More on Vouchers
In a message dated 11/6/2000 11:17:55 PM Central Standard Time, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes regarding the ongoing generic discussion of vouchers: << What a voucher does, is use tax payers' money to fund private schools. >> In the strictest sense, what a voucher does is provide 'taxpayer funds for education' to 'educate taxpayer's kids.' It facilitates choice in education. << If my kids are in public school and I'm paying to send those families with a little more money to private school, then my kid is automatically being cheated, cause the public schools lose the money. Not to mention if these private schools are also parochial schools, then we get into questions of the separation of church and state. >> I'll try and make this pertinent to Minneapolis. Your kid gets an allocation of public money for education, just like every other kid should get-- that's the purpose of using tax dollars for education-- to educate the kids. As long as a kid is being educated in an accredited school, who's being cheated? What of all the taxpayers with no children in school-- are they being cheated? If memory serves me, about 70-80 percent of Minneapolis households don't have kids in the K-12 age group, yet they by and large support using tax dollars for education of 'our' kids. If the purpose of using education tax dollars is to educate 'our' kids, all that should matter is that a quality education is provided/ received. What does it matter if some parents choose to send their kids to parochial schools using the taxpayer dollars? As long as those schools are accredited and teach everything deemed necessary in an accredited school, what is the problem? Why discriminate against quality schools just because they are parochial, charter, etc.? In Minnesota and Minneapolis in particular, the charter schools (operating under 'public school districts) receive less funding per student than regular 'public' schools-- why, don't they have to accept all comers? Again, the purpose of allocating 'our' tax dollars for education should be to educate 'our' kids. When I was discharged from the military, I used public tax dollars (GI Bill) to go to college-- there was no restriction on which school I attended, as long as it met accreditation standards. I could attend a junior college or vo-tech, the University of Minnesota, Hamline or St. Johns. It was my choice. All these institutions of higher education were competing for various segments of the population. It is a good system. Allocating 'public' tax dollars for K-12 'public' education, should mean using 'our' money to educate 'our' kids. It shouldn't matter who actually does the educating, as long as it is done well and outcomes meet or exceed accepted standards. Schools that demonstrate 'best practices'; special programs that are in demand, and improving outcomes will attract parents and their kids. Taxpayers, parents and public school administrators/employees, should not fear competition and innovation in education. Competition will strengthen 'our' whole education system... 'public' and 'private' alike. We already have special programs in MPS schools (i.e. ESL, IB and AP, special needs) operating within larger schools, and we could have more magnets, etc. located within more schools just as easily. We must keep the overall goal, educating 'our' kids, in clear focus and not be distracted by ancillary side issues. Perceived obstacles and differences can be negotiated, programs can be consolidated and strengthened, new programs added. I support what we commonly refer to as our 'public education system', but more importantly I support quality education-- irrespective of whether it comes from 'public' or 'private' schools. I think parents should have options and choices as to where they send their kids to school, and I think 'our' education dollars should support 'our' kids education. I support the 'public' school referendum for smaller class size in Minneapolis and I support positive changes in MPS and within/between other districts, 'public' and 'private.' No one has all the right answers and only by working together to improve the overall education system will we be successful. M. Hohmann 13th ward
Re: Jesse knows my number
I'm in SD62A and I've gotten calls from: Jesse for Mary Mellon The Republicans for their slate The Democrates for their slate The Progressives for Nader, Davnie and the School referendum. I told them I wasn't supporting Davnie and they asked if I was supporting their next favorite, Steve Anderson, the Independent. I thought that was an interesting tactic. And, today when I got home I found DFL literature for everybody from Gore down to Sabo all rolled up into one big newspaper-size delivery. PLUS, in my door, separately, a flyer asking me to be a "Nader trader" with a list of the states where it would be a good idea to "trade votes with a friend who will be voting for Gore" and 4 web sites in case I didn't know anyone in those states. Amazing! By the way, check out the spelling of our Governor's name, in the subject line of this message. ;-) Barbara Nelson Seward ~~ Barbara Nelson EMAIL [EMAIL PROTECTED] To be an artist means never to avert one's eyes. Akira Kurosawa
Sheree Breedlove MN Senate 58
sorry for repeating thought last message did not go through ,mary lynch northupgrew up in camden
Sheree Breedlove MN Senate District 58
I was lit dropping with Sheree Breedlove this past weekend and she is recieving an enormous amount of support for her canidancy in north Minneapolis for Senate 58. She is endorsed by the Independence Party. She has been endorsed by the INSIGHT Newspaper as an African American woman leader for north Minneapolis. Please if you live in north Minneapolis or your family and friends do please call or e mail them and consider a vote for Sheree Breedlove as a positive step for Minneapolis as a whole. An article in Insight on October 9th 2000 outlines her issues. One of her major concerns is the housiong crisis in Minneapolis. Thanks mary lynch
Re: Fw: Sheree Breedlove Senate 58 Candidate
I was lit dropping with Sheree Breedlove this last weekend in north Minneapolis. She has an excellent canidate to represent north Minneapolis in the MN senate ( District 58) The Insight newspaper representing the North Minneapolis African American community has endorsed her as an Independent Party canidate. Please if you or friends or family live in north Minneapolis seriously conside A vote for Sheree Breedlove for MN Senate District 58. North Minneapolis needs representation like Sheree. It's TIME for CHANGE. On Sat, 4 Nov 2000, Mary Catherine Lynch wrote: > I am forwarding Alice Kubik's message as her email is misbehaving. mary > lynch > > > > On Sat, 4 Nov 2000, alicekubik wrote: > > > > > - Original Message - > > From: alicekubik > > To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] > > Sent: Saturday, November 04, 2000 11:06 AM > > Subject: Sheree Breedlove Senate 58 Candidate > > > > > > I met Sheree Breedlove yesterday, the north Minneapolis MN Senate candidate for >district 58. She had coffee in my kitchen and we talked about some of the issues >related to Minneapolis. Her biggest concern is the housing crisis that is in Mpls >now for many families. I live in Phillips but I can see the housing concerns here and >know they exist in north Minneapolis. I encourage any north Minneapolis reisidents >from 53 rd Avenue North to downtown and the Mississippi River to Xerxes Avenue North >to vote for Sheree Breedlove for MN Senate District 58. She is with the Independence >Party. She cares about the people of north Minneapolis and wants to help get >District 58 meeting the needs of its people. > > >
Re: Vouchers
I don't think Mr. Griffith or a lot of others, have a clear picture of how tight money is in the homes of poor families. In order for kids to take advantage of private schools, they need more than tuition. Every program, every outing, every event costs money, both for the kids to get in and for clothes and other accoutrements. With only one kid to put through school, it means a lot of rice and beans for the whole family so one kid can go to private school. If one has two or three kids, it's so far beyond impossible that it's not even funny. What a voucher does, is use tax payers' money to fund private schools. If my kids are in public school and I'm paying to send those families with a little more money to private school, then my kid is automatically being cheated, cause the public schools lose the money. Not to mention if these private schools are also parochial schools, then we get into questions of the separation of church and state. That's a really important principle we need to keep intact. No matter how you slice it, vouchers do not support the greater good for the greater many. Wizard Marks, Central Clark C. Griffith wrote: > Vouchers make an enormous difference for poor kids. All private schools > have scholarship programs for kids who are bright and not able to afford > the tuition. A voucher program allows an expansion of the scholarships > to admit a significantly larger number of kids. These schools want all > the brightest kids. > Vouchers also place a lot of money in the market so that other private > schools can be created. For example, with vouchers, a local Muslim > group may be able to create their own school. The possibilities are > enormous; the program is sound. > Clark Griffith > 7th Ward
Meadowbrook dialogue
> Carol Becker writes: > > If we sold only Meadowbrook, and put the money in a trust earning a > concervative rate of interest, say 6%, you could get $1.2 million > a year for > kids and parks. For an asset which is outside of our city limits and > benefits few residents, this sounds like a good idea to explore. Given that logic, maybe we should sell Lake Calhoun even the whole Chain of Lakes. Think of the money we could raise. Parks aren't just for kids. I don't golf, but do understand that there are, for example, many seniors who use our public golf courses. It's a health activity. If you walk the course it doesn't pollute anything. Its green space, it will at times provide a home for wild life. One of the great things about our park system is the variety of things that it provides. No one expects everyone to take advantage of everything. Don't fight to rid the system of someone else's recreation, you may find them attacking yours. Terrell _ Terrell Brown Brown Volunteer Committee 110 West Grant Street #30H Minneapolis, MN 55403-2315 [EMAIL PROTECTED] http://www.terrellbrown.org
Stealth Candidate Adds
Like R.T. I too was out flyering for Neva this weekend. But..I didn't see any literature for anyone else anywhere. As many Nader signs as are in my neighborhood, I would have thought at least someone would be out delivering something. H..guess my neighborhood doesn't have any target voters. Oh well. WHATEVER YOU DO TOMORROW..REMEMBER TO VOTE!!!And may the force by with you. On another note, the CUE awards were tonight. I have been in past years but this years event was hopping. There were a lot of really great projects. A lot done with NRP funds. The cutest was the little elf on Lake Harriet. At any rate, a great night tonight. Barb Lickness Whittier Ward 6 __ Do You Yahoo!? Thousands of Stores. Millions of Products. All in one Place. http://shopping.yahoo.com/
Re: Park Board Dissolution
Erik > Even a cursory analysis of the Park Board > structure would show us such rampant waste, inefficiency and even > misuse of resources that would warrant a merger with other city > functions. That is a pretty broad statement. Lets have some specifics. I think it is much more a problem of a rigid system than "rampant waste" DeWayne Townsend Cooper
Re: Library vote
I support this one. (could you be any more liberal than this one) Even if it's botched a bit, I expect that. If, they could give us something of unique beauty that follows the purpose of a "new" library I will be satisfied, as someone who uses the downtown branch it's clear who needs some cash. Vote Green, Robert Yorga new3
Re: Jessie knows my number! (So does Stenberg)
