I've been moved (and hopefully grown) by witnessing others' selfless acts. I don't know how often I've had people say to me with pity, "Oh, you have to take the bus?" Why is it people without cars are somehow pitiable? I am fortunate, I know. My lack of a car is a choice. Not having a car has enabled me to have many, many more choices on where to direct my resources. Not having a car allows me to elimanate the stress, not to mention the liability, of driving. Not having a car gets me on the bus and lets me interact (or eves-drop) on my fellow Minneapolitans. Like Ken Avidor posts Crowds of strange people are a unique feature of urban life that I ENJOY jeez , why else would I live in a city!!! RL See you on the bus. Yours, Robert Lilligren Candidate for City Council Ward 8, Phillips West www.VoteRobert.com ___ Minneapolis Issues Forum - Minnesota E-Democracy Post messages to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subscribe, Unsubscribe, Digest option, and more: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
[Mpls] Lavender Protest
There was quite a crowd outside of Lavener Magazine's office at 12:30pm today to protest the treatment of former employees (all women). Solidarity was the theme as busloads of Communication Workers of America (CWA) arrived to show and shout their support. It was moving to hear the former Lav. employees talk of their unfair treatment. Former Lav. Editor, Rudy Renaud, spoke simply and clearly about workplace treatment which bordered on the physically abusive. It was good to see Stonewall/DFL members on hand to show their support. The windows of the third floor Lavender office had been covered with black paper, presumably so that those still working inside (all male) would not be disturbed by the sight of so many protesters. I was much moved when a male Lavender employee announced he had "minutes before" tendered his resignation in solidarity with his female, former co-wokers. Somehow I always find it extra-disturbing when an organization, like Lavender, that represents the interest of a historically oppressed population treats it's members, or employees unfairly. I don't know there is talk of starting up a new GLBT publication in Minneapolis, but I for one would welcome it. Yours, Robert Lilligren Candidate for City Council Ward 8, Phillips West www.VoteRobert.com ___ Minneapolis Issues Forum - Minnesota E-Democracy Post messages to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subscribe, Unsubscribe, Digest option, and more: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
[Mpls] Buses and subsidies
As a public transit user (I don't own a car) I am very interested in this transit thread. I totally agree that increasing population density is the long term answer to making public transportation effective. Of course in Minneapolis we have sprawled. We work hard to create X amount of new jobs downtown, but do not create the housing or educational opportunities that would allow for city residents to hold these jobs. Hence, surburbanites must commute (drive) into the city to work. The current thought is that we need more freeways so these workers from the outlying areas can more quickly drive in to take these jobs. Meanwhile, the city dwellers on the lowest rung of the employment ladder get bussed out to the suburbs to work their low-paying, assembly-type jobs. I have heard with my own ears non-profit economic development groups bemoan the lack of low-paying, low skilled jobs in the core city. Does this mean we should work harder to create these low-paying, deadend jobs here? Carol Becker, you make reference in your post to the fact that we underfund public transit. How much lower is the rate we fund public transit here than the national average? Would you please let me know where you got your stats? Thanks, Robert Lilligren Candidate for City Council Ward 8, Phillips West www.VoteRobert.com ___ Minneapolis Issues Forum - Minnesota E-Democracy Post messages to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subscribe, Unsubscribe, Digest option, and more: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
[Mpls] G'way Parade of Arts
I spent most of the 4th at the Intermedia Arts/Midtown Community Works "Greenway Parade of Arts". The 7th annual "Wheels as Art" parade was a highlight. The parade route ran from Lyndale Ave. east to 5th Ave. along Lake St. I live at Lake St. and 3rd Ave. This was especially exciting for me. It is the first event I can remember in my 19 years in Phillips that straddled East and West Lake St. I call that progress. Thanks Intermedia Arts and Midtown Community Works! I hope we can do it again next year. The Midtown Greenway was FULL of walkers, bikers, skaters and other non-motorized types. My guess is that many of the attendees don't often get down to the Phillips part of the Greenway. It was great seeing such an interesting crowd and vital cultural event happening in what used to be a nearly empty rail corridor. Kudos to the Whittier Alliance volunteers who were among the most active signature gatherers for the NRP referendum petition. Volunteers were hard at work throughout the event. Good work! Keep it up. The next step in signature gathering is a door-knocking effort this weekend. A meeting of the Minneapolis United Neighborhood Council - the politcal action committee formed to promote this referendum - will be held today at 6pm at Powderhorn Park. Yours, Robert Lilligren Candidate for City Council Ward 8, Phillips West www.VoteRobert.com ___ Minneapolis Issues Forum - Minnesota E-Democracy Post messages to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subscribe, Unsubscribe, Digest option, and more: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
[Mpls] NRP Referendum
I urge you to support the referendum to levy property taxes to fund NRP through 2009. Volunteers will be collecting signatures at three 4th of July Celebrations today: Riverplace; Greenway Parade of Arts; and Powderhorn Park. More petitions are available in the lobby of 2116 2nd Ave. So. on July 5,6,9, and 10. Finished petitions need to be dropped at 2116 2nd Ave. So. no later than noon on July, 11 - not much time. This Charter Amendment referendum will " specifically fund development and implementation of the activities, projects, and programs contained in the Neighborhood Revitalization Program ". This funding is attached to State budget and not subject to City Council's redirection. Like most community activists, I am always interested in hearing plans and ideas from City Hall. I need more concrete commitment to the NRP than eleventh hour hand wringing. If our State legislators were able to work overtime on the omnibus tax bill, our elected City officials should be able to dedicate some extra time and effort to find funding for an important program like the NRP. I believe that the long-term solution to the funding of revitalization programs, both in the cities and non-metro areas, lies at State capital. The next City Council will have the opportunity of creating and promoting strong, unified messages to the next State legislative session. We need to protect and