Re: [Mpls] Stadium deal
2. I would be a lot more in favor of this deal if there was some commitment to providing some cheap bleacher seats for the people whose tax dollars went into the stadium. I'm afraid that we might end up with one of those new boutiquey stadiums that's small, and full of expensive seats and boxes, a la Camden Yard. That's great for the owner (each seat yields more revenue), but crummy for the ordinary fans. Twins tickets run from $38 at the high end to $6 at the low end. the low end tickets are the upper deck outfield seats that aren't worth $6. camden yards prices are $45 at the high end and $9 at the low end with some $8 standing room seats. Prices will go up but not by much at the low end. John Harris webber-camden REMINDERS: 1. Be civil! Please read the NEW RULES at http://www.e-democracy.org/rules. If you think a member is in violation, contact the list manager at [EMAIL PROTECTED] before continuing it on the list. 2. Don't feed the troll! Ignore obvious flame-bait. For state and national discussions see: http://e-democracy.org/discuss.html For external forums, see: http://e-democracy.org/mninteract Minneapolis Issues Forum - A Civil City-focused Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: mailto:mpls@mnforum.org Subscribe, Un-subscribe, etc. at: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
[Mpls] The biggest panhandler in Mpls
Hey, Buddy, Can you spare $235 million dollars? Carl Pohlad probably already is breaking the aggresive panhandling ordinance already on the books. As the City of Mpls looks towards trying to register panhandlers, Mr. Phohlad should easily fall under that as well. Except that the rules are different between rich and poor. Even getting a few port a potties downtown for folks who are homeless to use while they are waiting to get into the shelters on Currie is like moving a freak'n mountain. The County Commissioners voted a couple of months of ago for that livability ordinance to further harass poor people in the downtown area. This stadium deal is not about improving the downtown business area, what a fallacy. It is about lining the pockets of those already wealthy. It is about continuing to give over control of our city, county, and state to those who do not have the best interests of the majority of our residents in mind. Instead of pointing the finger at those most culpable in the struggles faced by our city, local politicos and business interests scapegoat those who have so little voice already. The Twins need a home? What an irony when so many without homes will be in a shelter just a few blocks away from that proposed stadium. It isn't called panhandling when you have the financial resources to pretty it up and call it lobbying. Margaret Hastings Kingfield REMINDERS: 1. Be civil! Please read the NEW RULES at http://www.e-democracy.org/rules. If you think a member is in violation, contact the list manager at [EMAIL PROTECTED] before continuing it on the list. 2. Don't feed the troll! Ignore obvious flame-bait. For state and national discussions see: http://e-democracy.org/discuss.html For external forums, see: http://e-democracy.org/mninteract Minneapolis Issues Forum - A Civil City-focused Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: mailto:mpls@mnforum.org Subscribe, Un-subscribe, etc. at: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
[Mpls] New Ball Park Ticket Prices
David Brauer wrote yesterday that the main economic reason for a new Twins ball park was that there would be better seats, more seats in higer valued areas, Twins would get all the suite revenue, and new ball parks cause ticket prices to go up. There are also other sources of revenue a ball park will generate. These include stadium naming rights, concession revenue, in-stadium advertising, and parking revenue. Presumably parking won't be part of the equation, but the sources are currently controlled by the Stadium commission and would most likely go to the Twins under the new ball park. Hopefully these sources would put the breaks on higher ticket prices Also, while generally prices go up with a new stadium, the fact is that the Twins have increased prices significantly already and would be hard pressed to increase them much more and still be within the market. Here is a list of ticket prices currently for the Twins, teams with new stadiums, and a couple with old stadiums. Clearly a new stadium doesn't cause a huge disparity in ticket prices. Team Cheap Seats 1st Base Line Twins 6 36 Milwaukee 5 35 Cleveland 6 45 Detroit8 35 Denver 4 38 San Diego 12 40 Pitt 9 35 Texas 5 44 Seattle7 50 Cinci 9 36 KC 7 27 St. Louis 5 60 Source: WWW.MLB.com The last two are old stadiums. Places like Chicago, Boston, NY, and San Fran have much higher prices (good luck getting any ticket in Boston or the Cubs for under $50.00) Dean E. Carlson East Harriet, Ward 10 REMINDERS: 1. Be civil! Please read the NEW RULES at http://www.e-democracy.org/rules. If you think a member is in violation, contact the list manager at [EMAIL PROTECTED] before continuing it on the list. 2. Don't feed the troll! Ignore obvious flame-bait. For state and national discussions see: http://e-democracy.org/discuss.html For external forums, see: http://e-democracy.org/mninteract Minneapolis Issues Forum - A Civil City-focused Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: mailto:mpls@mnforum.org Subscribe, Un-subscribe, etc. at: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
Re: [Mpls] Stadium deal
JH == John Harris [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: 2. I would be a lot more in favor of this deal if there was some commitment to providing some cheap bleacher seats for the people whose tax dollars went into the stadium. I'm afraid that we might end up with one of those new boutiquey stadiums that's small, and full of expensive seats and boxes, a la Camden Yard. That's great for the owner (each seat yields more revenue), but crummy for the ordinary fans. JH Twins tickets run from $38 at the high end to $6 at the low end. the JH low end tickets are the upper deck outfield seats that aren't worth JH $6. JH camden yards prices are $45 at the high end and $9 at the low end with JH some $8 standing room seats. JH Prices will go up but not by much at the low end. If that's the case, I'm not sure why the Twins organization has missed the opportunity to sell this story. If they had made the point that they were providing affordable family entertainment, it would certainly have swayed my position (I've always been a stadium opponent). The fact that they have NOT been willing to make such a case has always made me suspicious. I have been envisaging something where it will cost a family of four more than $100 to go to a ball game. Question: will there be a reasonable number of such bleacher seats? Anyone know how many? I hope they WON'T do standing room --- that's entirely too much Lords and groundlings for me. It has a very un-American feel to it (in my opinion). Or, now that I think about it -- a very Northwest Airlines feel to it! :-) In general, the Twins could have done a MUCH better job selling this. They have tried repeatedly to ram this through, rather than selling it; they have threatened, instead of