Re: [Mpls] Rose Garden Strategy for County Commissioner
I would say that elected officials ought to meet their constituents where they are. If it is an e-mail list as widely known and available as the Mpls-Issues list, then I think it is fair to expect a response. I, too, was impressed at Mike Opat's response to my questions for him on this list. I believe it is a step in the right direction for elected officials to start coming into the next century of constituent communications. Bob Velez Shingle Creek Ward 4-1 -- Citizen Bob Velez Green Party endorsed candidate for Hennepin County Commissioner, District 1 AFSCME (Local 34) ENDORSED http://www.webspawner.com/users/citizenbobvelez/ Quoting WizardMarks <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>: > Walt Cygan wrote: > > >Gee, I guess he had time to complain about Mr. Felien's article on 10/1, > >but not to respond to questions from constituents. It makes one curious > >about his priorities. > > > > There is clearly a notion here that politicians owe it to us to come on > this list and debate issues, stances, and opinions with us. I don't > think they do. It's sometimes helpful if they do, but it's not an > obligation of office. In election years like this one, politicians > debate their opponents. Traditionally, they do it with League of Women > Voters-type debates, meeting people face to face, giving speeches, and > advertising. Certainly they're not likely to be gracious and post their > positions if the request comes in a form like the above. ___ Minneapolis Issues Forum - A Civil City Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subscribe, Unsubscribe, Digest option, and more: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
Re: [Mpls] Rose Garden Strategy for County Commissioner - Lies, alibis, or simply untruths.
WM: The differemce is that I'm not running for county commissioner and I don't own newspapers or run them. If anyone wants to support or not support McLaughlin or Felien or a third party, it doesn't have anything to do with me. Whether I'm morally bankrupt (I'm not, though when I do make a mistake it's usually a dousy) or the sweetheart of sigma chi, has nothing to do with it. It's whether or not each opponent can stand on his/her behavior. JIM GRAHAM wrote >Given what in many people's mind was her previous outright slander of Eddie >Felien, Wizard making a statement such as "The damage is already done. All >of those who read this list and Pulse have already carried a misperception", >is a little much; even for Wizard. > >Even though he has a great hurdle to >overcome, Eddie certainly has the advantage in such media debate, as he has >NO record to stand on and he can pick and choose stances to take. Eddie >also has a publication in which to print his version of the debate as if it >were the truth. > WM: But the issue was not a printed debate, it was a news story in which McLaughlin was misquoted by Felien through a third party. McLaughlin called Felien on it. >(In all honesty even though I may have an inflated sense of >self worth, I must admit the importance of debating on a list that has 800 >members, scattered around the Metro Area is highly debatable in of its self. > WM: Exactly, that's why I think so many politicians don't do it. WizardMarks, Central >__ >Minneapolis Issues Forum - A Civil City Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy >Post messages to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] >Subscribe, Unsubscribe, Digest option, and more: >http://e-democracy.org/mpls > ___ Minneapolis Issues Forum - A Civil City Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subscribe, Unsubscribe, Digest option, and more: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
[Mpls] Rose Garden Strategy for County Commissioner - Lies, alibis, or simply untruths.
As stated earlier, I am a supporter of Peter McLaughlin. This being said, I still do not believe Wizard Marks has the moral foundation upon which to be making the following statement: >>"If a third hand report purported to be the words of one's opponent does appear in a news story, the person so misquoted (in this instance) has every right to defend him/herself and to demand a retraction as prominently displayed as was the headline for the story. The damage is already done. All of those who read this list and Pulse have already carried a misperception beyond the rather wide limits imposed by a newspaper with multi-thousands of readers and an 850+ person e-mail list."<< Given what in many people's mind was her previous outright slander of Eddie Felien, Wizard making a statement such as "The damage is already done. All of those who read this list and Pulse have already carried a misperception", is a little much; even for Wizard. I to would like Peter to answer some of the questions being asked. My support of him is in part due to my support for what I believe his answers to such questions would be. I do not think Peter has anything to worry about when engaging in such debate with Eddie. Neither does Eddie fear such debate, though admittedly Eddie has far more to gain from such debate than Peter does. Most mainstream voters are in the habit of voting for Peter McLaughlin, but not many have ever voted for Eddie. The only means for overcoming such an advantage is to engage in such debate. Even though he has a great hurdle to overcome, Eddie certainly has the advantage in such media debate, as he has NO record to stand on and he can pick and choose stances to take. Eddie also has a publication in which to print his version of the debate as if it were the truth. (In all honesty even though I may have an inflated sense of self worth, I must admit the importance of debating on a list that has 800 members, scattered around the Metro Area is highly debatable in of its self. Especially when all of them seem to have preset notions of their own! Still, I think debate on issues is important, and while he has no record to challenge, Eddie has made statements and taken stances over the years that Peter most certainly can make a great deal of "Alfalfa" on in such debate. The two candidates may have different views on a great number of different issues, but that is why we vote for one over the other. If they do not have such differences, why should we vote for Eddie? It is up to Eddie to tell us why!!! How else is he going to get good Democrats, (and some bad ones like me), to vote for him? Show me a reason to vote against an incumbent and I will usually take it, but (and it is a mighty BIG BUTT), you got to show me first. I'm from near enough to Missouri that you got to show me. And I was born during the day, but NOT yester-day, so you better show me something good. Jim Graham, Ventura Village ___ Minneapolis Issues Forum - A Civil City Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subscribe, Unsubscribe, Digest option, and more: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