improve our core city and neighborhoods, and balance urban revitalization with rural. This NRP referendum was not concocted overnight. I heard levies, referendum, and other tactics discussed as early as last February among the neighborhood organizations. These suggestions were part of a Plan B, an alternate, a response to the question "What if we lost the TIF support of NRP?" Budget and priorities will always need to be balanced to help build a strong and healthy Minneapolis. I am not a fan of property tax levies. I believe the NRP is smart investment. Bringing communities together is one of the most important roles of the NRP. By having this discussion about the referendum and the property tax levy, we have an opportunity to reach out to thousands more potential Citizen Participants in the NRP processes. This is a chance to let the neighborhoods decide for themselves if this is a program worth funding. Please sign the petition proposing "A Charter Amendment to fund the Minneapolis Neighborhood Revitalization Program (NRP)" before the July 11, 2001 deadline. We need to make a strong, unified message of support and let the communities decide where to spend their property taxes. United we stand. Happy Independence Day. Yours, Robert Lilligren Candidate for City Council Ward 8, Phillips West www.VoteRobert.com ___ Minneapolis Issues Forum - Minnesota E-Democracy Post messages to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subscribe, Unsubscribe, Digest option, and more: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
[Mpls] Outfront Event
Due to my incorrect information, list member Eva Young posted yesterday stating that this evenings Outfront Minnesota event was open to the public. I was wrong. This is an invintational, and not a public event. I regret my error and apologize for any confusion and misunderstandings caused by my mistake. Again, this event is NOT open to the public. Sorry! A Safe and Happy Pride weekend to all! See you in the parade Sunday and at Loring Park all weekend. Yours, Robert Lilligren Candidate for City Council Ward 8, Phillips West www.VoteRobert.com ___ Minneapolis Issues Forum - Minnesota E-Democracy Post messages to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subscribe, Unsubscribe, Digest option, and more: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
[Mpls] Grocery Stores near downtown
It's interesting that this has become a lifestyle discussion. Julie Ostrow posts that a downtown grocery store will sell *Lots of high margin pre-made meal components and very few staple food products* RL: I wonder if people who live dowtown buy like this because there is not the option of buying staples and preparing food at home? I live in Phillips and I would love to see more food stores here. This discussion so far has centered around large chain stores being interested in developing in the core city. This brings up the usual number one concern - parking. In my neighborhood most adults don't have cars. Food stores need to be accessible. Also, my neighborhood has a rich variety of cultures with specific food and shopping needs not always met by larger chains. Bob Gustafson posts *I think the Mayor and Council members will have to explain their support of subsidizing Target as well as some of their other developoment choices. That is how democracy works. If they can explain their thinking to the voters, they get re-elected. Those opposing them have to do more than just complain however, they need to explain how they will be different. TIF and government subsidies are not evil of themselves. Their misuse however is another matter.* RL: For several years I have heard the need and desire to have more accessible, and/or culturally specific food stores and co-op's, stated at community meetings and in community planning. I believe that the capacity to develop this is already here in the community - that we don't need to wait until a large chain with a large building and a large parking lot decides to develop here. From the 8th Ward office, I would work to bring the community's capacity (potential developers) together with the necessary resources for success (be that TIF; Empowerment Zone funds; or other subsidy program) to encourage development that the community wants and would not happen without assistance. There is an opportunity here for community building as well. These stores could work in Association to increase the size of their orders to their suppliers and keep prices down. Some immigrant communities arrived here with built-in factionalisms. Working together to provide food, support and entrpreneurial opportunities for our community can be a new point of departure in intra- and inter-community relations. Reaching out to the people that create Minneapolis; finding the assets; gauging the needs; and helping to fill those needs is what strong, effective City leaders should do. Yours, Robert Lilligren Candidate for City Council Ward 8, Phillips West www.VoteRobert.com ___ Minneapolis Issues Forum - Minnesota E-Democracy Post messages to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subscribe, Unsubscribe, Digest option, and more: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
[Mpls] Reform before taxes
I do not support the proposed raising of property taxes to cover MCDA shortfalls. The time is ripe for streamlining processes in City government. With a large percentage of City employees set to retire, streamlining can be accomplished without hardship. Raising porpery taxes is not a smart route toward affordable housing. I have first-hand experience partnering with the MCDA in housing development. I purchased a lot-and-a-half from the MCDA to create three housing units here on the block where I've lived for 19 years. Agency practices and requirements added about 15% to the cost of the project. It cost me more to meet MCDA requirements to purchase the parcel than to buy the lot itself. Throughout my housing career I have been frustrated with the high level of duplication and delay that plague the City's processes for housing development. We need to reengineer the way we build homes (and other projects), or we will never see the end of this housing crisis. Investigating and eliminating the duplication in City (Parks, Schools, Admin, etc) and County bureaucracies and processes would help keep taxes down and housing more affordable. Also, de-centralizing the MCDA and putting those responsible for development out in the neighborhoods where the development is happening is a way to make Agency staff more effective. Yours, Robert Lilligren Candidate for City Council Ward 8, Phillips West www.VoteRobert.com ___ Minneapolis Issues Forum - Minnesota E-Democracy Post messages to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subscribe, Unsubscribe, Digest option, and more: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
[Mpls] Dirt under my nails