cajoled; and when they have done outreach, they have only tried to rally their fans, rather than making an effort to persuade the swing voters and opponents. They didn't make any real effort to persuade us that a new stadium would be a social good. The economic arguments are VERY flimsy, and they never convinced me it would be a total catastrophe if we were to lose major league baseball. I, for one, needed to be convinced that they were willnig to provide the community, my community, a family experience that would be enjoyable and affordable. I haven't heard them make that case. Best, R -- Robert P. Goldman ECCO [EMAIL PROTECTED] REMINDERS: 1. Be civil! Please read the NEW RULES at http://www.e-democracy.org/rules. If you think a member is in violation, contact the list manager at [EMAIL PROTECTED] before continuing it on the list. 2. Don't feed the troll! Ignore obvious flame-bait. For state and national discussions see: http://e-democracy.org/discuss.html For external forums, see: http://e-democracy.org/mninteract Minneapolis Issues Forum - A Civil City-focused Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: mailto:mpls@mnforum.org Subscribe, Un-subscribe, etc. at: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
[Mpls] You have to do what you think is right
Commissioner Mike Opat is quoted in today's Strib as saying You have to do what you think is right in regards to his pushing for the Stadium deal. Of note is also the continued statements that it is only 3 cents on every $20 of tax payer's money. This sort of political bravery seems powered by connections to the wealthy Mr. Pohlad. When I was floating the idea about having the Downtown Businesses pay a 1 cent on the dollar tax to fund decent housing and drop ins for persons living homeless, I was told by friends that the city, county and DT businesses would never go for that in these economic times. Perhaps it was because I suggested it be the businesses,not the tax payers foot the bill that seemed unlikely. Margaret Hastings Kingfield REMINDERS: 1. Be civil! Please read the NEW RULES at http://www.e-democracy.org/rules. If you think a member is in violation, contact the list manager at [EMAIL PROTECTED] before continuing it on the list. 2. Don't feed the troll! Ignore obvious flame-bait. For state and national discussions see: http://e-democracy.org/discuss.html For external forums, see: http://e-democracy.org/mninteract Minneapolis Issues Forum - A Civil City-focused Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: mailto:mpls@mnforum.org Subscribe, Un-subscribe, etc. at: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
[Mpls] The biggest panhandler in Mpls
The only other time I got on board with a Twins Stadium deal was when Carl promised 90 million dollars. Then we find out he wasn't writing a check. He was claiming naming rights, beer pouring exclusive rights, etc. That was how he came up with his 90 million. By selling all the things that the owner of the stadium can sell, there is a lot of money. But he wasn't building the stadium, he was selling all the stuff you and I have the right to sell by being the owners of the building. Here are the questions I hope the list can answer. 1. Who will own the stadium? 2. Who will name the stadium? 3. Who gets the cash for all exclusive rights such as signs, beer pouring etc? 4. How much is the check that actually comes out of a Marquette Bank Account under the name of Carl Pohlad payable to Hennepin County? 5. How much money is going back to Mr. Pohland? Let's hope it's not another hocus pocus deal like 1995 1996? or was it '97 or '98 What ever. Craig Miller Rogers MN [EMAIL PROTECTED] REMINDERS: 1. Be civil! Please read the NEW RULES at http://www.e-democracy.org/rules. If you think a member is in violation, contact the list manager at [EMAIL PROTECTED] before continuing it on the list. 2. Don't feed the troll! Ignore obvious flame-bait. For state and national discussions see: http://e-democracy.org/discuss.html For external forums, see: http://e-democracy.org/mninteract Minneapolis Issues Forum - A Civil City-focused Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: mailto:mpls@mnforum.org Subscribe, Un-subscribe, etc. at: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
[Mpls] Ballpark deal - Craig questions
On Apr 26, 2005, at 8:49 AM, Craig Miller wrote: 1. Who will own the stadium? The county, sort of. The deal points say the stadium will be publicly owned. 2. Who will name the stadium? Carl. 3. Who gets the cash for all exclusive rights such as signs, beer pouring etc.? Carl. Twins operate it, get all revenues, pay all operating expenses. They are also responsible all stadium cost overruns, BTW. 4. How much is the check that actually comes out of a Marquette Bank Account under the name of Carl Pohlad payable to Hennepin County? Unclear. The deal points say Carl must contribute $40 right away (presumably after the bill passes and the deal is signed), with $85 millionpaid prior to completion. Don't know if the dough is funneled through the county or they split expenses somehow? 5. How much money is going back to Mr. Pohland? Basically, all operating profits (remember, Twins pay operating expenses and receive operating revenues) plus franchise appreciation if they sell. The county gets up to 18 percent of the franchise sale price if the Pohlads sell before 2016. By the way, the deal points distributed yesterday add that the county will pay $1.4 million, escalating annually, to fund future capital improvements, with the Twins paying $600,000. Also, the deal points say provides for affordable tickets but doesn't specify the price or quantity. David Brauer Kingfield REMINDERS: 1. Be civil! Please read the NEW RULES at http://www.e-democracy.org/rules. If you think a member is in violation, contact the list manager at [EMAIL PROTECTED] before continuing it on the list. 2. Don't feed the troll! Ignore obvious flame-bait. For state and national discussions see: http://e-democracy.org/discuss.html For external forums, see: http://e-democracy.org/mninteract Minneapolis Issues Forum - A Civil City-focused Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: mailto:mpls@mnforum.org Subscribe, Un-subscribe, etc. at: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
[Mpls] Another query for the parks people
It is difficult to spend significant time at a park with a young child if the bathrooms are locked and there are no portapotties either. It was a lovely day on Sunday, many families with kids were using the Hiawatha School Park, one of the few accessible playgrounds in the city, yet even the rest rooms with outside doors were locked. Is this yet another cost cutting measure or is it done through lack of thought that kids might have potty accidents because no facilities are available? As a parent of a potty trainee with special needs I had to disappoint my child by cutting short our visit to go home for potty purposes. Jane Strauss Longfellow REMINDERS: 1. Be civil! Please read the NEW RULES at http://www.e-democracy.org/rules. If you think a member is in violation, contact the list manager at [EMAIL PROTECTED] before continuing it on the list. 2. Don't feed the troll! Ignore obvious flame-bait. For state and national discussions see: http://e-democracy.org/discuss.html For external forums, see: http://e-democracy.org/mninteract Minneapolis Issues Forum - A Civil City-focused Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: mailto:mpls@mnforum.org Subscribe, Un-subscribe, etc. at: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