This is a multi-part message in MIME format. --EAC532C9D45AAF694806C4C7 Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit Well, I just finished knocking on my last of almost 11,000 doors here in district 60B and am settling in for one last night of personal phone calling along with about 18 volunteers scattered throughout southwest Minneapolis. I want to take the opportunity to respond the idea posed by R.T. Rybak "that the Independence Party is working harder...than the Republicans." I hesitate to address it because the proposition is such so ludicrous. I personally knocked on Mr. Rybak's door on the day when Jim Ramstad took an entire morning to block work with us. I left a note since nobody answered. However, my volunteers probably wouldn't stop at the house since it contains a lawn sign for my opponent. Even so, another volunteer hit that particular block earlier today. The fact that literature wasn't in a certain neighborhood last Saturday is certainly no basis for a such broad assumption. We've had House Speaker Sviggum knocking on doors along with FOUR former city council members. We've had up to 25 people knocking in a single day! We purchased five billboards. We sent out 15,000 pieces of targeted mail. As of today, we have nearly raised and spent the maximum allowed by law ($25,320). We have individually knocked on almost every door in the district. We were just talking recently, that this is probably the most active Republican campaign for state representative in 20 years. We very well know we will quite possibly win tomorrow in this independent area of Minneapolis. Tomorrow will tell. For those of you in district 60B, your vote will be appreciated tomorrow and will finally give Minneapolis a voice in the house majority amongst a straight slate of eleven democrats! - Adam Stenberg Fulton Neighborhood Republican-endorsed candidate for 60B P.S. R.T., I'd still appreciate your vote, too! "R.T.Rybak" wrote: > I just got a call from Jesse Ventura. Well, actually it was a RECORDED > call...on behalf of the Independence legislative candidate in my area. I > found it interesting that the Indepdence Party is working harder in this > race, it seems, than the Republicans. > > I also saw evidence of that this weekend when I was leafleting for Neva > Walker, and found lots of Independence literature on doorsteps...but none > for Republicans. > > It is list-appropriate to ask what other tactics people are seeing to turn > out city voters? > > R.T. Rybak > East Harriet. --EAC532C9D45AAF694806C4C7 Content-Type: text/x-vcard; charset=us-ascii; name="adam4house.vcf" Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit Content-Description: Card for Adam Stenberg Content-Disposition: attachment; filename="adam4house.vcf" begin:vcard n:Stenberg;Adam tel;fax:612-922-7438 tel;work:612-922-7502 x-mozilla-html:FALSE url:www.stenberg.org org:Stenberg Volunteer Committee adr:;;4920 Ewing Avenue South;Minneapolis;MN;55410;USA version:2.1 email;internet:[EMAIL PROTECTED] title:Candidate for House District 60B fn:Adam Stenberg end:vcard --EAC532C9D45AAF694806C4C7--
Re: Mpls Community Dialogues
I would like to have more information on this before deciding to attend the meetings. Who is setting them up? What is their purpose? What will the information be used for? I know Ms. Westby and assume she is acting as a consultant in this? Is this being done through the Planning Dept? Karen Collier Linden Hills
Re: staff reply to Meadowbrook dialogue
The report I was citing *was* from 10 years ago. Wow - time flies when you are wonk. Let's see if we can tease this out. The golf courses, refectories, the parade tennis complex, the ice arenas, boat docks and such contribute $1 million to the Park Board General Fund. From this money, the costs of paying for providing services like accounting, human resources, and the Park Board itself. In 1990, this cost was $300,000. Assume over 10 years, this inflated to about $450,000. So half of this money is going to overhead costs that should be borne by the income-generating activities. The balance of these funds, say $500,000 for ease of math, is going to the general fund for general activities like programs for kids and maintaining parks. Now if this all was earned on from Meadowbrook alone, an asset with a value of $20 million, this would be a rate of return of 2.5%. But this $500,000 is being earned from six golf courses, five concession stands, the tennis bubble, the boat dock rental, etc. Given the public investment that exists in these renvenue-producing facilities, the $500,000 which is going to the Park Board general fund is a pittance. If we sold only Meadowbrook, and put the money in a trust earning a concervative rate of interest, say 6%, you could get $1.2 million a year for kids and parks. For an asset which is outside of our city limits and benefits few residents, this sounds like a good idea to explore. As to Meadowbrook making a $350,000 profit and the golf courses making $1 million for capital improvements, this gets mostly plowed right back into capital improvements for golf courses. That isn't money for kids or parks in Minneapolis. Carol Becker Longfellow - Original Message - From: Annie Young <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> To: Multiple recipients of list <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Sent: Sunday, November 05, 2000 9:36 AM Subject: staff reply to Meadowbrook dialogue > From: "Siggelkow, Donald E." <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> > To: "Young, Annie" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> > Subject: RE: Meadowbrook > Date: Sun, 5 Nov 2000 08:18:40 -0600 > X-Mailer: Internet Mail Service (5.5.2650.21) > > Carol reviewed this over 10 years ago and she is wrong. Meadowbrook nets > about $350,000 annually and along with all the other courses contributes > $1,000,000 a year to the Park Board General Fund and to debt service for > youth athletic facilities. The golf courses also fund $1,000,000 in annual > capital improvements for the enterprise system. > > > Annie Young > Ward 6 - East Phillips > Citywide at-large Park Board Commissioner > Working to build a sustainable community >
RE: Newspaper endorsement scorecard
This message comes on the heals of the StarTrib reporting that the city is heading for a major budget problem. Just take a look at the group of people (democrats) that have been in control and created the problem. Keep this in mind when hearing the endorsements, and making your choices Tuesday. Isn't it time for a change, or do you want to see the problems the city is facing produced on the nation scene? Steve Sumner Ward 11
Senate Race
Just curious, what is the word on the street regarding Orfield v. Brown? richard carney st. paul (former Orfield/Spear constituant)
Re: Library vote
D. Klein, Just for the record, not that anyone is keeping track, I'm not supporting the Library referendum either for some of the very reasons you have stated, quite well I might add. Today I was figuring how much I would be paying over the long hall and its just too much for a shoddy plan. I would like to support a new library but their plans do not seem well thought out or fiscally responsible. Karen Forbes Central - Original Message - From: D.Klein <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> To: Multiple recipients of list <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Sent: Monday, November 06, 2000 10:16 AM Subject: Library vote > I am usually a lurker on this site, mostly because I feel I don't have a > good grasp of the issues discussed here (but obviously I am interested!) - > and since I was soundly walloped for my one voiced opinion on graffiti. > But, I offer my (and others of my family and acquaintance) opinion on the > library vote as perhaps the voice of those of us who don't "get" the debate. > > We're not voting for it. (We are voting for schools.) > > I may be wrong, but the site, method, means and manner of obtaining a new > main library seem seriously flawed, and the corollary branch plans seem to > be a weak addendum. I am no longer willing to vote for something with the > good faith that it will all be worked out later in the details. Give me > good details and I'll support it. > > This has nothing to do with our property taxes. We pay alot, and are > willing to do so in order to live in this city in a great neighborhood. In > fact, for a terrific library plan, I'd pay more. But closing the central > library down for years, building it in the same location, and shuffling > books and people around in the interim makes no sense to me. Why not > consider a city/county merger? My hometown did it twenty years ago. Why > not move to the Sheraton Hotel site, make it part of the skyway system, make > it a city center rather than an out of the way afterthought? Why bundle the > branch plans in with the catastrophically needed central building? > > If all of these questions, and more, have been cogently answered, well then, > I haven't gotten it, and neither have those I have discussed it with. > > When I moved here twenty years ago I was excited, anticipating using a big > city library. Had to be much better, I thought, than what I was used to > living in smaller and less progressive towns. While I moved to St. Paul > (what did I know?), I worked in downtown Minneapolis. But, even though my > office was one block from the downtown library, I found I used on a weekly > basis, a beautiful old St. Paul Carnegie library on Marshall Ave. I > preferred that and the downtown St. Paul library to Minneapolis. Why? > Because when I first saw the downtown Minneapolis library, I laughed. I > thought it was a joke. I couldn't believe that a city of this size and > sophistication, to say nothing of striving for a world class, arts-forward, > progressive reputation, could consider that mess, that pole building with > escalators, a world class public library. Everywhere I had lived had > better, and many towns were smaller, less noted and poorer. Then when I > finally moved to Minneapolis, I thought - now I bet I'll have a great old > Carnegie building to take the kids to for story time - and what's our > neighborhood library? The Walker - a groovy basement space with tin can > signage - out of necessity to explain what the heck it is (LIBRARY, thank > you very much), overlooking a littered, unused courtyard. So where do we > go? Ridgedale. But we shouldn't have to. > > The rationales given for a new central library are so "well-reasoned", so > "well-studied" and so lame! For example, one of the core reasons given is > that there might be a fire and it isn't well protected! People! The > average voter isn't going to rally around that concept (not to ignore the > Fahrenheit 451 implications). Please! Give us something with heart! How > about "The building is baboon-faced ugly, it never worked, it never could > work, we messed up. Could we just start over and do it again?" That I'd > vote for. > > So - bring me a simple, well thought out plan that doesn't look like pork > barrel with 293 amendments tacked on and I'll support it, I'll vote for it, > I'll campaign for it, and I'll help pay for it. But this one isn't it. > > > > > Also in support of the mandatory use of Spellcheck, (all grammatical and > punctuation errors are my own). > > D. Klein > Kenwood > >
RE: RE newspaper endorsement scorecard
On the issue of Star Tribune endorsements: Not that I am proud to remind folks of this point but I was not endorsed by the Star Tribune in my campaign in 1997. My independent opponent, who was endorsed and supported by the incumbent Pat Scott, was endorsed in the 7th Ward. One of things they said about me at the time was that I wouldn't be as prepared to represent downtown. I guessed at the time living downtown didn't count for very much. Many thought they needed to support some Independent or republican candidates for balance. Lisa Goodman -Original Message- From: Alan Shilepsky [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]] Sent: Monday, November 06, 2000 2:35 PM To: Multiple recipients of list Subject:RE newspaper endorsement scorecard Steve Brandt suggests (see below) that press veterans Gene Lahammer and Betty Wilson are doing the heavy lifting (research) that results in the Stribe's editorial decisions. I wonder how much and what kind of research goes into the paper's endorsement decisions. I remember that when I was interviewed in 1998 Gene was there, but so was Lori Studevant (sp?) and someone apparently her subordinate. I felt that Lori was in charge. I would love to see the voting tally sheets of the endorsement interview committees, and see them crosstabbed against parties, issues and eventual endorsements. My trust level for the Stribe is not high. I don't blame major candidates who decline to screen. Why spend one or two hours and to just give them ammunition to rip you. I can't complain myself, or complain much about *this* year's tone. The writers are becoming more civil. But I remember 1997 when several Reform Party city council candidates were screened. In the interviews they were pressed hard on public financing of a stadium, but stuck to their guns and remained firmly against it (as did most of the public). My recollection generally was that none of our candidates were endorsed, their rejection of public subsidy was not mentioned in the write-ups (though it was a major interview topic), and that the editorial writers patronized or trashed some of them as people and or as candidates. As though they had been audacious to presume to run (against DFL anointed candidates). I wish the editorial page of the paper would try to reflect the diversity of political experience and opinion in this region. As Oliver Cromwell once said--Sir I beseech you, in the bowels of Christ, is it possible ye may be mistaken? Humility is a virtue in anyone with significant power or range. But it is not a characteristic flowing off of the Stribe's editorial page. Alan Shilepsky Downtown >The bulk of the Star Tribune legislative >endorsements are researched by two retired reporters who have close to >a half-century's experience between them in covering state government >and rate as pretty fair observers of both the issues and what it takes >to ably serve as a legislator. They are Gene Lahammer, formerly of >the Associated Press, and Betty Wilson, formerly of the Star and the >Star Tribune.