Tim Connolly asks, "I wonder how many local DFLers have experience as laborers?" Interesting question, Tim. When I was born my family were tenant farmers outside of Duluth, MN. We raised much of our own food - both animal and vegetable - and sold our produce at market, too. My earliest memories are of working in the fields. In addition to field work, I helped with raising and butchering livestock. When my family moved closer to the city we still raised and perserved much of our own food. Through high school I woke early in the morning to tend the animals. Cultivating our extensive gardens was a regular duty. Also, I come from a union family. My parents and most of my six brothers and sisters have been, or are, union members (myself included). What I have done as a housing developer I accomplished with the resources of a working person. I was a hospitality industry worker for 22 years. I left the field last year to dedicate myself full-time to my housing projects. What will I do for the working class as a City Council member? I believe that there is great dignity in labor. I respect anyone who labors to earn their bread. I feel it is the responsibility of government to ensure all citizens certain, unalienable rights. From City Council I will help create safe, affordable housing for workers. I will work to supply quality services to their homes, businesses and neighborhoods. I will help create economic opportunities for those who need them most. I will be a representative who understands the trials and rewards of hard work. I hope this answers your question. Yours, Robert Lilligren Candidate for City Council Ward 8, Phillips West www.VoteRobert.com ___ Minneapolis Issues Forum - Minnesota E-Democracy Post messages to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subscribe, Unsubscribe, Digest option, and more: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
[Mpls] Stonewall DFL leaders in the news
Congratulations to Megan Thomas, Chair, Stonewall DFL on her recent election to a regional director seat on the board of the National Stonewall Democrats. Her election was announced in the latest issue of Lavender Magazine: http://www.lavendermagazine.com/156/156_news_15_1.html Good luck working in this new capacity! Also, kudos to Jeremy Hanson, Stonewall DFL Assocaite Chair, for sharing with us his insight into the negative effects of the Senate redistricting on GLBT candidates in his Strib letter last weekend: http://www.startribune.com/stOnLine/cgi-bin/article?thisStory=84192300 Stonewall DFL should be proud of leaders like these two. Again, congratulations! Yours, Robert Lilligren Candidate for City Council Ward 8, Phillips West www.VoteRobert.com ___ Minneapolis Issues Forum - Minnesota E-Democracy Post messages to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subscribe, Unsubscribe, Digest option, and more: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
[Mpls] Stonewall "Losers"
Mpls-Issues tip: PLEASE trim the previous message when responding. The redundant characters make tough reading for Digest subscribers and needlessly lengthens download times. --- Regarding my Stonewall screening interview, Wizard Marks posts *Lilligren sat behind a table and answered questions. It was clear that, on the level of running a whole ward office, he was a long way from up to speed or ready for the challenges. He didn't seem to have a grasp of the bigger picture. I don't remember his answer to the tax increment question, which means it was forgettable.* My response to the TIF question was, "TIF is an important tool for encouraging development, especially where it might not otherwise happen. I think TIF has been used too much on large downtown projects to the neglect of the outlying neighborhoods. Now we must use TIF to balance downtown development with projects in the 8th Ward," (as nearly as I can recall, and my memory is very good). As for the *bigger picture* Ms. Marks refers to: I understand that the misuses of TIF threatens our financial stability in Minneapolis. I understand that the TIF redistricting of three blocks to subsidize Target's development, which was supported by CM Herron, will cost the City millions in uncollected taxes each year. Property (and other taxes) will need to be raised (with no corresponding improvement in City services) to make up for this shortfall and protect our precious Triple A Bond rating. Also, CM Herron voted against the creation of Living Wage jobs on the Target project, which makes me wonder whose interests he has at heart - Target's, or the people of the 8th Ward and greater Minneapolis. It's true that I have never been a City Council member before, but I am ready! WIth my experience as a heavy-duty neighborhood activist combined with hands on experience as a housing developer, I think I am just what the 8th Ward needs right now. After eight years in office I plan to be able to point to projects and changes throughout the Ward (and City) and proudly say, "I helped the citizens of Minneapolis do this, because this is what THEY wanted." Concerning GLBT issues: I have always operated as an out gay man working to improve the community at large, rather than as a gay activist. GLBT issues are very important to me - especially the lack of Domestic Partner benefits for City employees. Not only does this make Minneapolis a less viable employer, it sends a clear message that, although it's OK to be gay here, it's not OK to love someone and want to take care of your loved ones. This MUST change. Marks posts *So can we put this one to bed and go on to the next item?* I can understand her eagerness to move on when the candidate she supports has such a questionable record on TIF and other Ward (and neighborhood) issues. I want to be a hardworking, responsive and true community representative for the 8th Ward on City Council. Respectfully yours, Robert Lilligren City Council Candidate Ward 8, Phillips West www.VoteRobert.com ___ Minneapolis Issues Forum - Minnesota E-Democracy Post messages to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subscribe, Unsubscribe, Digest option, and more: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
[Mpls] Stonewall'ed
Mpls-Issues tip: please delete as much of this message's text as possible if replying to the list. Thanks! --- As a candidate for City Council in the 8th Ward, I sought the Stonewall DFL endorsement this year and was rated not acceptable. After my screening interview three of the voting members (one-third) who participated in the 8th Ward vote approached me and explained that the reason for my rating was because of my decision to run in the primary with or without DFL endorsement. All three Stonewall'ers apologized to me for the rating. They complimented me on my presentation and my stands on issues. Two are DFL chair holders. In his recent post Tim Bonham, Stonewall DFL Board, implies that I was rated not acceptable because I don't "have a serious chance of being elected" or that I wouldn't "do a good job in the office". He lauds the Stonewall DFL endorsed gay male candidates for their "solid background in their ward & neighborhood". I, too, am a long time, hardworking community activist with a history of helping and participating in ward issues. I have known Tim Bonham since I was a lad. I have always known him to be fair, but here I think his strong party