Re: [Mpls] The biggest panhandler in Mpls
here's my guesses 1. Who will own the stadium? either the metropolitan sports facilities commission or the twins. probably the twins. 2. Who will name the stadium? some company that has the cash. used to think NWA but they have no money. best buy, general mills? 3. Who gets the cash for all exclusive rights such as signs, beer pouring etc? the team gets all revenue and why not. if a new park is build but the team gets the same revenue then why build it? 4. How much is the check that actually comes out of a Marquette Bank Account under the name of Carl Pohlad payable to Hennepin County? i suspect it will be $40million today and the rest before opening day 5. How much money is going back to Mr. Pohland? pohlad owns the team so he gets any profit and covers any losses. He could take the new revenue, slash the payroll and recoup the money put up the get the thing built. or, which i believe will happen, they will take the revenues and reinvest most of it back into the team to ensure they are competitive for years to come. Remember, a new stadium by itself doesn't ensure the increased revenues. fannies in the seats do and a solid product on the field will go a long way to making sure that happens. the increased revenue streams a new park provides helps do that. John Harris webber-camden REMINDERS: 1. Be civil! Please read the NEW RULES at http://www.e-democracy.org/rules. If you think a member is in violation, contact the list manager at [EMAIL PROTECTED] before continuing it on the list. 2. Don't feed the troll! Ignore obvious flame-bait. For state and national discussions see: http://e-democracy.org/discuss.html For external forums, see: http://e-democracy.org/mninteract Minneapolis Issues Forum - A Civil City-focused Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: mailto:mpls@mnforum.org Subscribe, Un-subscribe, etc. at: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
Re: [Mpls] Stadium deal
They've only been advertising family package deals for about 40 years now. It's common knowledge that baseball is the cheapest family sports entertainment available. I really don't know what more they should be required to do when the slightest investigation reveals this as obvious. I wholeheartedly support this as the best deal we're going to see for years to come, and ballparks won't get any cheaper as the years acrue. Jon Gorder Cathedral Hill I, for one, needed to be convinced that they were willnig to provide the community, my community, a family experience that would be enjoyable and affordable. I haven't heard them make that case. -- Robert P. Goldman ECCO [EMAIL PROTECTED] REMINDERS: 1. Be civil! Please read the NEW RULES at http://www.e-democracy.org/rules. If you think a member is in violation, contact the list manager at [EMAIL PROTECTED] before continuing it on the list. 2. Don't feed the troll! Ignore obvious flame-bait. For state and national discussions see: http://e-democracy.org/discuss.html For external forums, see: http://e-democracy.org/mninteract Minneapolis Issues Forum - A Civil City-focused Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: mailto:mpls@mnforum.org Subscribe, Un-subscribe, etc. at: http://e-democracy.org/mpls __ Do You Yahoo!? Tired of spam? Yahoo! Mail has the best spam protection around http://mail.yahoo.com REMINDERS: 1. Be civil! Please read the NEW RULES at http://www.e-democracy.org/rules. If you think a member is in violation, contact the list manager at [EMAIL PROTECTED] before continuing it on the list. 2. Don't feed the troll! Ignore obvious flame-bait. For state and national discussions see: http://e-democracy.org/discuss.html For external forums, see: http://e-democracy.org/mninteract Minneapolis Issues Forum - A Civil City-focused Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: mailto:mpls@mnforum.org Subscribe, Un-subscribe, etc. at: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
[Mpls] tin fish
Commissioner Kummer has been touting the success of converting the Lake Calhoun Concession into a revenue-generating restaurant, based on the Park Board's cut of revenue for its first year. The Tin Fish cut a $50k check to the Park Board, I believe. That's not the whole story, though. MPRB made significant improvements to the facility and plans further improvements. MPRB owns and maintains the facility, including daily cleaning and trash pickup. I suspect it will take many years to realize a return for this operation. Could Commissioner Kummer please lay out the business case for Tin Fish, including: - how much was spent on facility improvements - how much does MPRB plan to spend on further facility improvements - how much the Park Board pays in property tax for the facility - how much the Park Board spends to maintain the facility - what % of revenue Tin Fish pays to MPRB - the contract length - the annual revenue of the calhoun public concession over the last 6 years (for comparison purposes) - what happens if Tin Fish backs out of this arrangement before the Park Board has realized a return - whether the Board is contractually enforcing non-discriminatory hiring practices for this operation Additionally, the Board plans to privatize at least 4 more park concessions, starting with Minnehaha Park. Will all park concessions be privatized? Where does the Park Board draw the line with privatizing operations to make a buck? What questions does the Board ask itself before privatizing a public asset? What policy guides the Board's decisions in this regard? What's next? The Park Board has a 122 year history of public concessions, even during some tough budget times. I'm wondering how this swift change of course fits into a well-considered plan for the future of our public park system. Regards, Jason Stone Diamond Lake Candidate for Park Board, District 5 REMINDERS: 1. Be civil! Please read the NEW RULES at http://www.e-democracy.org/rules. If you think a member is in violation, contact the list manager at [EMAIL PROTECTED] before continuing it on the list. 2. Don't feed the troll! Ignore obvious flame-bait. For state and national discussions see: http://e-democracy.org/discuss.html For external forums, see: http://e-democracy.org/mninteract Minneapolis Issues Forum - A Civil City-focused Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: mailto:mpls@mnforum.org Subscribe, Un-subscribe, etc. at: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
Re: [Mpls] Stadium deal