RE: Automated dialing
I "received" TWO calls from Barbara Bush last night!!! Maybe it's just outside the City limits phones that get that call! -Original Message- From: Steve Minn [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]] Sent: Monday, November 06, 2000 1:44 PM To: Multiple recipients of list Subject: Automated dialing Many thanks to Mr. Pierson for posting the statute regarding automated dialing, but a correction is necessary regarding illegality. The statute is primarily intended for commercial marketing purposes, not restriction of free speech expression. I doubt the statute meets a constitutional test on the free speech doctrine, let alone the jurisdictional question for President. US Senate or Congress. He may have a point for state races, but then again, there's that nagging free speech doctrine. Most candidates who were warned about this have decided to go ahead anyway, primarily because of this basic constitutional protection. In any event, I have done this type of calling myself in past campaigns, and it is very cost effective. It is particularly good if run during the day, when people are not home. The recorded message left on voice mail or answering machines can not be discerned as anything less than an actual call. Interestingly, though it was the DFL party and DFL Atty. General Mike Hatch who complained to the Foley (4th CD) Campaign about the Ventura calls a few weeks ago, it is the DFL that is making calls from "President Clinton" and "Al Gore" throughout the Metro and in particular, Minneapolis. Steve Minn -- >From: "Darren Pierson" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> >To: Multiple recipients of list <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> >Subject: Re: Jessie knows my number! >Date: Mon, Nov 6, 2000, 12:55 PM > > These automated dialing calls are against the law. I think many campaigns > have been advised to cease this activity, but obviously it's continuing with > others. Here is the statute number and web site to view the actual > language... > > Be advised, if your campaign is taking part in this activity, they are > breaking the law... > > 325E.27 > > http://www.revisor.leg.state.mn.us/stats/325E/27.html > > Cheers! > > Darren Pierson > St. Paul-Ward 1 > > > > >>From: "R.T.Rybak" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> >>Reply-To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] >>To: Multiple recipients of list <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> >>Subject: Jessie knows my number! >>Date: Mon, 6 Nov 2000 11:39:43 -0600 >> >>I just got a call from Jesse Ventura. Well, actually it was a RECORDED >>call...on behalf of the Independence legislative candidate in my area. I >>found it interesting that the Indepdence Party is working harder in this >>race, it seems, than the Republicans. >> >>I also saw evidence of that this weekend when I was leafleting for Neva >>Walker, and found lots of Independence literature on doorsteps...but none >>for Republicans. >> >>It is list-appropriate to ask what other tactics people are seeing to turn >>out city voters? >> >>R.T. Rybak >>East Harriet. >> > > _ > Get Your Private, Free E-mail from MSN Hotmail at http://www.hotmail.com. > > Share information about yourself, create your own public profile at > http://profiles.msn.com. >
RE: Automated dialing
"The recorded message left on voice mail or answering machines can not be discerned as anything less than an actual call." Whatever else you can say about it, this hasn't been my experience. I got calls from the DFL, AFSCME, and VP Al Gore himself over the past week. The Gore one was the best quality, though obviously recorded. Even given that my answering machine isn't the best around, the other 2 were unintelligible, mostly because the speaker spoke fast and quietly. Truly a waste of time and, if these were paid workers, of money.
RE: Library vote
I am voting for the library referendum even though I never plan to visit the main library. I am voting for the referendum because I want strong branches. A bunch of the cash is slated for a updating or relocating a number of branches. Every time my wife has a meeting I pack up all three kids and we walk to Roosevelt Library. It is an attractive old brick building, and has fascinating set of "windows to nowhere" in the ceiling. But the entry has a step and there are two closely spaced doors which make getting a wheelchair into the building very difficult (I've done it with a stroller). And even if you can, the bathroom is down a flight of stairs in the basement. The staff has been a great in both helping us find books and ordering things from the rest of the system. I have yet to have a negative experience with them, even when I came hustling in all out of breath at two minutes to closing. Don't merge the Hennepin County and Minneapolis Libraries! Never! Hennepin County has the bulk of the voting public and would quickly gain control of a countywide library board. Two bad things would happen: 1) We'd lose our branch libraries. The suburban voters and the people they would elect expect to drive anytime they want to do anything from shop to work to play. So they would think the branches are redundant and close at least half of them so save cash. 2) The Minneapolis library has some very nice collections including an original Audubon portfolio and a very good World War II collection. These would either move to the burbs or be sold. Either way we lose. I'm hoping the referendum will allow space for at least portions of the W.W.II collection to be on display. Rich Chandler - Ward 9 > -Original Message- > From: D.Klein > I am usually a lurker on this site, mostly because I feel I don't have a > good grasp of the issues discussed here (but obviously I am interested!) - > and since I was soundly walloped for my one voiced opinion on graffiti. > But, I offer my (and others of my family and acquaintance) opinion on the > library vote as perhaps the voice of those of us who don't "get" the > debate. > > We're not voting for it. (We are voting for schools.) > > I may be wrong, but the site, method, means and manner of obtaining a new > main library seem seriously flawed, and the corollary branch plans seem to > be a weak addendum. I am no longer willing to vote for something with > the good faith that it will all be worked out later in the details. Give > me good details and I'll support it. > > This has nothing to do with our property taxes. We pay alot, and are > willing to do so in order to live in this city in a great neighborhood. > In fact, for a terrific library plan, I'd pay more. But closing the > central library down for years, building it in the same location, and > shuffling books and people around in the interim makes no sense to me. > Why not consider a city/county merger? My hometown did it twenty years > ago. Why not move to the Sheraton Hotel site, make it part of the skyway > system, make it a city center rather than an out of the way afterthought? > Why bundle the branch plans in with the catastrophically needed central > building? > > If all of these questions, and more, have been cogently answered, well > then, I haven't gotten it, and neither have those I have discussed it > with. > > When I moved here twenty years ago I was excited, anticipating using a big > city library. Had to be much better, I thought, than what I was used to > living in smaller and less progressive towns. While I moved to St. Paul > (what did I know?), I worked in downtown Minneapolis. But, even though > my office was one block from the downtown library, I found I used on a > weekly basis, a beautiful old St. Paul Carnegie library on Marshall Ave. > I preferred that and the downtown St. Paul library to Minneapolis. Why? > Because when I first saw the downtown Minneapolis library, I laughed. I > thought it was a joke. I couldn't believe that a city of this size and > sophistication, to say nothing of striving for a world class, > arts-forward, progressive reputation, could consider that mess, that pole > building with escalators, a world class public library. Everywhere I had > lived had better, and many towns were smaller, less noted and poorer. > Then when I finally moved to Minneapolis, I thought - now I bet I'll have > a great old Carnegie building to take the kids to for story time - and > what's our neighborhood library? The Walker - a groovy basement space > with tin can signage - out of necessity to explain what the heck it is > (LIBRARY, thank you very much), overlooking a littered, unused courtyard. > So where do we go? Ridgedale. But we shouldn't have to. > > The rationales given for a new central library are so "well-reasoned", so > "well-studied" and so lame! For example, one of the core reasons given is > that there might be a fire and it isn't well protec
newspaper endorsement scorecard
The Strib is not biased towards a party, they are biased towards subsidies. Consider a topic, any topic. The Strib will come out in favor subsidies. Stadiums, campaigns, school lunches, Methanol, LRT, and on, and on, forever without end, Amen. I gave up on the Strib as a valid source of information when DFL Minneapolis Council Member Sandy Colvin-Roy campaigned in several of the polling places on primary day, and the Strib reported it a couple days later deep inside the Metro section. How many other times has something similar happened and it was not reported? We may never know. Rich Chandler - Ward 9 -Original Message- From: Steve Minn Oh, Come on Wizard!...And this goes for Steve Brandt's post, too! Please don't tell me that the Strib news editors are not just as biased as the editorial pages. I could cite dozens of examples over the years (can we say John Derus' Senate race or Sharon Sayles Belton's '97 Mayoral race?), but the last two weeks offers plenty of fodder, to wit: Even though the success of Nader could arguably determine the Presidential state outcome, news placement of Nader stories on days with news of Bush and Gore have been buried on the back pages, or given small front page openings with arcane jump pages --in essence --buried. Much the same as James Gibson was ignored in the Strib coverage until his campaign bitched and a reporter finally assigned (in late September). The paper then had the audacity to biasedly write in a recent poll summary that "...Gibson, despite increased news coverage...still lags in polls..." How self-serving! Gibson has had three front page leads on either the Metro or Main section, compared to over a dozen each for Dayton and Grams in October alone! Poll methodology used by the News department always is scoped to represent " likely voters." Not "of voting age" or "registered to vote" but "likely to vote." This favors major party candidates. The result? Minnesota Poll consistently has understated the Independence party turnout. Dean Barkley never was projected to perform over 3%, yet got 5.5 and 7% respectively. Low polls tend to discourage third party voting, making the "unwinnable" seem more so. LASTLY... The Strib news department has had information and evidence for over six weeks of a Mark Dayton scandal from his gubernatorial race that they elected not to investigate/report. Given the enthusiasm in which they pursued Jon Grunseth in 1990, you would think that they would have the same zeal to bring the "facts" out on Dayton. Don't hold your breath...why that would hurt their candidate! Just a few other observations... For ten days solid, Sack editorial cartoons have plastered the Nader elects Bush theme, or similar "...hey stupid voter...vote for Gore" themes. No cartoons for independents once this season. Photo selection of republican or independent candidates is always of dour or cluttered scenes, with enthusiastic or "open" photos of DFL'ers. Example? Check out today's picture of Dick Gephart w/ Luther placed prominently in the center, compared to a bad McCain picture on the same page. To Wizard's point, the Strib probably draws less than 25% of its readership from Minneapolis, these days. Hate to say it, but city residents don't buy newspapers like they use to. (maybe we need the paper published in several languages?) The Strib's real reader base is in the more conservative and affluent suburbs. You could have the same phone booth calculation in Edina for Democrats, yet the only Strib endorsements for non-democrats occur in one of the following: a) Heavily republican districts where the DFL'er has no chance (like Ramstad in the 3rd for example), or b) Swing districts where the non-Democrat is running against a more conservative DFL'er, or the DFL'er is truly a first class twit, which, by the way, almost never happens. The Strib manages to make the DFL endorsements glowing, while the remainder endorsements are always backhanded compliments. Akin to: "...if you must vote, this candidate does not have herpes..." Example? Read last weeks' endorsements in legislative races. Every one of the DFL'ers is a bona-fide gift to public service. I always appreciate having a summary list of Strib endorsements, like the one they published yesterday. That way, I know who NOT to vote for! (BTW...Just for the record...they endorsed me twice...see what I mean?) Steve Minn of late of Lynnhurst... -Original Message- From: Wizard Marks You might also note that the percentage of democrats and republicans in Minneapolis probably mirrors the endorsement percentages. I know the republicans in my ward could hold a meeting in a phone booth--if there were phone booths anymore. Wizard Marks, Central > -Original Message- > From: Steve Brandt > A more apt lesson would be to not assume that the Strib has an unbiased, > objective EDITORIAL PAGE. News and editorial are separate departments. > Labeling the whole paper because of