leanings are coloring his judgement and words. As the only openly gay man running against an endorsed DFL candidate (and incumbent) it is now the duty of Stonewall DFL to exclude me on party principles, I know that. I was excluded from a recent Lavender Magazine cover story about the "four gay men" running for City Council in Mpls. I am mentioned at the very end of the article, I believe after the GLBT candidates for Assistant to the Assistant Dogcatcher : ) Ironically, it is this type of exlcusion that GLBT activists have been working for decades to eradicate. This is my first campaign and I am learning a lot. My outsider status means I will need to work harder to win. I think people in the 8th Ward will appreciate a hardworking candidate. I supported the ammendment to create City election year endorsing conventions as a step toward engaging more DFL folks in the process. I know I would have benefitted from this. I respect the DFL endorsement, for sure, but I will be running in the primary to give people in the 8th Ward a choice and because I believe I will be a true community representative on City Council. I'll see on the campaign trail and at Gay Pride, too! Yours, Robert Lilligren Candidate for City Council Ward 8, Phillips West www.VoteRobert.com ___ Minneapolis Issues Forum - Minnesota E-Democracy Post messages to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subscribe, Unsubscribe, Digest option, and more: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
[Mpls] CNIA's NRP funds frozen again
Mpls-Issues tip: please delete as much of this message's text as possible if replying to the list. Thanks! --- When my neighborhood organization, People of Phillips (POP), collapsed amid allegations of fiscal mismanangement it was history repeating itself, too. The earlier Phillips Neighborhood Improvement Assoc. (PNIA) went the same way. At the time of the demise of POP I was active in the neihgborhood in the more local District level. Since moving to Phillips in 1982, I had always believed that the neighborhood was too large with too many challenges to be effective. Our own bureaucracy to implement NRP programs separated the decision making power from the community. Many in my District felt left out of the process. Phillips District 1 (now Phillips West) spent almost two years as an unfunded, unstaffed organization. A core of dedicated volunteers held our group together by our energy, time and love of our neighborhood. We moved forward with respect for each other and for those we knew would come if we did our work well. We made a choice not to make money our priority, but to focus on creating an inclusive and strong organization. We acknowledged that our work was really for those who would come after us. Please let me stress our primary objectives; we moved forward with RESPECT; and LOVE of our neighborhood; and we did not make MONEY the priority. When POP collapsed there was very little help or support from other neighborhoods or City Hall. Phillips was criticized for "not being able to get along". 8th Ward staff asked, "If so few people are involved, what's the point of having an organization at all?" Our devoted volunteers persevered (an important part of any success) and today our membership grows with each meeting. Our goal for attendance at our recent, inaugural Annual Meeting was 50 names on the sign in. We got 47, an effort I can live with and be proud of. At last months Regular Meeting we had three new neighbors attending (including one person of color and one senior). We are just now starting on our first programs and we are confident that we are strong enough as a group not to let financial conflicts tear us apart. I am sympathic to your situation. Please let me know if there is any way I can help. Yours, Robert Lilligren Candidate for City Council Ward 8, Phillips West www.VoteRobert.com ___ Minneapolis Issues Forum - Minnesota E-Democracy Post messages to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subscribe, Unsubscribe, Digest option, and more: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
[Mpls] Plant a Tree
The Midtown Greenway Coalition is co-hosting an Arbor Day tree planting and celebration at five locations on the Greenway. It's Saturday, April 28, 2001 starting at each location at 9 a.m., rain or shine, and ending with lunch provided at 11:30. There will be about 250 trees planted. This is the first planting event on the Midtown Greenway. I think it's a great chance to involve kids, who will be able to return to the trees they helped plant and watch them grow through the years. The five locations along the Midtown Greenway corridor are: 4th Ave S.; Blaisdell Ave; Fremont Ave; Homboldt Ave; & the Kenilworth Trail intersection. Event sponsors are the Midtown Community Works Partnership, Hennepin County & the City of Minneapolis. The Tree Trust will be providing equipment and supervising at each site. FFI contact the Midtown Greenway Coalition 612-278-7170 www.midtowngreenway.org. Bring a shovel if you have one or just show up. See you there! Robert Lilligren Midtown Greenway Coalition Board Phillips West www.VoteRobert.com ___ Minneapolis Issues Forum - Minnesota E-Democracy Post messages to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subscribe, Unsubscribe, Digest option, and more: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
[Mpls] CODEFOR 3rd Pct.Report
I Thursday night's 3rd Precint CODEFOR update and report at the new and beautiful YWCA at 2121 East Lake Street. The room was full nearly to capacity with community members, officers, civilian MPD employees, and city & county members of the criminal justice family. The headliners were Mayor Sayles Belton and Police Chief Olson. The first hour and ten minutes were filled with reports from the Mayor, Chief and other city/county/MPD representatives defining Codefor (an information management system) and its successes. The last 35 minutes were spent taking questions from the assembly. I liked that part best. One citizen, a teacher, gave a chilling and eye-opening report about the inadequate level of preparation in our schools for a *Columbine-like* situation and requested action. I opened my remarks with a message of gratitude to the Mayor and Chief for helping transform my neighborhood from a war zone to a thriving community. The concern I discussed was about inappropriate police aggression. I see it myself and hear of it often. It ranges from police officers shouting profanities on the loudspeakers of their squad cars in our neighborhoods, to the mishandling of suspects which results in costly out-of-court settlements, to even more tragic situations. I asked both the Mayor and Chief to address specifically how they plan to correct this problem of inappropriate aggression. Chief Olson said that the police *weren't naive* about what was going on and he had a message that citizens who felt mistreated should utilize the Civilian Review Authority. The Mayor spoke well and at length about where the buck stops. Though both acknowledged a problem and their responsiblilty, neither offered many solutions. I approached Mayor Sayles