They've only been advertising family package deals for about 40 years now. It's common knowledge that baseball is the cheapest family sports entertainment available. I really don't know what more they should be required to do when the slightest investigation reveals this as obvious. How about paying for their own stadium? Why am I being forced to give money to an unprofitable corporation with no hope of recovery on my investment. I wholeheartedly support this as the best deal we're going to see for years to come, and ballparks won't get any cheaper as the years acrue. Jon Gorder Cathedral Hill Then it's not worth it and we can do without it. REMINDERS: 1. Be civil! Please read the NEW RULES at http://www.e-democracy.org/rules. If you think a member is in violation, contact the list manager at [EMAIL PROTECTED] before continuing it on the list. 2. Don't feed the troll! Ignore obvious flame-bait. For state and national discussions see: http://e-democracy.org/discuss.html For external forums, see: http://e-democracy.org/mninteract Minneapolis Issues Forum - A Civil City-focused Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: mailto:mpls@mnforum.org Subscribe, Un-subscribe, etc. at: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
Re: [Mpls] The biggest panhandler in Mpls
I have the same questions Craig has, and I find it interesting that none of these have been addressed. I don't think this deal is quite as hokey as the one were Pohlad's contribution turned out to be a loan, but I do smell something fishy. Naming rights are the major thing I don't see being addressed and I suspect that they belong to the Twins (that is, Mr. Pohlad). Or, perhaps, Pohlad will write the check and keep naming rights to sell later. All of Craig's questions must be answered before this deal goes through. Jim McGuire Como Craig Miller [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: The only other time I got on board with a Twins Stadium deal was when Carl promised 90 million dollars. Then we find out he wasn't writing a check. He was claiming naming rights, beer pouring exclusive rights, etc. That was how he came up with his 90 million. By selling all the things that the owner of the stadium can sell, there is a lot of money. But he wasn't building the stadium, he was selling all the stuff you and I have the right to sell by being the owners of the building. Here are the questions I hope the list can answer. 1. Who will own the stadium? 2. Who will name the stadium? 3. Who gets the cash for all exclusive rights such as signs, beer pouring etc? 4. How much is the check that actually comes out of a Marquette Bank Account under the name of Carl Pohlad payable to Hennepin County? 5. How much money is going back to Mr. Pohland? Let's hope it's not another hocus pocus deal like 1995 1996? or was it '97 or '98 What ever. Craig Miller Rogers MN [EMAIL PROTECTED] REMINDERS: 1. Be civil! Please read the NEW RULES at http://www.e-democracy.org/rules. If you think a member is in violation, contact the list manager at [EMAIL PROTECTED] before continuing it on the list. 2. Don't feed the troll! Ignore obvious flame-bait. For state and national discussions see: http://e-democracy.org/discuss.html For external forums, see: http://e-democracy.org/mninteract Minneapolis Issues Forum - A Civil City-focused Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: mailto:mpls@mnforum.org Subscribe, Un-subscribe, etc. at: http://e-democracy.org/mpls REMINDERS: 1. Be civil! Please read the NEW RULES at http://www.e-democracy.org/rules. If you think a member is in violation, contact the list manager at [EMAIL PROTECTED] before continuing it on the list. 2. Don't feed the troll! Ignore obvious flame-bait. For state and national discussions see: http://e-democracy.org/discuss.html For external forums, see: http://e-democracy.org/mninteract Minneapolis Issues Forum - A Civil City-focused Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: mailto:mpls@mnforum.org Subscribe, Un-subscribe, etc. at: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
RE: [Mpls] The biggest panhandler in Mpls
One note of warning on a new stadium and its relationship to fielding a competitive baseball team. Pittsburgh has a veritable temple to baseball, brand new and right where the Allegheny and Monongahela rivers join to form the Ohio. Their boss, Kevin McClatchy, took the new stadium and promptly stripped the team of any value. Now Pittsburgh has a beautiful stadium, and the Pirates have been downgraded to a really good AAA team. I don't follow Mr. Pohlad and can't speak to his financial commitment to the team however I think we need some assurances from Twins management that they will use revenues to invest in payroll and keeping general admission ticket prices affordable. Jeremy Wieland Circulation Director Utne magazine Northeast -Original Message- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of John Harris Sent: Tuesday, April 26, 2005 8:22 AM To: mpls@mnforum.org Subject: Re: [Mpls] The biggest panhandler in Mpls here's my guesses 1. Who will own the stadium? either the metropolitan sports facilities commission or the twins. probably the twins. 2. Who will name the stadium? some company that has the cash. used to think NWA but they have no money. best buy, general mills? 3. Who gets the cash for all exclusive rights such as signs, beer pouring etc? the team gets all revenue and why not. if a new park is build but the team gets the same revenue then why build it? 4. How much is the check that actually comes out of a Marquette Bank Account under the name of Carl Pohlad payable to Hennepin County? i suspect it will be $40million today and the rest before opening day 5. How much money is going back to Mr. Pohland? pohlad owns the team so he gets any profit and covers any losses. He could take the new revenue, slash the payroll and recoup the money put up the get the thing built. or, which i believe will happen, they will take the revenues and reinvest most of it back into the team to ensure they are competitive for years to come. Remember, a new stadium by itself doesn't ensure the increased revenues. fannies in the seats do and a solid product on the field will go a long way to making sure that happens. the increased revenue streams a new park provides helps do that. John Harris webber-camden REMINDERS: 1. Be civil! Please read the NEW RULES at http://www.e-democracy.org/rules. If you think a member is in violation, contact the list manager at [EMAIL PROTECTED] before continuing it on the list. 2. Don't feed the troll! Ignore obvious flame-bait. For state and national discussions see: http://e-democracy.org/discuss.html For external forums, see: http://e-democracy.org/mninteract Minneapolis Issues Forum - A Civil City-focused Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: mailto:mpls@mnforum.org Subscribe, Un-subscribe, etc. at: http://e-democracy.org/mpls REMINDERS: 1. Be civil! Please read the NEW RULES at http://www.e-democracy.org/rules. If you think a member is in violation, contact the list manager at [EMAIL PROTECTED] before continuing it on the list. 2. Don't feed the troll! Ignore obvious flame-bait. For state and national discussions see: http://e-democracy.org/discuss.html For external forums, see: http://e-democracy.org/mninteract Minneapolis Issues Forum - A Civil City-focused Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: mailto:mpls@mnforum.org Subscribe, Un-subscribe, etc. at: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
[Mpls] Update on candidate information gathering