Mpls Community Dialogues
Forwarded on behalf of Sally Westby (mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]): The City of Minneapolis has its goals for the future. Your help is needed to determine how to measure the City's success. Join in the discussion. Attend a community meeting where you can learn about the City's performance measures and consider whether the correct indicators are being used. Essentially, you will help the City answer the question, "What are appropriate and meaningful measures of success?" > >The meetings will be held: > Northeast November 2 7 - 9 p.m Logan Community Center. Monroe & Broadway St NE > Longfellow/Nokomis November 9 7 - 9 p.m. Longfellow Community Center E. 35th Street & 36th Av. S. > North November 14 7 - 9 p.m. Folwell Community Center 1615 Dowling Av. N > South Central November 28 7 - 9 p.m. Powderhorn Community Center E. 34th Street and 15th Av. S. > Southwest November 30 7 - 9 p.m. Lynnhurst Community Center 1345 W. Minnehaha Pkwy > Downtown December 5 5 - 7 p.m. Room 319, Minneapolis City Hall 350 S. 5th Street > If you'd like more information on these workshops,feel free to call me at 612 373-2011 or the City Coordinator's office at 673-3078. > Sally Westby Project Coordinator (and a resident of Kenwood neighborhood) Forward by David Brauer, List manager, Mpls-issues
Candidate Questionnaire
To Candidates and prospective Candidates for City offices: The following is a candidates questionnaire that was developed through the input of various members of the Minneapolis issues internet discussion group. A copy is being sent to all incumbents (who have not announced that they are not seeking reelection), and persons whose names have been put forward as possible candidates (if I have their email addresses. Please complete the questionnaire within the next two weeks and send your responses to the Minneapolis Issues discussion forum at [EMAIL PROTECTED] Jordan Kushner Powderhorn P.S. I do not have email addresses for the following people who were named as prospective candidates: Cam Gordon, Tony Solgaard, Jim Graham, Michael Guest, Dan Nizolek, Scott Benson, Ken Bradley, Brian Hanninen, Cathy Teenbroeke, Dean Kallenback, Juan Linares, Bridget Reilly, Neil Ritchie, Doub Kress, Greg Abbot, Walter Gutzmer, David Piehl. Anyone who has any of these email addresses, please send them to me so that I can forward copies of the questionnaire. If there are any other prospective candidates, please send me their emails, so that I can forward the questionnaire. -- MINNEAPOLIS 2001 CITY CANDIDATE QUESTIONNAIRE: Under what circumstances would you support any public funding for sports facilities intended primarily for the use of private professional teams? Under what circumstances would you support subsidies or special tax breaks for for-profit corporations engaged in commerical development? What is your position on domestic partner benefits for city employees? What, if any additional civilian oversight for the Minneapolis police department do you support? Do you have any proposals to address racial profiling and other racial disparities in police encounters with citizens? What support or criticism do express for current police department practices such as the following: - CODEFOR - SAFE program - Responses to political protests Do you believe that police department leaders should have a role in setting policy for the city government? If so, what do you believe should be the scope and extent of that role? Do you support the city's policy of holding landlords and their property accountable for the criminal actions of tenants, non-tenants and passerby? What changes or enhancements to this policy, if any, would you support? How do you feel about the city's physical appearance? Do you believe that there is any problem with the amoung of trash and graffiti on the streets? What solutions would you propose? What initiatives would you propose to increase the supply of affordable housing? Do you support strenghtening the living wage ordinance? If so, describe. What solutions or initiatives would you propose to improve the quality of life in the most impoverished areas of the City? Do you believe that the City should be committed to social responsibility in determining its investments and business transactions? For example, would you support the following: - Refusal to contract with or invest with companies that use sweatshop labor - Refusal to contract with or invest in companies that have are actively involved with oppressive governments What proposals would you advance to reduce the high levels of air pollution in the city? What level of priority and what initiatives would you support for maintaining the quality and integrity of the lakes, creeks, and rivers in the City? Would you support any initiatives to encourage the use of organic foods? If so, please describe. Do you support the current noise plan for the airport? Do you support moving the airport to another location? How would you go about addressing the noise issues? What is your analysis of the current process for distributing NRP funds? What are your feelings and assessment of the diversity of people that you would be representing, in terms of ethnicity, income, values, life styles, age, and physical appearance? How will you be able to respect and serve their needs? How will you balance the needs of different groups whose concerns or interests my at times be in conflict?
Re: Automated dialing
Steve Says: > One legal scholar close to a federal case on this point,indicated that the > typical voice mail/answering machine message: "please leave a message at > the tone..." constitutes permission to do so by the automated calling > device. In any event...for federal office, the MN Sp.Ct. does not apply. > > Steve Minn > So all we have to do is change our answering machine message to something like: "If you are soliciting for any purpose please hang up now; otherwise leave a message." These machines are terrible. Despite the "please leave message..." comment above, you are using my private phone equipment inside of my four walls, roof and floor. So by leaving me a message you are an intruder in my house, just as you would be if you hacked into one of the many holes in Windows 9x and looked around on my computer. We have enacted laws against that type of intrusion, and leaving messages on my answering machine is no different than that. If a hacker is an intruder on a business computer system, then a political campaign is an intruder by leaving a message, automated or not, on my answering machine. Rich McMartin Bryant Neigborhood.
Re: Automated dialing
One legal scholar close to a federal case on this point,indicated that the typical voice mail/answering machine message: "please leave a message at the tone..." constitutes permission to do so by the automated calling device. In any event...for federal office, the MN Sp.Ct. does not apply. Steve Minn -- >From: "Darren Pierson" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> >To: [EMAIL PROTECTED], [EMAIL PROTECTED] >Subject: Re: Automated dialing >Date: Mon, Nov 6, 2000, 2:05 PM > > All list members, and especially Minneapolis voters that receive these calls > (In an effort to keep this Mpls specific, List-Manager) need to know that > the Minnesota State Supreme Court upheld the ruling that even for political > purposes, there has to be a live person on the line before the tape-recorded > voice message starts to play. > > In no way is it an attepmt to restrict free-speech, it simply gives the > person answering the call the opportunity to deny it. It's more of a choice > issue than a freem speech issue. > > Personally, it's lazy campaigning... > > Cheers! > > Darren Pierson > St. Paul-Ward 1 > > >>From: "Steve Minn" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> >>To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] , Multiple recipients of list >><[EMAIL PROTECTED]> >>Subject: Automated dialing >>Date: Mon, 06 Nov 2000 13:51:48 -0600 >> >>Many thanks to Mr. Pierson for posting the statute regarding automated >>dialing, but a correction is necessary regarding illegality. >> >>The statute is primarily intended for commercial marketing purposes, not >>restriction of free speech expression. I doubt the statute meets a >>constitutional test on the free speech doctrine, let alone the >>jurisdictional question for President. US Senate or Congress. He may have >>a >>point for state races, but then again, there's that nagging free speech >>doctrine. Most candidates who were warned about this have decided to go >>ahead anyway, primarily because of this basic constitutional protection. >> >>In any event, I have done this type of calling myself in past campaigns, >>and >>it is very cost effective. It is particularly good if run during the day, >>when people are not home. The recorded message left on voice mail or >>answering machines can not be discerned as anything less than an actual >>call. >> >>Interestingly, though it was the DFL party and DFL Atty. General Mike Hatch >>who complained to the Foley (4th CD) Campaign about the Ventura calls a few >>weeks ago, it is the DFL that is making calls from "President Clinton" and >>"Al Gore" throughout the Metro and in particular, Minneapolis. >> >>Steve Minn >> >>-- >> >From: "Darren Pierson" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> >> >To: Multiple recipients of list <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> >> >Subject: Re: Jessie knows my number! >> >Date: Mon, Nov 6, 2000, 12:55 PM >> > >> >> > These automated dialing calls are against the law. I think many >>campaigns >> > have been advised to cease this activity, but obviously it's continuing >>with >> > others. Here is the statute number and web site to view the actual >> > language... >> > >> > Be advised, if your campaign is taking part in this activity, they are >> > breaking the law... >> > >> > 325E.27 >> > >> > http://www.revisor.leg.state.mn.us/stats/325E/27.html >> > >> > Cheers! >> > >> > Darren Pierson >> > St. Paul-Ward 1 >> > >> > >> > >> > >> >>From: "R.T.Rybak" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> >> >>Reply-To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] >> >>To: Multiple recipients of list <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> >> >>Subject: Jessie knows my number! >> >>Date: Mon, 6 Nov 2000 11:39:43 -0600 >> >> >> >>I just got a call from Jesse Ventura. Well, actually it was a RECORDED >> >>call...on behalf of the Independence legislative candidate in my area. I >> >>found it interesting that the Indepdence Party is working harder in this >> >>race, it seems, than the Republicans. >> >> >> >>I also saw evidence of that this weekend when I was leafleting for Neva >> >>Walker, and found lots of Independence literature on doorsteps...but >>none >> >>for Republicans. >> >> >> >>It is list-appropriate to ask what other tactics people are seeing to >>turn >> >>out city voters? >> >> >> >>R.T. Rybak >> >>East Harriet. >> >> >> > >> > >>_ >> > Get Your Private, Free E-mail from MSN Hotmail at >>http://www.hotmail.com. >> > >> > Share information about yourself, create your own public profile at >> > http://profiles.msn.com. >> > > > _ > Get Your Private, Free E-mail from MSN Hotmail at http://www.hotmail.com. > > Share information about yourself, create your own public profile at > http://profiles.msn.com. >
Newspaper endorsement scorecard