Belton after the meetng and offered my help in exploring ways of rejuvenating MPD/Citizen trust by partcipating in any forum or discussion on the topic. For me the most distressing part of the evening was reported to me by one of my supporters there. She took part in a conversation where a MPD officer was criticising CM Herron for not being present. When my supporter mentioned my name to the officer he responded, "Oh, the one that doesn't like the police." For the record, so far I like every MPD officer I've ever met. To me the police are a welcome part of our city, but I don't think that the MPD is above reproach. I am saddened by this attitude of *for us or against us* that so often comes from city departments and City Hall. Hopefully we can all work together to help build a healthy and beautiful city. Yours, Robert Lilligren Candidate for City Council Ward 8, Phillips West www.VoteRobert.com ___ Minneapolis Issues Forum - Minnesota E-Democracy Post messages to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subscribe, Unsubscribe, Digest option, and more: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
[Mpls] List Members in the News
Congratulations Barb Lickness on your fine Profile in the latest MN Women's Press. It shows you are smart and compassionate. With your professional experience ranging from coporate work to grassroots neighborhood stuff, and with your strength of character, you'd be a great addition to City Council. Good Luck! Yours, Robert Lilligren Candidate for City Coucnil Ward 8, Phillips West www.VoteRobert.com ___ Minneapolis Issues Forum - Minnesota E-Democracy Post messages to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subscribe, Unsubscribe, Digest option, and more: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
RE: [Mpls] Mpls settlement of lawsuit against MPD
This is so costly and disappointing. This is not how I want the City that I love to operate. Things are out of hand. Something is very wrong with the way police relate to the community The City government continues to support the status quo. The MPD, like many City departments, needs to be held accountable for its actions. This will happen through citizen participation and citizen review. I do not understand why the MPD seems so against citizen review. I have asked employees of the MPD why officers are unwilling to cooperate and promote citizen review. The answer I get is - citizens have not walked in police officers' shoes. I have been dragged into an alley two blocks from my home with a knife at my neck and assaulted; I have been confronted with deadly weapons several times while going about my daily business; I have had my life threatened while simply working in my yard. I'm sure I am not unique in this. If it is the MPD's belief that Minneapolis' citizens don't know what it's like to regularly live through life-threatenting danger, they are wrong. Last weekend two of my neighbors (and friends) were harassed by the MPD for allegedly reckless driving on their BICYCLES (they deny it). One was cuffed and brutalized to the point where he could not use his right had the next day (he lost work). It took two squads and four officers to deal with these two pacifists. This is not effective policing. Things need to change in the way we allow our police to treat our citizens in Minneapolis. I urge you to use your votes to effect this change. Yours, Robert Lilligren Candidate for City Council Ward 8, Phillips West www.VoteRobert.com ___ Minneapolis Issues Forum - Minnesota E-Democracy Post messages to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subscribe, Unsubscribe, Digest option, and more: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
[Mpls] Peds, bikes, cars & Walls
I attended the full City Council meeting today because I am interested in the Hiawatha LRT Lake St. bridge design. As a board member on the Midtown Greenway Coalition I played a small part in the "no Wall" movement. I think the City Council did the right thing. The cost of now returning to the original design is about $3 million. CM Ostrow proposed an ammendment where the City would only be responsible for $800,000 of the reconversion to the original design (the amount of the savings which prompted the unnanounced design change). This would have probably resulted in the construction of the Wall. As one Council Member put it, we are being "held hostage" by the process. One goal of the Minneapolis Plan is to promote neighborhood connectivity. Hiawatha expansion has separated East Phillips Neighborhood from its major shopping hub at Lake St. and Hiawatha. The Wall would've been further serious separation. As an able-bodied and (reasonably) young person I find it difficult to cross the eight lanes of traffic on Hiawatha (try it sometime). It may be impossible for an older, or mobility impaired, or less able person. 10th Ward City Coucil candidate Mark Knapp was right on with his recent post defining our "car culture". Hiawatha expansion does not serve the people of my community, yet we pay the highest price for it. Our City needs to at least allow for the possibility of a pedestrian and non-motorized transportation culture. I have been a neighborhood representative at the I-35W redesign table for three years this spring. This process continues amid community hostility, distrust and rumors of alternate plans being created beyond the public's view. When a decision like the one for the Wall on Hiawatha is made without citizen participation and it ends up costing us $1 1/2 million, I think suspicion is healthy. Let's shift our focus from the 1-car-1-driver model. Planners in other cities, like Washington DC, changed their thinking away from just moving cars to moving people with positive results. Let's at least allow for the possibility of real city, not just a service and earning center to the suburbs. Yours, Robert Lilligren Candidate for City Council Ward 8, Phillips West www.VoteRobert.com ___ Minneapolis Issues Forum - Minnesota E-Democracy Post messages to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subscribe, Unsubscribe, Digest option, and more: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
[Mpls] Mpls Office of Email
David Brauer, I like the idea of e-city services, but I have reservations. For a long time I refused to be e-dependent in sypmathy with most of my neighbors who do not have easy, in-home access to the internet. I realized this was making me a less effective neighborhood activist, so here I am. The problem still exists - in economically challenged, developing neighborhoods like mine there is a lack of easy internet access. I think any city-wide e-program will need to address this - possibly providing access (ie. computers) to households. Hope this helps, Robert Lilligren Candidate for City Council Ward 8, Phillips West ___ Minneapolis Issues Forum - Minnesota E-Democracy Post messages to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subscribe, Unsubscribe, Digest option, and more: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
[Mpls] Motel Proposed Zoning Changes