In less than 24 hours we've pulled off an e-miracle. Over 24 candidate names are now listed in our wiki - all of them entered by fellow forums members including candidates themselves. If you don't add the contact information for the candidates you support, the world might assume they don't exist. :-) We won't be chasing anyone down, so add yourself (or the candidates you support) or next week when we e-mail out a simple first list of candidate web sites you'll be missing. So, grab your pile of literature from recent conventions or meetings, and enter away in our very very easy edit this page form: http://dowire.org/wiki/Mpls2005 Also, a few candidate read our future minds and added their biographies, etc. We've removed those for now, but once we have everyone's contact information then with partnering organizagtions and volunteer help we can collect additional content from candidates in a uniform way so it can be used and reused all over the place. If you'd like to help citizens access information from lots of candidates, drop E-Democracy.Org a note: http://e-democracy.org/comments.html Thanks again for helping distribute the sweat required to build a comprehensive candidate directory. Steven Clift Ericsson E-Democracy.Org -- Steven Clift http://publicus.net [EMAIL PROTECTED] REMINDERS: 1. Be civil! Please read the NEW RULES at http://www.e-democracy.org/rules. If you think a member is in violation, contact the list manager at [EMAIL PROTECTED] before continuing it on the list. 2. Don't feed the troll! Ignore obvious flame-bait. For state and national discussions see: http://e-democracy.org/discuss.html For external forums, see: http://e-democracy.org/mninteract Minneapolis Issues Forum - A Civil City-focused Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: mailto:mpls@mnforum.org Subscribe, Un-subscribe, etc. at: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
[Mpls] The only acceptable public stadium deal
There is only one public stadium deal I can accept. A 30 year fixed mortgage at Prime Rate with the mortgage placed on the TEAM. That way, if the team leaves, we still get our investment back. I would be happy to LEND the Twins $360M. I know Mr. Pohlad would happy to do the same for any of us. REMINDERS: 1. Be civil! Please read the NEW RULES at http://www.e-democracy.org/rules. If you think a member is in violation, contact the list manager at [EMAIL PROTECTED] before continuing it on the list. 2. Don't feed the troll! Ignore obvious flame-bait. For state and national discussions see: http://e-democracy.org/discuss.html For external forums, see: http://e-democracy.org/mninteract Minneapolis Issues Forum - A Civil City-focused Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: mailto:mpls@mnforum.org Subscribe, Un-subscribe, etc. at: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
[Mpls] Eliminate the General College?
I have read the comments about eliminating the General College at the University of Minnesota. ( Many years ago, I spent 3 years in graduate school at the U studying the teaching of teaching and the anthropology of university sub- cultures and was a graduate teaching assistant, teaching Human relations in the College of education) There seems to be something missing from the conversation. For me, I don't think the U can aspire to greatness if it is not diverse. And I think this is where the conversations begin to become divisive. The Bruininks' plan is really a de facto statement that the U has to become whiter and richer to become better. I think we really need to examine this whole model of excellence and what gets rewarded. Excellence is largely a code word for corporate sponsorship and government grants and is about money and prestige and is less about teaching and more about research away from the classroom. The real challenge is to connect the money to diversity so it is not a burden to bring less qualified students to the U. (and we need to reward good teachers) We need to make the connections younger and sooner and connect Minneapolis students who are diverse, to the cool stuff that Bruininks says is more important than General College. I am saying the U needs to work in the neighborhoods it is located in to increase the number of well qualified people of color who attend the University of Minnesota. I am not saying it would be easy. The challenge is to also reshape corporate and Federal self interest to include a process and funding for research that reaches more broadly and deeply into our talent pool and into high schools and elementary schools. The U should develop a plan to help train and educate young researchers from diverse backgrounds so the student body can remain at least diverse as it is now. The best and the brighter are not whiter. Thanks, Scott Vreeland Seward Speaking of the Public Good U office of the President: Since its founding, the University of Minnesota has been a statewide resource that makes a significant impact on the economy, society, and culture of Minnesota. Through its land grant missionteaching and learning, research and discovery, public engagementit has been dedicated to advancing knowledge and serving as the partner for the public good. REMINDERS: 1. Be civil! Please read the NEW RULES at http://www.e-democracy.org/rules. If you think a member is in violation, contact the list manager at [EMAIL PROTECTED] before continuing it on the list. 2. Don't feed the troll! Ignore obvious flame-bait. For state and national discussions see: http://e-democracy.org/discuss.html For external forums, see: http://e-democracy.org/mninteract Minneapolis Issues Forum - A Civil City-focused Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: mailto:mpls@mnforum.org Subscribe, Un-subscribe, etc. at: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
Re: [Mpls] Stadium deal
--- Robert Schmid [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: They've only been advertising family package deals for about 40 years now. It's common knowledge that baseball is the cheapest family sports entertainment available. I really don't know what more they should be required to do when the slightest investigation reveals this as obvious. How about paying for their own stadium? Why am I being forced to give money to an unprofitable corporation with no hope of recovery on my investment. Well, obviously I was refering to a question as to the affordability of tickets, not to the question of who pays for the park. Sure, I'd like to see an owner pay for the whole thing but that ain't gonna happen. Pohlad, bless his grubbing black soul, probably has been losing money out of pocket for a few years. He'll of course make it all back and then some when he, or obviously his heirs, cashes in and sells the team. I'd like a chance for the County to have first rights to bid on ownership when the Pohlad's sell, there would be your return on investment, but I doubt that'll happen either. No, I don't think this deal was hatched in Heaven, I just think it's the best and certainly the cheapest (come on, 3 cents per $20? If you're too cheap or principled to donate that little, shop outside of Henn. County. It's just over the river). I also think Carl or Jim will put the money gained back into the team. Carl's late wife Eloise and also his mother were both huge fans, I don't think the family would hurt that legacy in the manner of Pittsburgh or Milwaukee. That might sound naive but I actually believe it. Of course, I love baseball and adherents of the game sometimes tend to be a little dreamy.Jon Gorder Catedral hill __ Do You Yahoo!? Tired of spam? Yahoo! Mail has the best spam protection around http://mail.yahoo.com REMINDERS: 1. Be civil! Please read the NEW RULES at http://www.e-democracy.org/rules. If you think a member is in violation, contact the list manager at [EMAIL PROTECTED] before continuing it on the list. 2. Don't feed the troll! Ignore obvious flame-bait. For state and national discussions see: http://e-democracy.org/discuss.html For external forums, see: http://e-democracy.org/mninteract Minneapolis Issues Forum - A Civil City-focused Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: mailto:mpls@mnforum.org Subscribe, Un-subscribe, etc. at: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