RE: [Mpls] Rose Garden Strategy for County Commissioner
WizardMarks wrote: > There is clearly a notion here that politicians owe it to us > to come on this list and debate issues, stances, and opinions > with us. I don't think they do. You're right, generally politicians don't owe us a debate *here*. Though I would suggest that they *do* owe us a debate somewhere. If, however, one of them uses the list to post a political flyer telling why his candidacy is so good for us, I think we are reasonable in expecting him to answer questions about his record. Mr. McLaughlin opened the door. On September 19, he posted the following: I have often commented on how difficult it is to catch the attention of the voters when you are running for County Commissioner. My hat is off to the issues list and those of you who participate in it for paying attention and providing the opportunity to present information. He has our attention. We want him to present information on issues that are important to us. If he didn't want the heat, he could have stayed out of this kitchen. Once he chose to bring his message here, he can expect criticism if he then decides that he will only post on his own terms. I have never had the opportunity to meet either candidate. I have no ax to grind. I just want a commissioner and a candidate who shows a little responsiveness. We have not seen that from Mr. McLaughlin here. On the other hand, we have seen that willingness from Mr. Felien. Walt Cygan Keewaydin ___ Minneapolis Issues Forum - A Civil City Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subscribe, Unsubscribe, Digest option, and more: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
Re: [Mpls] Rose Garden Strategy for County Commissioner
Walt Cygan wrote: >Gee, I guess he had time to complain about Mr. Felien's article on 10/1, >but not to respond to questions from constituents. It makes one curious >about his priorities. > There is clearly a notion here that politicians owe it to us to come on this list and debate issues, stances, and opinions with us. I don't think they do. It's sometimes helpful if they do, but it's not an obligation of office. In election years like this one, politicians debate their opponents. Traditionally, they do it with League of Women Voters-type debates, meeting people face to face, giving speeches, and advertising. Certainly they're not likely to be gracious and post their positions if the request comes in a form like the above. Peter McLaughlin made an excellent point that Ed Felein is playing two roles simultaneously and while they are mutually advantageous (newspaper publisher and candidate for public office), writing a purported story in one's own newspaper about one's opponent(s) for office certainly cannot be construed as ethical. If a third hand report purported to be the words of one's opponent does appear in a news story, the person so misquoted (in this instance) has every right to defend him/herself and to demand a retraction as prominently displayed as was the headline for the story. The damage is already done. All of those who read this list and Pulse have already carried a misperception beyond the rather wide limits imposed by a newspaper with multi-thousands of readers and an 850+ person e-mail list. Anything purported to be the words of Peter McLaughlin in either of Ed Felein's newspapers, on this list, and in person is automatically suspect because he has formally declared himself McLaughlin's opponent. I would go further and say that any stories by Ed in his newspapers which concern any county functions will be so interlaced with Felien's desire to be county commissioner as to be virtually worthless, at least until after the election. WizardMarks, Central > > ___ Minneapolis Issues Forum - A Civil City Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subscribe, Unsubscribe, Digest option, and more: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
RE: [Mpls] Rose Garden Strategy for County Commissioner
Gee, I guess he had time to complain about Mr. Felien's article on 10/1, but not to respond to questions from constituents. It makes one curious about his priorities. Walt Cygan Keewaydin -Original Message- From: WizardMarks [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]] Sent: Saturday, October 5, 2002 7:38 PM To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Cc: Minneapolis Issues Forum Subject: Re: [Mpls] Rose Garden Strategy for County Commissioner Peter McLaughlin has been out of town for the last little while. WizardMarks, Central Walt Cygan wrote: > Since Peter McLaughlin seems to be adopting a Rose Garden strategy in > running for re-election, I guess I'll have to vote for Mr. Felien. It > seems appalling that an elected official would try to use this list to > advertise his candidacy via an electronic campaign brochure, then fail > to respond to the very reasonable questions put forward originally by > Jordan and resubmitted several times by several people. > > At least Mike Opat had the courtesy (and nerve) to respond to the > questions posed by Bob Velez. I disagree with Mr. Opat's desire to tax > us for the benefit of Carl Pohlad, but at least he addressed the issue. > > Peter McLaughlin, however, has stayed silent for over 2 weeks on these > questions. If he can't at least dignify constituents' questions with > some kind of acknowledgement if not actual answers, I can't vote for > him. I find his approach to this very disappointing. > > Walt Cygan > > Keewaydin > > "Jordan S. Kushner" wrote: > > > > > > Dear Commissioner McLaughlin, > > > > > > it is nice to see you attempting to respond to Ed Felien's