Though I live in Phillips West, Central's Neighbor to the North, my home is nearer to the site of the proposed development than most households in the Central Neighborhood. If I could vote on these proposed zoning changes to allow for construction of an Americ'INN I would vote NO. The proposed motel on the 3000 block of 2nd Ave. creates less stability in the neighborhood. It will not reflect the needs of the community. It offers limited economic opportunities to 8th Ward residents and entreprenuers. It will create a "flyover" image for our community to the 50,000 -plus folks who drive by every day on I-35W, rather than putting our best faces forward. And most importantly, we are in an affordable housing crisis!!! We need to use ALL opportunities we have to create more housing. Here is chance to add some significant density to our ever-depleting housing stock. Though this "suburban-style" development like the Americ'INN has been very popular in Minneapolis (ie. Padilla-Spears/Ryan & Block E) it does nothing to enrich the urban texture of our neighborhoods. Let's look just to the west at Lake St. K-Mart for a glaring example of some really bad decisions. Working together we can build a beautiful city. Yours, Robert Lilligren Candidate for City Council Ward 8, Phillips West www.VoteRobert.com ___ Minneapolis Issues Forum - Minnesota E-Democracy Post messages to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subscribe, Unsubscribe, Digest option, and more: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
Re: [Mpls] under the candidate's radar- housing solutions
With all due respect to Dyna Sluyter, I do not like being lumped in a field of candidates that she implies aren't doing anything about housing solutions. I have preserved housing in my neighborhood by moving a duplex; I have added to the housing stock on my block through renovation and new construction; I used my resources to get a duplex on my block out of the hands of an absentee landlord and established a (former) renter from the block as an owner-occupant at no financial profit to myself; I serve on the HOMS Initiative Strategic Planning Committee & Project for Pride in Living Community Housing Development Organization's advisory board; I Chair my N'hood Org's Housing Committee; I am currently using my experience and knowledge to try to bring about another house move in my neighborhood; I am helping (as a volunteer) the current Council Member to advance solutions for creating affordable housing. THAT said, here are my responses to her suggestions: Garage Conversion. This sounds like a good way to increase density and offer residents an economic opportunity. Often buildings like this are called Carraige Houses. The n'hood org. in Ventura Village (formerly Phillips North Region) has a program for building Carraige Houses and they may already have schematics that could help. I believe their program is stalled on a technicality. Residential zoning of R2(B) is very common and allows for two housing units per lot. RV's. This is transitional housing and a temporary solution not available to that many people. An RV does not add to family's wealth the way home-ownership does (it depreciates). A renter who could make that kind of initial investment in the RV would probably be better off trying to buy a building, condo, or co-op for a home. In the case of Ms. Sluyter's mom, however, it seems like an ideal solution. I'm wondering if a waiver could be sought for her RV hook-up by approaching the City Admin. with support from the Neighborhood Organization and Ward Office? Please see my web site for more affordable housing suggestions (under Issues). Yours, Robert Lilligren Candidate for City Council Ward 8, Phillips West www.VoteRobert.com ___ Minneapolis Issues Forum - Minnesota E-Democracy Post messages to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subscribe, Unsubscribe, Digest option, and more: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
Re: [Mpls] Affordable Housing
I agree with Craig Miller about the benefits of neighbors renovating and re-hab'ing rental properties near them. It is a way to both stabilize an area and to offer economic opportunties to residents. I have been successful with this on my block. I moved here in 1982 to what was then called "low-income" development (today we'd call it an "affordable ownership", which I prefer) and have since improved my economic position by buying and tending rental property. I would like to hear more about programs in other n'hoods that encouraged this kind of development. I think one thing lacking is a comprehensive property ownership/management training program and/or ongoing resource for n'hood org's and inexperienced landlords. I've seen bits and pieces of programs to help - like CCP/SAFE's landlord training. Does anyone know of a more comprehensive program? Yours, Robert Lilligren 8th Ward City Council Candidate Phillips West www.VoteRobert.com ___ Minneapolis Issues Forum - Minnesota E-Democracy Post messages to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subscribe, Unsubscribe, Digest option, and more: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
Re: [Mpls] Re: A dirty city
When my area was at its most crack-infested, the residents began reclaiming their streets by picking up litter. This brought neighbors out of their homes and into the streets. It helped to build civic pride and more beautiful blocks. Also, it hindered the drug trade, because dealers had used pieces of trash to hide drugs and money. We did not know this when we started, it was a bonus. Now people pick up trash almost every day here. My close friend, Joe Olson, spearheaded this trash pick-up movement. The reason he gave was so direct in its call to action and simple in its message I have always remembered it. It is also a true haiku: If I want the trash Cleared out of the street, I go out and pick it up. Words to thrive by! Yours, Robert Lilligren 8th Ward City Council Candidate Phillips West www.VoteRobert.com ___ Minneapolis Issues Forum - Minnesota E-Democracy Post messages to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subscribe, Unsubscribe, Digest option, and more: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
[Mpls] Fwd: Housing at Lk & 2nd