RE: [Mpls] Stadium deal
Jon wrote: I'd like a chance for the County to have first rights to bid on ownership when the Pohlad's sell, there would be your return on investment, but I doubt that'll happen either. No, I don't think this deal was hatched in Heaven, I just think it's the best and certainly the cheapest (come on, 3 cents per $20? If you're too cheap or principled to donate that little, shop outside of Henn. County. It's just over the river). Ron responds: Public ownership would be a wonderful thing, but unlikely with the baseball commission. They like to keep tight control over the few billionaires that can afford a team. As for me being too cheap or principled (3 cents per $20), its not that I am cheap. It is that I want my tax dollars going for more worthy and necessary things. Health care, better mass transit, better schools, etc. I may sound like a bleeding heart liberal with that statement, or the 'tax and spend democrat', but so be it if you think of me that way. The rich can take care of themselves. When poor Carl has to live like I do I will hold out a helping hand, until then, forget it. Ron Leurquin Nokomis East __ Do You Yahoo!? Tired of spam? Yahoo! Mail has the best spam protection around http://mail.yahoo.com REMINDERS: 1. Be civil! Please read the NEW RULES at http://www.e-democracy.org/rules. If you think a member is in violation, contact the list manager at [EMAIL PROTECTED] before continuing it on the list. 2. Don't feed the troll! Ignore obvious flame-bait. For state and national discussions see: http://e-democracy.org/discuss.html For external forums, see: http://e-democracy.org/mninteract Minneapolis Issues Forum - A Civil City-focused Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: mailto:mpls@mnforum.org Subscribe, Un-subscribe, etc. at: http://e-democracy.org/mpls REMINDERS: 1. Be civil! Please read the NEW RULES at http://www.e-democracy.org/rules. If you think a member is in violation, contact the list manager at [EMAIL PROTECTED] before continuing it on the list. 2. Don't feed the troll! Ignore obvious flame-bait. For state and national discussions see: http://e-democracy.org/discuss.html For external forums, see: http://e-democracy.org/mninteract Minneapolis Issues Forum - A Civil City-focused Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: mailto:mpls@mnforum.org Subscribe, Un-subscribe, etc. at: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
Re: [Mpls] Another query for the parks people
This not only hurts park users with children but the dearth of public restrooms makes it difficult for those who rely on walking, biking, and even public transit for their transportation needs. Having more access for a greater part of the day to restroom facilities is one way the city can encourage walking, biking and even use of transit. So many businesses have customer only poliices on use of their restrooms if they have any public facilities at all. David Strand Loring Park --- Jane Strauss [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: It is difficult to spend significant time at a park with a young child if the bathrooms are locked and there are no portapotties either. It was a lovely day on Sunday, many families with kids were using the Hiawatha School Park, one of the few accessible playgrounds in the city, yet even the rest rooms with outside doors were locked. Is this yet another cost cutting measure or is it done through lack of thought that kids might have potty accidents because no facilities are available? As a parent of a potty trainee with special needs I had to disappoint my child by cutting short our visit to go home for potty purposes. Jane Strauss Longfellow REMINDERS: 1. Be civil! Please read the NEW RULES at http://www.e-democracy.org/rules. If you think a member is in violation, contact the list manager at [EMAIL PROTECTED] before continuing it on the list. 2. Don't feed the troll! Ignore obvious flame-bait. For state and national discussions see: http://e-democracy.org/discuss.html For external forums, see: http://e-democracy.org/mninteract Minneapolis Issues Forum - A Civil City-focused Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: mailto:mpls@mnforum.org Subscribe, Un-subscribe, etc. at: http://e-democracy.org/mpls __ Do You Yahoo!? Tired of spam? Yahoo! Mail has the best spam protection around http://mail.yahoo.com REMINDERS: 1. Be civil! Please read the NEW RULES at http://www.e-democracy.org/rules. If you think a member is in violation, contact the list manager at [EMAIL PROTECTED] before continuing it on the list. 2. Don't feed the troll! Ignore obvious flame-bait. For state and national discussions see: http://e-democracy.org/discuss.html For external forums, see: http://e-democracy.org/mninteract Minneapolis Issues Forum - A Civil City-focused Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: mailto:mpls@mnforum.org Subscribe, Un-subscribe, etc. at: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
Re: [Mpls] tin fish
JASON - I must admit, I was one of the people that opened the doors for Tin Fish. I think it's a great addition to the park system. But your questions do raise the broader question that I don't believe have been addressed by the Board or staff. And I image that is where we have the very same platform: what's the comprehensive plan, what's the policy, what's the vision. It does send a chill up my spine to think if Tin Fish doesn't make it ...what prevents a Diary Queen from coming in. What was the criteria for picking Tin Fish ...non-chain, home-grown... Could be, but is that policy in writing somewhere? MEG FORNEY Candidate for Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board Commissioner-At-Large West Calhoun REMINDERS: 1. Be civil! Please read the NEW RULES at http://www.e-democracy.org/rules. If you think a member is in violation, contact the list manager at [EMAIL PROTECTED] before continuing it on the list. 2. Don't feed the troll! Ignore obvious flame-bait. For state and national discussions see: http://e-democracy.org/discuss.html For external forums, see: http://e-democracy.org/mninteract Minneapolis Issues Forum - A Civil City-focused Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: mailto:mpls@mnforum.org Subscribe, Un-subscribe, etc. at: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
Re: [Mpls] Eliminate the General College?