Oh, Come on Wizard!...And this goes for Steve Brandt's post, too! Please don't tell me that the Strib news editors are not just as biased as the editorial pages. I could cite dozens of examples over the years (can we say John Derus' Senate race or Sharon Sayles Belton's '97 Mayoral race?), but the last two weeks offers plenty of fodder, to wit: Even though the success of Nader could arguably determine the Presidential state outcome, news placement of Nader stories on days with news of Bush and Gore have been buried on the back pages, or given small front page openings with arcane jump pages --in essence --buried. Much the same as James Gibson was ignored in the Strib coverage until his campaign bitched and a reporter finally assigned (in late September). The paper then had the audacity to biasedly write in a recent poll summary that "...Gibson, despite increased news coverage...still lags in polls..." How self-serving! Gibson has had three front page leads on either the Metro or Main section, compared to over a dozen each for Dayton and Grams in October alone! Poll methodology used by the News department always is scoped to represent " likely voters." Not "of voting age" or "registered to vote" but "likely to vote." This favors major party candidates. The result? Minnesota Poll consistently has understated the Independence party turnout. Dean Barkley never was projected to perform over 3%, yet got 5.5 and 7% respectively. Low polls tend to discourage third party voting, making the "unwinnable" seem more so. LASTLY... The Strib news department has had information and evidence for over six weeks of a Mark Dayton scandal from his gubernatorial race that they elected not to investigate/report. Given the enthusiasm in which they pursued Jon Grunseth in 1990, you would think that they would have the same zeal to bring the "facts" out on Dayton. Don't hold your breath...why that would hurt their candidate! Just a few other observations... For ten days solid, Sack editorial cartoons have plastered the Nader elects Bush theme, or similar "...hey stupid voter...vote for Gore" themes. No cartoons for independents once this season. Photo selection of republican or independent candidates is always of dour or cluttered scenes, with enthusiastic or "open" photos of DFL'ers. Example? Check out today's picture of Dick Gephart w/ Luther placed prominently in the center, compared to a bad McCain picture on the same page. To Wizard's point, the Strib probably draws less than 25% of its readership from Minneapolis, these days. Hate to say it, but city residents don't buy newspapers like they use to. (maybe we need the paper published in several languages?) The Strib's real reader base is in the more conservative and affluent suburbs. You could have the same phone booth calculation in Edina for Democrats, yet the only Strib endorsements for non-democrats occur in one of the following: a) Heavily republican districts where the DFL'er has no chance (like Ramstad in the 3rd for example), or b) Swing districts where the non-Democrat is running against a more conservative DFL'er, or the DFL'er is truly a first class twit, which, by the way, almost never happens. The Strib manages to make the DFL endorsements glowing, while the remainder endorsements are always backhanded compliments. Akin to: "...if you must vote, this candidate does not have herpes..." Example? Read last weeks' endorsements in legislative races. Every one of the DFL'ers is a bona-fide gift to public service. I always appreciate having a summary list of Strib endorsements, like the one they published yesterday. That way, I know who NOT to vote for! (BTW...Just for the record...they endorsed me twice...see what I mean?) Steve Minn of late of Lynnhurst... -- >From: wizardmarks <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> >To: Multiple recipients of list <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> >Subject: Re: Newspaper endorsement scorecard >Date: Mon, Nov 6, 2000, 12:40 PM > > You might also note that the percentage of democrats and republicans in > Minneapolis probably mirrors the endorsement percentages. I know the > republicans in my ward could hold a meeting in a phone booth--if there were > phone booths anymore. > Wizard Marks, Central > > [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: > >> Following is the distribution data by party designation of candidates in >> tomorrows election as endorsed and published by the Minneapolis StarTribune >> and by the St. Paul Pioneer Press: >> >> Minneapolis StarTribune: >> -- endorsed Democrats= 77% >> -- endorsed Republicans = 18% >> -- endorsed Independents = 5% >> >> St. Paul Pioneer Press: >> -- endorsed Democrats= 50% >> -- endorsed Republicans = 50% >> -- endorsed Independents = 0% >> >> I've done this analysis for quiet a few elections and the Strib endorsements >> are always 70-80% for Democrats. >> >> And todays' lesson is? >> Although this is editorial page data, don't assume the Strib is an unbiased, >> objective newspaper. >> >> Bob
RE newspaper endorsement scorecard
Steve Brandt suggests (see below) that press veterans Gene Lahammer and Betty Wilson are doing the heavy lifting (research) that results in the Stribe's editorial decisions. I wonder how much and what kind of research goes into the paper's endorsement decisions. I remember that when I was interviewed in 1998 Gene was there, but so was Lori Studevant (sp?) and someone apparently her subordinate. I felt that Lori was in charge. I would love to see the voting tally sheets of the endorsement interview committees, and see them crosstabbed against parties, issues and eventual endorsements. My trust level for the Stribe is not high. I don't blame major candidates who decline to screen. Why spend one or two hours and to just give them ammunition to rip you. I can't complain myself, or complain much about *this* year's tone. The writers are becoming more civil. But I remember 1997 when several Reform Party city council candidates were screened. In the interviews they were pressed hard on public financing of a stadium, but stuck to their guns and remained firmly against it (as did most of the public). My recollection generally was that none of our candidates were endorsed, their rejection of public subsidy was not mentioned in the write-ups (though it was a major interview topic), and that the editorial writers patronized or trashed some of them as people and or as candidates. As though they had been audacious to presume to run (against DFL anointed candidates). I wish the editorial page of the paper would try to reflect the diversity of political experience and opinion in this region. As Oliver Cromwell once said--Sir I beseech you, in the bowels of Christ, is it possible ye may be mistaken? Humility is a virtue in anyone with significant power or range. But it is not a characteristic flowing off of the Stribe's editorial page. Alan Shilepsky Downtown >The bulk of the Star Tribune legislative >endorsements are researched by two retired reporters who have close to >a half-century's experience between them in covering state government >and rate as pretty fair observers of both the issues and what it takes >to ably serve as a legislator. They are Gene Lahammer, formerly of >the Associated Press, and Betty Wilson, formerly of the Star and the >Star Tribune.
Re: Newspaper endorsement scorecard
how do i get off this list ? - Original Message - From: <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> To: Multiple recipients of list <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Sent: Monday, November 06, 2000 10:06 AM Subject: Newspaper endorsement scorecard > Following is the distribution data by party designation of candidates in > tomorrows election as endorsed and published by the Minneapolis StarTribune > and by the St. Paul Pioneer Press: > > Minneapolis StarTribune: > -- endorsed Democrats= 77% > -- endorsed Republicans = 18% > -- endorsed Independents = 5% > > St. Paul Pioneer Press: > -- endorsed Democrats= 50% > -- endorsed Republicans = 50% > -- endorsed Independents = 0% > > I've done this analysis for quiet a few elections and the Strib endorsements > are always 70-80% for Democrats. > > And todays' lesson is? > Although this is editorial page data, don't assume the Strib is an unbiased, > objective newspaper. > > Bob Schoonover > Afton MN
re: the sky is falling
Since I was the one to mention "fire" and "library" in the same sentence, I should be the one to clean up the mess. I think in my original message I was pretty clear: the danger isn't the risk of fire (there is, by the way, someone in the library 24 hours a day, and, so far as I know, there has never been a fire here); the danger is the expense of bringing the existing Central Library up to safety codes. I'm not worried about a fire; I'm worried about the city investing something like $52 million to raise roofs, install extinguishers, add exits, etc. to a building that so many other, more serious functional problems. What I had hoped to do was draw a contrast between our choices: $110 million for a fully modernized, highly functional, architecturally attractive library or $52 million for a safe but dysfunctional and ugly library. To quote city fire marshall Tom Deegan (from the Southwest Journal), "If this referendum fails, they will have to be prepared by October of next year to have a budget in place to have fire-code issues addressed...they are not simple [solutions]. They are very, very costly." Personally, I think there are a lot more inspiring reasons to vote for better libraries, but since there has been so much debate -- at least on these pages -- about the tax impact, it is relevant to note that the alternative to the referendum is not cost free. Colin Hamilton Executive Director Friends of the Minneapolis Public Library 612/630-6172 612/630-6180 (fax) [EMAIL PROTECTED]
Re: Automated dialing
All list members, and especially Minneapolis voters that receive these calls (In an effort to keep this Mpls specific, List-Manager) need to know that the Minnesota State Supreme Court upheld the ruling that even for political purposes, there has to be a live person on the line before the tape-recorded voice message starts to play. In no way is it an attepmt to restrict free-speech, it simply gives the person answering the call the opportunity to deny it. It's more of a choice issue than a freem speech issue. Personally, it's lazy campaigning... Cheers! Darren Pierson St. Paul-Ward 1 >From: "Steve Minn" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> >To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] , Multiple recipients of list ><[EMAIL PROTECTED]> >Subject: Automated dialing >Date: Mon, 06 Nov 2000 13:51:48 -0600 > >Many thanks to Mr. Pierson for posting the statute regarding automated >dialing, but a correction is necessary regarding illegality. > >The statute is primarily intended for commercial marketing purposes, not >restriction of free speech expression. I doubt the statute meets a >constitutional test on the free speech doctrine, let alone the >jurisdictional question for President. US Senate or Congress. He may have >a >point for state races, but then again, there's that nagging free speech >doctrine. Most candidates who were warned about this have decided to go >ahead anyway, primarily because of this basic constitutional protection. > >In any event, I have done this type of calling myself in past campaigns, >and >it is very cost effective. It is particularly good if run during the day, >when people are not home. The recorded message left on voice mail or >answering machines can not be discerned as anything less than an actual >call. > >Interestingly, though it was the DFL party and DFL Atty. General Mike Hatch >who complained to the Foley (4th CD) Campaign about the Ventura calls a few >weeks ago, it is the DFL that is making calls from "President Clinton" and >"Al Gore" throughout the Metro and in particular, Minneapolis. > >Steve Minn > >-- > >From: "Darren Pierson" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> > >To: Multiple recipients of list <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> > >Subject: Re: Jessie knows my number! > >Date: Mon, Nov 6, 2000, 12:55 PM > > > > > These automated dialing calls are against the law. I think many >campaigns > > have been advised to cease this activity, but obviously it's continuing >with > > others. Here is the statute number and web site to view the actual > > language... > > > > Be advised, if your campaign is taking part in this activity, they are > > breaking the law... > > > > 325E.27 > > > > http://www.revisor.leg.state.mn.us/stats/325E/27.html > > > > Cheers! > > > > Darren Pierson > > St. Paul-Ward 1 > > > > > > > > > >>From: "R.T.Rybak" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> > >>Reply-To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] > >>To: Multiple recipients of list <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> > >>Subject: Jessie knows my number! > >>Date: Mon, 6 Nov 2000 11:39:43 -0600 > >> > >>I just got a call from Jesse Ventura. Well, actually it was a RECORDED > >>call...on behalf of the Independence legislative candidate in my area. I > >>found it interesting that the Indepdence Party is working harder in this > >>race, it seems, than the Republicans. > >> > >>I also saw evidence of that this weekend when I was leafleting for Neva > >>Walker, and found lots of Independence literature on doorsteps...but >none > >>for Republicans. > >> > >>It is list-appropriate to ask what other tactics people are seeing to >turn > >>out city voters? > >> > >>R.T. Rybak > >>East Harriet. > >> > > > > >_ > > Get Your Private, Free E-mail from MSN Hotmail at >http://www.hotmail.com. > > > > Share information about yourself, create your own public profile at > > http://profiles.msn.com. > > _ Get Your Private, Free E-mail from MSN Hotmail at http://www.hotmail.com. Share information about yourself, create your own public profile at http://profiles.msn.com.