CM Herron, I am forwarding a post of mine from the Mpls. Issues forum. In it I outline a feasible alternative to a hotel at this critical gateway to the region and offer an alternative which will truly reflect the surrounding community. I think it's a win/win solution. I discuss it below. 1. Relocate the hotel to the Sears site. Perhaps the Sears site could be developed in pieces. Maybe several developers could own it in Assoc., minimizing their risks and increasing the likelihood of project completion. My guess is that this is possible and now, while the project is being parceled out (ie. Allina's ramp), is the time to determine this. This program could allow entrepreneurs who have reached this level of success an opportunity to grow. Not all the developers would need to be at the table from the start, but could be phased in. I suggest Phase 1 would be DDS/Hotel/Transportation (mass-trans.;cars; bikes; ped; wheelchairs;etc). Maybe this is a way to jump-start development there. 2. Mixed-income Housing/Retail at Lake Street & 2nd Avenue. Nobody knows more than you how important it is for us to build housing at every opportunity. This project would create mixed-income housing and density. More importantly, it is the chance to figure out how to make affordable housing development attractive to a private developer, which is a critical step to solving the housing crisis. This project could pilot others. Please use this important opportunity. At the 8th Ward Convention on Sat., when you asked for my help on finding affordable housing solutions I was honored. I am offering my help. If the 8th Ward office will coordinate and participate, I will sit down at the table with all interested parties to plan and build mixed-income housing with street level retail/commercial on the 3000 block of 2nd Ave. I am already part of this discussion. I attended two Artspace/Artist Housing group meetings in Central in the spring and summer of '99. Congratulations on the 8th Ward Convention, CM. It looks like we are off to the good start of a clean race, and that's what's most important to the Ward. I hope we can work together and help build a beautiful city. Yours, Robert Lilligren 8th Ward Candidate www.VoteRobert.com
Re: [Mpls] Re: East Lake motel
There are 3 million square feet of under-developed space at the former Sears site. This seems a good place for a hotel. Plans to build 3000 parking spots between two ramps in two phases at the site have already been before City Council. Phase 1 was near groundbreaking when the development stalled. I believe Allina is seeking a way to develop a similar project on the site, separate from the building development, to accomodate the increased cars related to I-35W expansion. With all this parking and its proximity to the Allina campus, this makes the Sears site ideal for a hotel. It seems compatible with mixed-use plans. We need to develop here with care. Add this to the 2000-car ramp currently proposed at Wells Fargoe (Honeywell) and, as I said in the Green Institute's Jan. 2000 newsletter, "my neighborhood is developing all the charm of a mall parking lot". I think Basim Sabri's offer of affordable rental units is right on! WE ARE IN AN AFFORDABLE HOUSING CRISIS! That site needs to add housing. I suggest a development with mixed-income housing. Affordable rental; mid-rage rental (dare I suggest upper-range rental?); and affordable ownership opportunities need to be part of that development. Add street level commercial with some self-owned "condo" shops so that owner/proprietors could build wealth as the area develops. This would support the small business-incubator that Basim S. owns and developed at 301 E. Lake. Successful entrepreneurs will need larger spaces and more opportunities. Basim Sabri, I love what you have done at 301 East Lake! I see it from my porch. I lived here when it was half a "sauna" and half a porn headquarters. It sat vacant and boarded, stalled in development for years. I once looked to develop it myself, but it was out of my league. YOU made it go. Thank you. Please use your talent, energy and resources to help build a beautiful city.You can do it, you're a PRO! Thank you everyone for a terrific 8th Ward Convention. It was a GAS! Special thanks to Mattea LS; Rep. Walker; David F; and Dennis, you guys rock! I went from 0 to 4.1% which is a lot harder than going from 50 to 51%. I am having an Open House/Renovation in Progress at 2916 3rd Ave So. on Wed. 3/21 from 5 to 6:30. More later! Robert Lilligren 8th Ward Candidate for City Council Phillips West www.VoteRobert.com ___ Minneapolis Issues Forum - Minnesota E-Democracy Post messages to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subscribe, Unsubscribe, Digest option, and more: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
Fwd: [Mpls] Ramps: Why are we doing this, again?
CM McDonald is right on with her read on this project. I would like to know who the county officials were who "politlely asked her to keep [her] mouth shut". Early in this design process, I repeatledly suggested creating more signage and beautifying the existing ramps so that they actually invited people to drive on them would solve many of the access problems. My suggestions were never developed and never made part of any design options. At last Monday's meeting the design pro's stated that "all suggestions made by the community have been explored". My suggestions were ingnored. This is one discrepancy. It chills me to the bone that CM McD. says this "deal has already been cut". I feel like I will end up laying in front of a bulldozer some day. Mitigation is one thing. Working together to create a beautiful city is another. I choose the beautiful city. Yours, Robert Lilligren 8th Ward Canidate for City Council Phillips West www.VoteRobert.com
Re: [Mpls] Gays: have we arrived?
In response to Carol Becker's comment that no "gay men persons of color" are running for City Council: For the record, I am an enrolled member of the White Earth Indian Reservation (Ojibwe). This heritage comes through my father, Chuck Lilligren. He had a long career in the public eye and used his position to be a vocal supporter of Native American rights. My grandmother, Helen Beaulieu Lilligren, was from the generation forced to assimilate into Euro-american culture. As a very young child she, like so many others, was removed from her home on the reservation and taken to "English School". There she was forced to learn English and to despise her Native ways. Then she was returned to the res. to flaunt her new language, promote her new "superior" culture, and unwittingly advance an anti-Indian agenda. My father is part of a movement to preserve and restore Ojibwe customs and language. He recently told me a story of a very young Native American boy whose parents learned Ojibwe and spoke it to him from the cradle. It is very possible that he is the first native Ojibwe speaker raised in Minnesota in almost a century. I don't know this boy, or even his name. In my heart I call him "Hope". Though my varied ethnic backgroud and sexual orientation are important parts of my charater, I want people to vote for me because of my record of activism, my abilities, and qualifications for the office. Mi'igwech, Robert Lilligren 8th Ward Candidate Phillips West ___ Minneapolis Issues Forum - Minnesota E-Democracy Post messages to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subscribe, Unsubscribe, Digest option, and more: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
[Mpls] Fwd: [cnia-chat] Mon March 12, I-35W ramps meeting