The Bruininks' plan is really a de facto statement that the U has to become whiter and richer to become better. What? I have seen no evidence to support this statement, or to support previous statements in this forum that eliminating GC will inevitably result in fewer students of color at the U. Everyone who has spoken on behalf of the proposal has emphasized that the U is retaining its commitment to admitting promising but under-prepared students, and to providing them with support services, but doing so without maintaining a separate college. Graduate programs at the U are more highly regarded and enroll a greater percentage of students of color than undergraduate programs. Consider the possibility that some of our best and brightest students of color are enrolling in other undergraduate programs with better reputations, private or out of state, rather than simply assuming that seeking to become a better university will result in less diversity. As for the research on supportive services done by GC faculty, there's no reason it couldn't be carried out as effectively as part of the college of education and human development. I think we really need to examine this whole model of excellence and what gets rewarded. Excellence is largely a code word for corporate sponsorship and government grants and is about money and prestige and is less about teaching and more about research away from the classroom. Excellence is not a code word for corporate sponsorship. It's a statement that we want faculty and students at the Twin Cities campus to have research opportunities. Yes, government grants facilitate this, and yes, substantial amounts of money are needed. It's a system that has served our country well - government funded basic research. I don't deny that there are issues raised by the increasing role of corporate funding in universities, but that's a completely separate matter from the matter at hand. Of course teaching is important. But so are higher yielding crop varieties, and organ transplants, and renewable energy research, and human rights law, and bacteria that consume toxic waste, and child development research. All of this is done at the U, and research universities are the only places where research without direct commercial applications is carried out. Of course teaching is important. That's why every other campus in this state is focused primarily on teaching. There are plenty of opportunities to attend teaching-focused schools - UMD, Morris, Crookston, St. Cloud, MCTC and many others in MN as well as the states with which we have tuition reciprocity. But a research university presents unique opportunities for students, not the least of which is the opportunity to participate in research and interact with faculty and graduate students who are actively contributing to their fields. The real challenge is to connect the money to diversity so it is not a burden to bring less qualified students to the U. (and we need to reward good teachers) We need to make the connections younger and sooner and connect Minneapolis students who are diverse, to the cool stuff that Bruininks says is more important than General College. I am saying the U needs to work in the neighborhoods it is located in to increase the number of well qualified people of color who attend the University of Minnesota. The U is already doing this in many ways. One is the Center for School Change, which is, among other things, working with a charter school whose mission is to get kids on track to go to college. Since its founding, the University of Minnesota has been a statewide resource that makes a significant impact on the economy, society, and culture of Minnesota. Through its land grant missionteaching and learning, research and discovery, public engagementit has been dedicated to advancing knowledge and serving as the partner for the public good. For many years the U could simply admit more students to accommodate the growing population. But there are now 28,000 undergraduate students. Serving the public good does not mean admitting everyone. It doesn't even mean creating a college that everyone wants to attend, if they prefer smaller class sizes and faculty who are focused solely on teaching. And as Aaron Klemz pointed out (both here and in a nice letter in the Strib reminding us of the quality of MN's state and community colleges), neither the U nor GC admit all applicants now. According to the 2003-2004 CG report, in 2002, GC received 4576 applications, made 1665 offers, and about half that many enrolled. (Of about 1850 students currently enrolled in GC, about 700 are students of color. The college's goal to have 25% of the incoming class come from Mpls. St. Paul inner city schools (their words) and De La Salle.) In contrast to the yield rate of .526 for 2002 admissions, the yield rate of .532 percent will be used for fall 2003. This means that the General
[Mpls] Re: [Bloomington] County, Twins have ballpark deal
Hi all, I'm not a baseball fan, but I don't have anything against it, just as I don't have anything against most other forms of ENTERTAINMENT. Professional sports is big-ticket entertainment, and I myself did not realize it was this, until a few years ago. I thought sports was part of God, country, Mom, and apple pie, but it's not. It's just another business. Just as I would not want public funds to subsidize a new studio for Prince (whom I like as a quirky performer), I do not want public funds to pay for the entertainment of a select group, and not make a small number of people wealthy in the process. If it can't stand on it's own as a business, it doesn't have legs and should not be shown pity, but kicked towards the door to go beg somewhere else! If sports indirectly benefits other businesses, then THEY should be asked for the funds. And I say yes to user fees. Duh! I see they don't want the public to put it to a vote and that would be a deal killer. What does that tell us? The Governor would not comment, and I think it's because he knows what's going on, and that people are not going to stand by and just let this happen. And I also see the choice parts of the deal are kept by the team, and any funds that are return or repaid go to the baseball commission? Why are they not returned to the county general fund!??! I'm sure I don't know all the details and I look forward to becoming more educated on this issue. By the way, the latest issue of The Watchdog is now available on-line in PDF format at http://www.Minneapolis-Watchdog.com. Thank you, Chris Nielsen, Webmaster Watchdog News, Inc. Bloomington, MN [The views and opinions expressed are my own and do not represent those of the Watchdog or it's staff.] REMINDERS: 1. Be civil! Please read the NEW RULES at http://www.e-democracy.org/rules. If you think a member is in violation, contact the list manager at [EMAIL PROTECTED] before continuing it on the list. 2. Don't feed the troll! Ignore obvious flame-bait. For state and national discussions see: http://e-democracy.org/discuss.html For external forums, see: http://e-democracy.org/mninteract Minneapolis Issues Forum - A Civil City-focused Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: mailto:mpls@mnforum.org Subscribe, Un-subscribe, etc. at: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
Re: [Mpls] Stadium deal
This current stadium deal makes me think that the sport of very wealthy is How much money can you get from the public coffers? One of the partial statistics that must be kept is How many public officials can you get to do something that they really don't want to do. It goes without saying that the amount of media exposure they get that might prove advantageous for their other business interests is also a key component of the game. I guess as a taxpayer in Hennepin County I can feel like I'm sort of a participant in the game of kings of this era. Dan McGuire Ericsson REMINDERS: 1. Be civil! Please read the NEW RULES at http://www.e-democracy.org/rules. If you think a member is in violation, contact the list manager at [EMAIL PROTECTED] before continuing it on the list. 2. Don't feed the troll! Ignore obvious flame-bait. For state and national discussions see: http://e-democracy.org/discuss.html For external forums, see: http://e-democracy.org/mninteract Minneapolis Issues Forum - A Civil City-focused Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: mailto:mpls@mnforum.org Subscribe, Un-subscribe, etc. at: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