Automated dialing
Many thanks to Mr. Pierson for posting the statute regarding automated dialing, but a correction is necessary regarding illegality. The statute is primarily intended for commercial marketing purposes, not restriction of free speech expression. I doubt the statute meets a constitutional test on the free speech doctrine, let alone the jurisdictional question for President. US Senate or Congress. He may have a point for state races, but then again, there's that nagging free speech doctrine. Most candidates who were warned about this have decided to go ahead anyway, primarily because of this basic constitutional protection. In any event, I have done this type of calling myself in past campaigns, and it is very cost effective. It is particularly good if run during the day, when people are not home. The recorded message left on voice mail or answering machines can not be discerned as anything less than an actual call. Interestingly, though it was the DFL party and DFL Atty. General Mike Hatch who complained to the Foley (4th CD) Campaign about the Ventura calls a few weeks ago, it is the DFL that is making calls from "President Clinton" and "Al Gore" throughout the Metro and in particular, Minneapolis. Steve Minn -- >From: "Darren Pierson" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> >To: Multiple recipients of list <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> >Subject: Re: Jessie knows my number! >Date: Mon, Nov 6, 2000, 12:55 PM > > These automated dialing calls are against the law. I think many campaigns > have been advised to cease this activity, but obviously it's continuing with > others. Here is the statute number and web site to view the actual > language... > > Be advised, if your campaign is taking part in this activity, they are > breaking the law... > > 325E.27 > > http://www.revisor.leg.state.mn.us/stats/325E/27.html > > Cheers! > > Darren Pierson > St. Paul-Ward 1 > > > > >>From: "R.T.Rybak" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> >>Reply-To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] >>To: Multiple recipients of list <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> >>Subject: Jessie knows my number! >>Date: Mon, 6 Nov 2000 11:39:43 -0600 >> >>I just got a call from Jesse Ventura. Well, actually it was a RECORDED >>call...on behalf of the Independence legislative candidate in my area. I >>found it interesting that the Indepdence Party is working harder in this >>race, it seems, than the Republicans. >> >>I also saw evidence of that this weekend when I was leafleting for Neva >>Walker, and found lots of Independence literature on doorsteps...but none >>for Republicans. >> >>It is list-appropriate to ask what other tactics people are seeing to turn >>out city voters? >> >>R.T. Rybak >>East Harriet. >> > > _ > Get Your Private, Free E-mail from MSN Hotmail at http://www.hotmail.com. > > Share information about yourself, create your own public profile at > http://profiles.msn.com. >
Re: Jessie knows my number!
I have gotten about 4 calls already from different parties who left recorded messages on my machine. One was a republican , and one was from the Gibson senate campaign. They are annoying...and in the first case, very biased an uninformative. I think something should be done about this Robb Clarksen SE > These automated dialing calls are against the law. I think many campaigns > have been advised to cease this activity, but obviously it's continuing with > others. Here is the statute number and web site to view the actual > language... > > Be advised, if your campaign is taking part in this activity, they are > breaking the law... > > 325E.27 > > http://www.revisor.leg.state.mn.us/stats/325E/27.html > > Cheers! > > Darren Pierson > St. Paul-Ward 1 > > > > > >From: "R.T.Rybak" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> > >Reply-To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] > >To: Multiple recipients of list <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> > >Subject: Jessie knows my number! > >Date: Mon, 6 Nov 2000 11:39:43 -0600 > > > >I just got a call from Jesse Ventura. Well, actually it was a RECORDED > >call...on behalf of the Independence legislative candidate in my area. I > >found it interesting that the Indepdence Party is working harder in this > >race, it seems, than the Republicans. > > > >I also saw evidence of that this weekend when I was leafleting for Neva > >Walker, and found lots of Independence literature on doorsteps...but none > >for Republicans. > > > >It is list-appropriate to ask what other tactics people are seeing to turn > >out city voters? > > > >R.T. Rybak > >East Harriet. > > > > _ > Get Your Private, Free E-mail from MSN Hotmail at http://www.hotmail.com. > > Share information about yourself, create your own public profile at > http://profiles.msn.com. > > >
the sky is falling.....
I spent a lot of time walking this weekend. it's what i do to clear my head. got as far north as dowling av and the freeway up in mckinley on sunday before the rains came. thinking about the library referendum. i already voted against it by absentee ballot as on election day i'll be a judge in another ward and precinct. i think the timing is wrong and the plan too vague to make an informed judgement. Excuse me if I don't want to pony up $140 million on the basis of artists renditions in a newspaper of a building that might not even turn out to look like what we finally get. beyond that i don't like a public relations effort that holds out to the public the threat that we need to decide now because we might have a catastrophic fire that could destroy our unsprinklered library. has anyone in the library administation ever heard of a night watchman? when i was growing up and before they were all the rage. if i weren't running for mayor, i might apply when my unemployment insurance runs out. one reason for its being on the ballot this year is to insure a good turnout we are told. i'm just cynical enough to suggest another reason (a political calculation) to have it on the ballot this year is to not have it as a topic during municipal elections when it should be considered and because, since everyone is more focused on presidential elections, it might slip under the radar. I would suggest the library hire watchmen. how about off-duty canine officers from the police force whose dogs might be able to smell smoke as well and we all vote NO and come up with a real plan we can all sign onto next year. just a thought Tim Connolly Ward 7 __ Do You Yahoo!? Thousands of Stores. Millions of Products. All in one Place. http://shopping.yahoo.com/
RE: Voting Question
David Brauer wrote: I was just looking over my ballot for Tuesday (thanks, Hennepin County cyber-dudes!), and I noticed a contested race I know nothing about. OK, OK, it's the Soil & Water district race -- but darn it, I like to cast informed votes! The contestants are: Leigh Harrod Gregory M. Chock Bonus points if you tell me what the Soil and Water board really does. I claim bonus the points...can they get me a reprieve from the commercials? Hennepin County Conservation District (HCD) is a county wide unit of government that exists in every county to promote good farmer conservation practices. Conservation Districts were started in the Dust Bowl era to teach farmers about soil erosion, tillage, etc. I realize many of you may be wondering how many farmers we have in Hennepin County (not many) and where HCD gets its funding (Hennepin County property tax levy). As the numbers of farmers have dwindled in Ramsey and Hennepin., those Conservation Districts have moved into other areas to find things to do which promote conservation. Mike Opat had a Task Force several years ago to look at the role of all such organizations because he was concerned that there was too much overlap in various agencies but they are still in business. They are considered units of govt. under the Board of Water and Soil Resources (BSWR). Leigh Herrod is a former employee who left under less than favorable circumstances; Greg Chock is the old, white guy incumbent. In Ramsey County, several years ago, a perennial crank candidate (one of the Anderson's (?) actually finally got elected in a Soil and Water Supervisor seat there). There are a total of 5 elected seats on each board. In outstate MN they are hotly contested, highly desirable seats--I've seen many lawn signs! For more info: http://www.bwsr.state.mn.us/govt/swcds.html Pam Blixt 12th Ward Nokomis East: Minnehaha Neighborhood
Re: Jessie knows my number!
These automated dialing calls are against the law. I think many campaigns have been advised to cease this activity, but obviously it's continuing with others. Here is the statute number and web site to view the actual language... Be advised, if your campaign is taking part in this activity, they are breaking the law... 325E.27 http://www.revisor.leg.state.mn.us/stats/325E/27.html Cheers! Darren Pierson St. Paul-Ward 1 >From: "R.T.Rybak" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> >Reply-To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] >To: Multiple recipients of list <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> >Subject: Jessie knows my number! >Date: Mon, 6 Nov 2000 11:39:43 -0600 > >I just got a call from Jesse Ventura. Well, actually it was a RECORDED >call...on behalf of the Independence legislative candidate in my area. I >found it interesting that the Indepdence Party is working harder in this >race, it seems, than the Republicans. > >I also saw evidence of that this weekend when I was leafleting for Neva >Walker, and found lots of Independence literature on doorsteps...but none >for Republicans. > >It is list-appropriate to ask what other tactics people are seeing to turn >out city voters? > >R.T. Rybak >East Harriet. > _ Get Your Private, Free E-mail from MSN Hotmail at http://www.hotmail.com. Share information about yourself, create your own public profile at http://profiles.msn.com.
Re: Jessie knows my number!
I think this is a good forum for discussion. As a democrat and politcal hack, I personally was really irritated to receive a mailing from the State DFL in SD59B (University / NE) last week. It was a mailing for Kahn, Pogemiller, Sabo et al. It said paid for by the state DFL, Mike Erlandson, chair. It didn't even seem to mention Gore. That would have at least given it some justification in Nader country. This seems like a reprehensible allocation of resources. The Nader voters alone will be enough to reelect the full DFL slate in 59B where there were 3000 DFL primary voters and 193 Republicans. SD53 (Shoreview, Vadnais Hts) did not receive a state mailing even though it has 2 open seats with strong DFL candidates. What about other races? Minneapolis needs to recognize it's role as a DFL base, not a DFL fortress. Evan Schnell Como On Mon, 6 Nov 2000, R.T.Rybak wrote: > > I just got a call from Jesse Ventura. Well, actually it was a RECORDED > call...on behalf of the Independence legislative candidate in my area. I > found it interesting that the Indepdence Party is working harder in this > race, it seems, than the Republicans. > > I also saw evidence of that this weekend when I was leafleting for Neva > Walker, and found lots of Independence literature on doorsteps...but none > for Republicans. > > It is list-appropriate to ask what other tactics people are seeing to turn > out city voters? > > R.T. Rybak > East Harriet. >
Re: Newspaper endorsement scorecard
You might also note that the percentage of democrats and republicans in Minneapolis probably mirrors the endorsement percentages. I know the republicans in my ward could hold a meeting in a phone booth--if there were phone booths anymore. Wizard Marks, Central [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: > Following is the distribution data by party designation of candidates in > tomorrows election as endorsed and published by the Minneapolis StarTribune > and by the St. Paul Pioneer Press: > > Minneapolis StarTribune: > -- endorsed Democrats= 77% > -- endorsed Republicans = 18% > -- endorsed Independents = 5% > > St. Paul Pioneer Press: > -- endorsed Democrats= 50% > -- endorsed Republicans = 50% > -- endorsed Independents = 0% > > I've done this analysis for quiet a few elections and the Strib endorsements > are always 70-80% for Democrats. > > And todays' lesson is? > Although this is editorial page data, don't assume the Strib is an unbiased, > objective newspaper. > > Bob Schoonover > Afton MN
RE: Jessie knows my number!