I attended the meeting last night. There were about 75 people present including elected and agency officials from the state, county and city levels. Also, you couldn't raise your hand to ask a question without hitting a candidate for a Minneapolis city office. The proposed changes at 35/36/38th were not part of the original plan. They were pitched in by the technical designers when it became clear that traffic using the proposed Lake Street ramps (north & southbound) and the intrusive and unnecessary "fly-over" ramp to 28th St. would not have the distance to sort itself out between Lake and 35th (this is called traffic weaving). If this "fly-over" ramp were not built, it's possible that the changes farther south would not be necessary. The only new traffic being brought to Lake St. in the prosposals on the table would be from the north (southbound) and would exit on the west side of the freeway. This is the exit that CM McDonald explained was proposed by Lake St. small businesses to increase their accessibility. It is the fly-over ramp that has driven this planning proccess from the beginning. Originally it was promoted by Allina, Honeywell and Ray Harris (Great Lake Center - Sears). Now that the latter two have demonstrated their commitments to the region by leaving, Wells Fargo (new owner of the Honeywell campus) has jumped aboard the fly-over bandwagon. I hear they even have a special exit off the fly-over ramp planned to feed directly into the 2000 car parking ramp they are planning to build on the north side of the Midtown Greenway. This will allow their employees to leave their cars; enter their offices by skyway; stay in the building all day (using new in-house cafes and health club); then return to their cars and suburban homes never having actually stepped foot in the neighborhood. It is easy to see who benefits from this destructive and impactful flyover ramp and it is not the neighborhoods or Lake Street. Yes, I-35W disconnected our n'hoods and created an hideous gash in South Mpls., but ramp placement didn't bring about the economic blight in the region. That was caused in large part by the sprawl, which I-35W ennabled. People could drive quickly in from out-lying areas to work at these large companies, then quickly return to their own communities to invest the resources they gained here. I do not believe that adding more of this same freeway infrastructure will, in some inoculative way, cure our ills. It is bad planning to condemn this entire region to several more generations of dependance on 1 car/1 person transportation. It is time to invest our resources in alternative transportations. Let's supply training to the people living here so they can take the new jobs created at Wells Fargo, Allina and the Sears-site and minimize commuter traffic from the suburbs. Let's spend our money on parks, service improvements and green spaces which enhance the quality of our lives. Robert Lilligren 8th Ward City Council Candidate Phillips West
[Mpls] I-35W Redesign Community Meeting
There is a meeting to seek input from the community regarding possible redesign of 35th, 36th & 38th Streets (including closing the existing ramps and relocating on/off ramps to 38th Street) TONIGHT Mon. Mar 12, 2001 at the 5th Precinct big room (3101 Nicollet Ave.) from 7 to 9pm. The meeting will focus on the neighborhoods along the freeway which include the effected streets (Lyndale; Kingfield; Central; Bryant) but it is open to everyone. I-35W redesign is a critical issue for the entire region. The community involvement tool for the project is the county-appointed Project Advisory Committee (PAC). It meets monthly. It is comprised of N'hood representatives; city & county government rep's; big business rep's (Allina, Wells Fargo, formerly Honeywell and formerly Ray Harris); MNDOT and design pro's. The PAC's Mitigation and Enhancement subcommittee meets twice monthly. All of these meetings are open to the public, informative and generally well-attended. A note to Central N'hood residents: Central has not been represented on the PAC for about a year. It is especially important for CNIA to be represented on the Mitigation and Enhancement subcommittee. CM Herron's staff has repeatedly reassured the group that the mitigation and enchancement part of the I-35W redesign is the "cake and not the icing" of the project. It is important for Central to participate and get its piece of "the cake". I am the rep. from Phillips West N'hood on the PAC. I am one of the handful of people who have been sitting around the table since public participation on this project began (3 years ago this spring). I would be happy to discuss the history and status of this design process. For meeting dates and other project related info. please call Tom Johnson, Project Manager at Smith Parker 612-344-1400. Yours, Robert Lilligren Ward 8 Candidate for City Council ___ Minneapolis Issues Forum - Minnesota E-Democracy Post messages to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subscribe, Unsubscribe, Digest option, and more: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
Re: Re [Mpls] Micromanaging Identity Group Screenings
My name is Robert Lilligren and I'm running for Minneapolis City Council, 8th Ward. I sought the Stonewall DFL endorsement, returned my questionnaire, and screened on Feb. 17. It was announced after the 8th Ward screening that I had rated a recommendation of "unacceptable" to be forwarded to the Stonewall DFL Board. Three (of approx. 10) voting members of the caucus who participated in my screening approached me following the vote and explained that I rated unacceptable because of my response to question #2 - honor the endorsement. Two of these people are DFL committee chairs. They complimented my presentation and applauded my response to question #11 - affordable housing. All three caucus members apologized to me for the unacceptable rating. I am a small-scale housing developer and a dedicated neighborhood activist. I have hands-on experience in housing renovation, new construction and building-moving on the six buildings (13 units) which I co-own. I work hard as a volunteer for Phillips West Neighborhood - on our council and committees; on the board of directors of the Midtown Greenway Coalition; on the Henn. Co. Project Advisory Committee (I-35W redesign) and its critical Mitigation and Enhancement subcommittee; and on HOMS Initiative (affordable housing) strategic planning committee. I helped organize my neighbors to fight crime in our area and transform our corner of Phillips into a real community. My experience working both as a developer and in the neighborhoods gives me perspective and insight into two important concerns in Minneapolis: affordable housing and downtown v. neighborhood development. I have a strong desire to help build a beautiful future for Minneapolis. I am a more than acceptable candidate. I do lots of work in groups, associations, committees, and the like. I understand the reasons for rules that define who's in and who's out. I knew that my answer to question #2 was the most important one to the Stonewall DFL Caucus. I plan to campaign to win in the Primary and General Elections. I think the best thing I can do for the DFL is to be an informed, responsive and effective representative for the 8th Ward. Regards, Robert Lilligren 8th Ward Phillips West ___ Minneapolis Issues Forum - Minnesota E-Democracy Post messages to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subscribe, Unsubscribe, Digest option, and more: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