questions. > > > However, you have not responded to the questions that I sent to you > > > and this list 11 days ago. In case you missed them, please answer the > > > questions > > > below: > > > > > > 1) Why have you appeared to consistently support public funding for a > > > private sports stadium? > > > > > > 2) What was your role in the decision to have Highway 55 fly over > > > Lake > > > Street while causing a much larger delay in the traffic lights at that > > > intersection? =20 > > > > > > 3) Why did you sign your names as one of the co-authors of an op-ed > > > piece in the Star Tribune on March 27, 2001, in which you appeared to > > > denounce the Minnesota Attorney General's investigation of Allina > Health > > > System's unethical practices? > > > > > > 4) How do you justify your consistent past support for the Highway 55 > > > reroute near the Mississippi river which was destructive to the > > > environment, the community, Native American culture, and has actually > > > led to more rather than less traffic? > > > > > > 5) How do you compare or distinguish your political agenda from your > > > allies in the city of Mineapolis' DFL leadership who were defeated in > > > last year's elections? > > > > > > . > > > Jordan Kushner > > > recent constituent > > > > ___ Minneapolis Issues Forum - A Civil City Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subscribe, Unsubscribe, Digest option, and more: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
Re: [Mpls] Rose Garden Strategy for County Commissioner
Peter McLaughlin has been out of town for the last little while. WizardMarks, Central Walt Cygan wrote: > Since Peter McLaughlin seems to be adopting a Rose Garden strategy in > running for re-election, I guess I'll have to vote for Mr. Felien. It > seems appalling that an elected official would try to use this list to > advertise his candidacy via an electronic campaign brochure, then fail > to respond to the very reasonable questions put forward originally by > Jordan and resubmitted several times by several people. > > At least Mike Opat had the courtesy (and nerve) to respond to the > questions posed by Bob Velez. I disagree with Mr. Opat's desire to tax > us for the benefit of Carl Pohlad, but at least he addressed the issue. > > Peter McLaughlin, however, has stayed silent for over 2 weeks on these > questions. If he can't at least dignify constituents' questions with > some kind of acknowledgement if not actual answers, I can't vote for > him. I find his approach to this very disappointing. > > Walt Cygan > > Keewaydin > > "Jordan S. Kushner" wrote: > > > > > > Dear Commissioner McLaughlin, > > > > > > it is nice to see you attempting to respond to Ed Felien's questions. > > > However, you have not responded to the questions that I sent to you > > > and this list 11 days ago. In case you missed them, please answer the > > > questions > > > below: > > > > > > 1) Why have you appeared to consistently support public funding for a > > > private sports stadium? > > > > > > 2) What was your role in the decision to have Highway 55 fly over > > > Lake > > > Street while causing a much larger delay in the traffic lights at that > > > intersection? =20 > > > > > > 3) Why did you sign your names as one of the co-authors of an op-ed > > > piece in the Star Tribune on March 27, 2001, in which you appeared to > > > denounce the Minnesota Attorney General's investigation of Allina > Health > > > System's unethical practices? > > > > > > 4) How do you justify your consistent past support for the Highway 55 > > > reroute near the Mississippi river which was destructive to the > > > environment, the community, Native American culture, and has actually > > > led to more rather than less traffic? > > > > > > 5) How do you compare or distinguish your political agenda from your > > > allies in the city of Mineapolis' DFL leadership who were defeated in > > > last year's elections? > > > > > > . > > > Jordan Kushner > > > recent constituent > > > > ___ 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] Rose Garden Strategy for County Commissioner
Since Peter McLaughlin seems to be adopting a Rose Garden strategy in running for re-election, I guess I’ll have to vote for Mr. Felien. It seems appalling that an elected official would try to use this list to advertise his candidacy via an electronic campaign brochure, then fail to respond to the very reasonable questions put forward originally by Jordan and resubmitted several times by several people. At least Mike Opat had the courtesy (and nerve) to respond to the questions posed by Bob Velez. I disagree with Mr. Opat’s desire to tax us for the benefit of Carl Pohlad, but at least he addressed the issue. Peter McLaughlin, however, has stayed silent for over 2 weeks on these questions. If he can’t at least dignify constituents’ questions with some kind of acknowledgement if not actual answers, I can’t vote for him. I find his approach to this very disappointing. Walt Cygan Keewaydin "Jordan S. Kushner" wrote: > > Dear Commissioner McLaughlin, > > it is nice to see you attempting to respond to Ed Felien's questions. > However, you have not responded to the questions that I sent to you > and this list 11 days ago. In case you missed them, please answer the > questions > below: > > 1) Why have you appeared to consistently support public funding for a > private sports stadium? > > 2) What was your role in the decision to have Highway 55 fly over > Lake > Street while causing a much larger delay in the traffic lights at that > intersection? =20 > > 3) Why did you sign your names as one of the co-authors of an op-ed > piece in the Star Tribune on March 27, 2001, in which you appeared to > denounce the Minnesota Attorney General's investigation of Allina Health > System's unethical practices? > > 4) How do you justify your consistent past support for the Highway 55 > reroute near the Mississippi river which was destructive to the > environment, the community, Native American culture, and has actually > led to more rather than less traffic? > > 5) How do you compare or distinguish your political agenda from your > allies in the city of Mineapolis' DFL leadership who were defeated in > last year's elections? > > . > Jordan Kushner > recent constituent >