RT asks: >It is list-appropriate to ask what other tactics people are seeing to turn >out city voters? Sure, that's fine, as long as it's city specific. A couple of other election anecdotes: Included with my independence party lit drop was a piece for Nader. Are Jesse's folks and Ralph's folks working together in Mpls? (It would make sense, since Jesse doesn't have a Prez candidate and the Greens don't have many lower-ballot folks). Also, an acquaintance, a well-to-do Mpls lawyer, showed up at the government center looking for an absentee ballot. The clerk eyeballed him, and said, "Every since George Bush started doing well in the polls, all YOU people have started showing up." Not only was my acquaintance upset that a clerk was showing disgust at a particular party or candidate, he was mad because he's a Democrat! I wonder if the latter, especially in the DFL city, is a sign of anything -- I remember first thinking Jesse might win when the lawn signs sprouted...could absentee ballots portent a Minnesota win for W? David Brauer King Field - Ward 10
Re: Jessie knows my number!
I've personally delivered my lit piece to over half of senate district 62 in the last week. (Just taking a quick break before I head back out into the rain.) It's gotten a terrific response from some voters who appreciate that I go into the issues in such depth. (My piece is essentially an 8-page newspaper full of details about my proposals for transit, drug policy, health care, election reform, and other areas. Nice contrast to the usual 1/2 page flyer with pretty pictures and a few slogans.) (If anyone outside the district wants a copy, just email me and I'll mail you one *after* the election.) >From what I've observed, the Minneapolis Schools referendum (which no one really seems to oppose) has been flyering the hardest, followed by the DFL legislative candidates, followed by me, followed by flyers for Dayton and Gore. (That's just in this week; I believe IP candidate Mary Mellen in 62A and Green candidate Holle Brian in 62B have done quite a bit previously.) I've seen virtually nothing from the Republicans, except for a few Kelly Bailey flyers. (Senate #62) The piece I personally found most offensive is the one asking "Who's Paul Wellstone voting for for President?". He's just hurting the dwindling remains of his own credibility. -sca/mn At 11:39 AM 11/6/2000 -0600, RT Rybak wrote: > >I just got a call from Jesse Ventura. Well, actually it was a RECORDED >call...on behalf of the Independence legislative candidate in my area. I >found it interesting that the Indepdence Party is working harder in this >race, it seems, than the Republicans. > >I also saw evidence of that this weekend when I was leafleting for Neva >Walker, and found lots of Independence literature on doorsteps...but none >for Republicans. > >It is list-appropriate to ask what other tactics people are seeing to turn >out city voters? > >R.T. Rybak >East Harriet.
RE: Libraries and Bonds
Lawrence Rudnick argues: >A quick look at the Metropolitan Council's summary of top-bond-rated cities >(www.metrocouncil.org/Region/ri121.htm) lists five cities with rankings >of Aaa or Aa1: Minneapolis, Dallas, Phoenix, San Diego and Seattle. >Except for Minneapolis, all four have breath-taking central libraries or >new ones approved or under construction. Pictures of these other >cities' jewels can be found at dallaslibrary.org/central.htm, >pac.lib.ci.phoenix.az.us/web/hoursframe.html, >www.sannet.gov/newlibrary/, and www.spl.org/lfa/central/design.html, >not to mention spectacular new libraries being built across the country. >So while I understand the concerns about potential risks to our >absolute top bond-rankings, I also know that other top-rated cities have >found it wise to invest in facilities that serve and inspire their citizens. I don't think many argue that Minneapolis needs a better central library, but the above reasoning might be a bit incomplete. Other cities may have been able to finance great libraries and retain their top bond rating precisely because they didn't burden themselves with other costly subsidies. Minneapolis may be in danger precisely because it has already used the credit card on other things. David Brauer King Field - Ward 10 - still a reluctant library-initative supporter
Jessie knows my number!
I just got a call from Jesse Ventura. Well, actually it was a RECORDED call...on behalf of the Independence legislative candidate in my area. I found it interesting that the Indepdence Party is working harder in this race, it seems, than the Republicans. I also saw evidence of that this weekend when I was leafleting for Neva Walker, and found lots of Independence literature on doorsteps...but none for Republicans. It is list-appropriate to ask what other tactics people are seeing to turn out city voters? R.T. Rybak East Harriet.
RE: Newspaper endorsement scorecard
Or, just maybe, the Democrates are, 77% of the time, the better choice. The stats really tell us nothing. Bruce Anderson [EMAIL PROTECTED] Blaine, MN > -Original Message- > From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [SMTP:[EMAIL PROTECTED]] > Sent: Monday, November 06, 2000 10:07 AM > To: Multiple recipients of list > Subject: Newspaper endorsement scorecard > > Following is the distribution data by party designation of candidates in > tomorrows election as endorsed and published by the Minneapolis > StarTribune > and by the St. Paul Pioneer Press: > > Minneapolis StarTribune: > -- endorsed Democrats= 77% > -- endorsed Republicans = 18% > -- endorsed Independents = 5% > > St. Paul Pioneer Press: > -- endorsed Democrats= 50% > -- endorsed Republicans = 50% > -- endorsed Independents = 0% > > I've done this analysis for quiet a few elections and the Strib > endorsements > are always 70-80% for Democrats. > > And todays' lesson is? > Although this is editorial page data, don't assume the Strib is an > unbiased, > objective newspaper. > > Bob Schoonover > Afton MN
Library Vote
Minneapolis citizens have been talking for years about how much we need a new central library. We don't need more focus groups and discussions on siting. We need funding. I'm supporting the referendum. Good libraries are an important symbol of what we value as a city. Janet Gendler Linden Hills Attached below is a response from the Minneapolis Public Library director regarding my comments on board leadership last week. --- I read the information posted by you from Wizard Marks and was concerned that the careful consideration that the Library Board has taken in developing plans for a new Central Library and branch improvements is not fully understood. Please feel free to post this if you wish. Also feel free to give me a call to answer any specific questions you may have regarding the proposed new Central Library and community library improvements. My number is 630-6202. The Minneapolis Public Library Board is committed to improving libraries for Minneapolis residents. The library that Wizard Marks primarily uses is Hosmer Library. The historic renovation and expansion of that facility is wonderful and has made a Huge difference for the neighborhoods it serves. In turn, the in the Hosmer area have been highly supportive of the library, and we continue to work collaboratively with them. The renovated Hosmer Library is an example of what other communities need and deserve as well. For example, the Franklin Library is a true community anchor and gathering place but is overcrowded and requires historic restoration. Franklin Library has a room full of Somali students after school everyday getting help with homework, and the library also provides other services in addition to basic library services such as ESL instruction and computer instruction. Minneapolis Public Library still has 4 branch libraries that are not accessible. This is unacceptable, and the Library Board has plans to correct this if the referendum is passed. The vision for the Central Library is not the Library Board's alone. It is a vision that evolved from focus groups, community surveys, and a vision sharing session with stakeholders from many disciplines. The City Council, Mayor and Library Board have partnered and worked through an Implementation Committee (comprised of business representatives and citizens as well as policymakers) to put structure around the shared vision through development of library space requirements, site selection, and development of a funding strategy. The Library Board entered this partnership with knowledge of libraries, library user needs and concerns, and the Minneapolis community. They have been educated and have made site visits to other new Central Libraries around the United States. As you may know, over 15 major cities have replaced/renovated their Central Libraries or are in the planning stages to do so. The new Central Library vision will come to reality through architectural and interior design and through improved library service. When the referendum passes and funds are available, architects will make the vision concrete. What is that vision for a Central Library? - To have a well-functioning, smarter library. A library that will be technologically and functionally flexible and able to meet the changes of the future (unlike the current facility). A library that will excite the mind and enrich the quality of life in Minneapolis. It will have a renewed focus on youth and families - youth spaces 3X larger than today with a children's folklore center, a computer "cafe" and a storytelling pavilion. It will be connected to a state of the art Planetarium (funded by sources other than the referendum) with interactive seats (so you feel that you're in space) with star shows that educate our youth and others about the wonders of the universe. It will have an exhibit area to showcase and make more accessible the Library's "Special Collections" such as the Huttner Anti-Slavery Collection, comprised of original and rare documents, papers and books. It will have 200% more public service space, at least double the computers, and have the majority of the collection on open shelves (now only 15% is on open shelves with most of the rest in crowded basement stack areas). It will be accessible and designed to serve those with disabilities well. It will be an oasis for quiet and contemplation in a busy downtown and a place for people and ideas to come together. It will be designed so that the public can take civic pride in their library. It will have public art that reflects the MInneapolis community. It will - as libraries do - belong to the people and serve them well. The Library Board has done the right thing in creating its vision for a new Central Library because they have listened to what people want. They did that when they renovated Hosmer. They will do that as they continue to improve libraries. The public has said - we want o
H.O.N.K.fest TONIGHT - RAIN OR RAIN
Citizens for Minneapolis Public Libraries invites everyone to H.O.N.K. (Help Our Neighbors Know) if You Love Libraries TONIGHT! RAIN OR RAIN! Monday, November 6th, 4:30 pm - 5:30 pm Hennepin Avenue & 4th Street (outside Central Library) Rally alongside writer Judith Guest (Ordinary People) and library lovers en masse in support of a new downtown Minneapolis Public Library and improvements to our 14 neighborhood branches, on ballots November 7th. We supply the signs, you provide the enthusiasm, Minneapolis voters supply the honks. Call (612) 63-6174 for questions or directions. Katy Beem Citizens for Minneapolis Public Libraries 612-630-6174 [EMAIL PROTECTED]
RE newspaper endorsement scorecard
And todays' lesson is? Although this is editorial page data, don't assume the Strib is an unbiased, objective newspaper. Bob Schoonover Afton MN A more apt lesson would be to not assume that the Strib has an unbiased, objective EDITORIAL PAGE. News and editorial are separate departments. Labeling the whole paper because of the stance of the editorial page is a misreading of how a newspaper functions. It's comparable to concluding that because the Supreme Court rules one way, the Justice Department and the rest of the federal government must feel that way. Is there liberal bias on the editorial page? Bob's numbers can speak for themselves. I do know that the Pioneer's editorial page made some conscious choices several years ago to seek conservative-liberal balance in its staff. The bulk of the Star Tribune legislative endorsements are researched by two retired reporters who have close to a half-century's experience between them in covering state government and rate as pretty fair observers of both the issues and what it takes to ably serve as a legislator. They are Gene Lahammer, formerly of the Associated Press, and Betty Wilson, formerly of the Star and the Star Tribune. Steve Brandt
vouchers
I'm not sure a school vouchers discussion is appropriate, unless someone knows something about the next school board elections or some local state race that I don't know. It's been a while since any serious candidate or official from Minneapolis has proposed school vouchers. It doesn't appear to be on the tableUnless someone is planning to run on that platform plank.??? Dennis Schapiro Linden Hills
Re: Libraries and Bonds
i appreciate mr. rudnick's work in tracking down all these resources. it is this type of informative post that makes me glad to be a member of this list. i am in support of the library referendum because i use the downtown library a lot, as well as southeast and northeast branches. IMHO (In My Humble Opinion) mark wilde windom park --- Lawrence Rudnick <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: > Wallace Swan has written to this list and to the SW > Journal and > the StarTrib re: our bond ratings and his concern > about approving > the Better Libraries referendum. I'm no expert on > ratings, and > all the factors that go into them, so I appreciated > the tutorial > in the StarTrib, but found it to fall short of what > one needs > to make an informed decision. __ Do You Yahoo!? Thousands of Stores. Millions of Products. All in one Place. http://shopping.yahoo.com/
more on staff reply to Meadowbrook dialogue
>From: "Siggelkow, Donald E." <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> >To: "Young, Annie" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> >Subject: RE: staff reply to Meadowbrook dialogue >Date: Mon, 6 Nov 2000 06:45:28 -0600 >X-Mailer: Internet Mail Service (5.5.2650.21) > >The enterprise activities are the 5 - 18 hole golf courses, 1 - 9 hole par 3 >golf course, 1 - 9 hole golf course, 2 learning centers (driving ranges), >parade ice garden, the sculpture garden, the pay parking lots and meters and >the 4 concessions (Minnehaha, Harriet, Calhoun and Nokomis). The $350,000 >net income for Meadowbrook - is what the golf course nets. We then take the >net proceeds and pay $1,000,000 to the General Fund covering all >administrative and operational expenses and debt service for youth athletic >fields. The net proceeds also fund the capital needs of the facilities >outlined above. > >In essence, the users pay for the system, all overhead, all capital >improvements and provide an income stream to the Park Board. Assuring >affordable public golf if the primary public purpose for why we got into and >are still in the business (over 80 years). > >-Original Message- >From: Young, Annie >Sent: Sunday, November 05, 2000 4:03 PM >To: Siggelkow, Donald E. >Subject: Re: staff reply to Meadowbrook dialogue > > >>Date: Sun, 5 Nov 2000 14:05:43 -0600 >>X-Real-To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] >>Reply-To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] >>Originator: mpls-issues >>Sender: [EMAIL PROTECTED] >>From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] >>To: Multiple recipients of list <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> >>Subject: Re: staff reply to Meadowbrook dialogue >>X-Comment: Minneapolis Issues Forum >> >>In a message dated 11/5/2000 11:44:12 AM Central Standard Time, >>[EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: >> >><< Carol reviewed this over 10 years ago and she is wrong. Meadowbrook >nets >> about $350,000 annually and along with all the other courses contributes >> $1,000,000 a year to the Park Board General Fund and to debt service for >> youth athletic facilities. The golf courses also fund $1,000,000 in >annual >> capital improvements for the enterprise system. >> >> >> >>So does this mean $1 million net per year goes to Park Board General Fund >>which is then used to pay down existing debt on youth athletic facilities, > >>PLUS another $1 million net which is used for capital improvements to >>enterprise system? What is enterprise system? >> >>Thus $2 million dollars net is produced after paying all associated >>management/ administrative costs associated with City owned golf courses, >>plus all general labor and operational/maintenance costs associated with >the >>courses, plus all annual debt service associated with the golf courses? >> >>And that is the case for Meadowbrook as well, regarding covering all annual > >>operating/maintenance and annual debt service costs, resulting in a $350K >net >>gain on operations each year? >> >>I just want to be sure I understand the economics. Thanks. >> >>M. Hohmann >>13th Ward >> >Voting is a privilege and a duty that should compel us to do our homework >on the > issues and the candidates before casting our ballots on >Nov. 7. > > Be sure to vote, Nov. 7th - Vote your conscience and for seven generations.
Re: Vouchers
Vouchers make an enormous difference for poor kids. All private schools have scholarship programs for kids who are bright and not able to afford the tuition. A voucher program allows an expansion of the scholarships to admit a significantly larger number of kids. These schools want all the brightest kids. Vouchers also place a lot of money in the market so that other private schools can be created. For example, with vouchers, a local Muslim group may be able to create their own school. The possibilities are enormous; the program is sound. Clark Griffith 7th Ward
Library vote
I am usually a lurker on this site, mostly because I feel I don't have a good grasp of the issues discussed here (but obviously I am interested!) - and since I was soundly walloped for my one voiced opinion on graffiti. But, I offer my (and others of my family and acquaintance) opinion on the library vote as perhaps the voice of those of us who don't "get" the debate. We're not voting for it. (We are voting for schools.) I may be wrong, but the site, method, means and manner of obtaining a new main library seem seriously flawed, and the corollary branch plans seem to be a weak addendum. I am no longer willing to vote for something with the good faith that it will all be worked out later in the details. Give me good details and I'll support it. This has nothing to do with our property taxes. We pay alot, and are willing to do so in order to live in this city in a great neighborhood. In fact, for a terrific library plan, I'd pay more. But closing the central library down for years, building it in the same location, and shuffling books and people around in the interim makes no sense to me. Why not consider a city/county merger? My hometown did it twenty years ago. Why not move to the Sheraton Hotel site, make it part of the skyway system, make it a city center rather than an out of the way afterthought? Why bundle the branch plans in with the catastrophically needed central building? If all of these questions, and more, have been cogently answered, well then, I haven't gotten it, and neither have those I have discussed it with. When I moved here twenty years ago I was excited, anticipating using a big city library. Had to be much better, I thought, than what I was used to living in smaller and less progressive towns. While I moved to St. Paul (what did I know?), I worked in downtown Minneapolis. But, even though my office was one block from the downtown library, I found I used on a weekly basis, a beautiful old St. Paul Carnegie library on Marshall Ave. I preferred that and the downtown St. Paul library to Minneapolis. Why? Because when I first saw the downtown Minneapolis library, I laughed. I thought it was a joke. I couldn't believe that a city of this size and sophistication, to say nothing of striving for a world class, arts-forward, progressive reputation, could consider that mess, that pole building with escalators, a world class public library. Everywhere I had lived had better, and many towns were smaller, less noted and poorer. Then when I finally moved to Minneapolis, I thought - now I bet I'll have a great old Carnegie building to take the kids to for story time - and what's our neighborhood library? The Walker - a groovy basement space with tin can signage - out of necessity to explain what the heck it is (LIBRARY, thank you very much), overlooking a littered, unused courtyard. So where do we go? Ridgedale. But we shouldn't have to. The rationales given for a new central library are so "well-reasoned", so "well-studied" and so lame! For example, one of the core reasons given is that there might be a fire and it isn't well protected! People! The average voter isn't going to rally around that concept (not to ignore the Fahrenheit 451 implications). Please! Give us something with heart! How about "The building is baboon-faced ugly, it never worked, it never could work, we messed up. Could we just start over and do it again?" That I'd vote for. So - bring me a simple, well thought out plan that doesn't look like pork barrel with 293 amendments tacked on and I'll support it, I'll vote for it, I'll campaign for it, and I'll help pay for it. But this one isn't it. Also in support of the mandatory use of Spellcheck, (all grammatical and punctuation errors are my own). D. Klein Kenwood
Newspaper endorsement scorecard
Following is the distribution data by party designation of candidates in tomorrows election as endorsed and published by the Minneapolis StarTribune and by the St. Paul Pioneer Press: Minneapolis StarTribune: -- endorsed Democrats= 77% -- endorsed Republicans = 18% -- endorsed Independents = 5% St. Paul Pioneer Press: -- endorsed Democrats= 50% -- endorsed Republicans = 50% -- endorsed Independents = 0% I've done this analysis for quiet a few elections and the Strib endorsements are always 70-80% for Democrats. And todays' lesson is? Although this is editorial page data, don't assume the Strib is an unbiased, objective newspaper. Bob Schoonover Afton MN
Libraries and Bonds
Wallace Swan has written to this list and to the SW Journal and the StarTrib re: our bond ratings and his concern about approving the Better Libraries referendum. I'm no expert on ratings, and all the factors that go into them, so I appreciated the tutorial in the StarTrib, but found it to fall short of what one needs to make an informed decision. A quick look at the Metropolitan Council's summary of top-bond-rated cities (www.metrocouncil.org/Region/ri121.htm) lists five cities with rankings of Aaa or Aa1: Minneapolis, Dallas, Phoenix, San Diego and Seattle. Except for Minneapolis, all four have breath-taking central libraries or new ones approved or under construction. Pictures of these other cities' jewels can be found at dallaslibrary.org/central.htm, pac.lib.ci.phoenix.az.us/web/hoursframe.html, www.sannet.gov/newlibrary/, and www.spl.org/lfa/central/design.html, not to mention spectacular new libraries being built across the country. So while I understand the concerns about potential risks to our absolute top bond-rankings, I also know that other top-rated cities have found it wise to invest in facilities that serve and inspire their citizens. Lawrence Rudnick, Fulton [EMAIL PROTECTED]
Judgeship race-Mottl??
Sorry about waiting till the last minute. But in this judgeship race, Mottl vs. Patricia something something; what are the pros and cons. I thought I heard the incumbent had relatively low Bar Association ratings. But is there more to this energetic insurgency than that? Recommendations please. Thanks. Alan Shilepsky Downtown
RE: Guaranteed Community School
I also live in no guaranty neighborhood. I have had several discussions with the school district about the this issue and still can't understand why there are such districts. It is a real problem, for lots of reasons, mostly related to our community. In our neighborhood we have children going off in several different directions at different times. And people with school-age children do not move into the neighborhood because they have no idea where their children would go to school. We bought our house before kids; I love the neighborhood but would not have bought the house if we had kids. The district has been working with our neighborhood to resolve the problem, but I don't think they have arrived at any solutions. I think the only solution is for everyone to have neighborhood schools. Brad Colbert Kingfield -Original Message- From: Russell Wayne Peterson [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]] Sent: Saturday, November 04, 2000 6:02 PM To: Multiple recipients of list Subject: Guaranteed Community School I live in an area without a guaranteed community school. I have selected a school in part because a neighbor child attends as well, but unlike most of the city we are not guaranteed any school. The alternative I understand is more choice, but at least half or more of those are as much as a 30-40 minute bus ride which I think is too long for a kindergartener. So in the end I really don't have any more choice than those people with guaranteed community schools. So in an effort to level the playing field until everyone is guaranteed a community school, I think it would be beneficial if the schools gave parents in non-guaranteed community school areas the guarantee of their first choice. This would allow them to select a school where other neighbors would like to go and it could be better coordinated by those neighborhoods, ala a sudo-community school within the magnet system. Has anybody else incurred this problem and/or have any other ideas? Russell W. Peterson Ward 9 Standish R U S S E L L P E T E R S O N D E S I G N "You can only fly if you stretch your wings." Russell W. Peterson, RA, CID Founder 3857 23rd Avenue South Minneapolis, MN 55407 612-724-2331 [EMAIL PROTECTED]