[Mpls] Locked restrooms and porta-potties
Jane Strauss wrote asking about our restrooms. My reply includes: Hiawatha School Park is not open on Sundays. The building hours are posted on the door. The toilets, which give access to the interior of the building are left open during those days and hours that the building is open to the public. Vandalism and other problems occur when buildings are left open without supervision. Some of our facilities have toilets available on a 7 day per week basis from early morning, to 10:00 at night (when the parks close). We do not have the resources needed to keep every location open 7 days per week. Users of the MPRB should check the park hours before using a specific location. The closest locations to Hiawatha School Park with 7 day per week toilets, and playground equipment are Minnehaha Park and Lake Nokomis. I do remember incidents of fires and/or rapes happening in our public restrooms besides. Without the ability to have them monitored all the time it just is too problematic (and costs us lots in repairs and maintenance) they have to be closed at times. On the porta-potty story from Chris Brogan a few weeks back, staff has since told me that when they became aware of the crisis they called the company to come out and no one was at the company who could come clean or bring other ones out. A for real excuse I suppose. There is another uncontrollable factor in some of these situations also and that is the weather. Warming houses open at 30 below and enough porta-potties out in March when its 75 degrees - how is one too know? Visions of the past What did everyone do in the old days before buildings and porta-potties? I guess for starters there weren't millions of people using our parks every minute of every day, but I do wonder sometimes? I was out at 4:30am Monday morning on a parkway and actually saw two people joggingso I guess it is used ALL the time. As much as I love our parks there is a dilemma on our hands. Our Minneapolis parks are being loved to death and we are spoiled rotten as to all the services and programs our citizens have had in the past (or over the years) and the expectations they want from the Park System. But as usual in America - it's all about the money to meet your expectations. On another note, I am in total agreement with Jason Stone, Scott Vreeland and Meg Forney (this is not an endorsement of any of them) about planning and the need for the comprehensive plan. I, too, am very concerned about the privatization of our concessions and yes, the return of Dairy Queen. Where are the policies? We are going through a massive restructuring - yet it is at the discretion of the new Supt. rather than being built to meet the goals and objectives set out in a new comprehensive plan. The Board has been pretty much left out of the new organization planning. One of the major hang-ups over the years for getting this done has been the inability to find $250,000-$300,000 it is said to do a comprehensive plan for our system. Whatever! Seems we can find that amount for other things over the years. We should get this done - Don't you think? Oh yeah - it is about - where is the money to pay for it? As I said, it's that same old broken record we all love - money matters. Enough rambling on park issues for tonight, Annie Young REMINDERS: 1. Be civil! Please read the NEW RULES at http://www.e-democracy.org/rules. If you think a member is in violation, contact the list manager at [EMAIL PROTECTED] before continuing it on the list. 2. Don't feed the troll! Ignore obvious flame-bait. For state and national discussions see: http://e-democracy.org/discuss.html For external forums, see: http://e-democracy.org/mninteract Minneapolis Issues Forum - A Civil City-focused Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: mailto:mpls@mnforum.org Subscribe, Un-subscribe, etc. at: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
Re: [Mpls] Stadium deal
I have read much here about Mr. Pohlad's twins deal, but the true culprits are the Henn. county board. They are the ones who will personally benefit without anything invested. Mr Pohlad is a business man who makes deals. The county board is suppose to watch out for our interests, and if they can't decern our collective interest they should insist on a vote of the people. I am also curious about the vote the people of Mpls. had restricting the money the city gives for a team to 10 million dollars. Does the added tax stop for all residents when the amount is reached? The rest to be payed by all others residing in Henn.county, or doesn't the referendum count? Isn't there something illigal or immoral about this? Dain Lyngstad edina/ phillips --- Dan McGuire [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: This current stadium deal makes me think that the sport of very wealthy is How much money can you get from the public coffers? One of the partial statistics that must be kept is How many public officials can you get to do something that they really don't want to do. It goes without saying that the amount of media exposure they get that might prove advantageous for their other business interests is also a key component of the game. I guess as a taxpayer in Hennepin County I can feel like I'm sort of a participant in the game of kings of this era. Dan McGuire Ericsson REMINDERS: 1. Be civil! Please read the NEW RULES at http://www.e-democracy.org/rules. If you think a member is in violation, contact the list manager at [EMAIL PROTECTED] before continuing it on the list. 2. Don't feed the troll! Ignore obvious flame-bait. For state and national discussions see: http://e-democracy.org/discuss.html For external forums, see: http://e-democracy.org/mninteract Minneapolis Issues Forum - A Civil City-focused Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: mailto:mpls@mnforum.org Subscribe, Un-subscribe, etc. at: http://e-democracy.org/mpls __ Do You Yahoo!? Tired of spam? Yahoo! Mail has the best spam protection around http://mail.yahoo.com REMINDERS: 1. Be civil! Please read the NEW RULES at http://www.e-democracy.org/rules. If you think a member is in violation, contact the list manager at [EMAIL PROTECTED] before continuing it on the list. 2. Don't feed the troll! Ignore obvious flame-bait. For state and national discussions see: http://e-democracy.org/discuss.html For external forums, see: http://e-democracy.org/mninteract Minneapolis Issues Forum - A Civil City-focused Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: mailto:mpls@mnforum.org Subscribe, Un-subscribe, etc. at: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
[Mpls] 8th Ward endorsements
Eva Young asked: Did NOW also endorse Titi Bediako? I'd encourage any candidate who is interested in screening with the Minnesota Women's Political Caucus to email them at: [EMAIL PROTECTED] I can't answer the question about Ms. Bediako but I can respond to the latter: Minnesota Womens Political Caucus endorses Marie Hauser for City Council The Minnesota Women's Political Caucus has endorsed Marie Hauser for 8th Ward City Council in Minneapolis. The MWPC is a multi-partisan organization that supports qualified women to run for and hold public office. They seek to help elect women who will advance the economic, social and political equality of women. Beth Lareau and Jean Dunn, Co-Chairs of the MWPC, stated that the organization has endorsed Marie becuase of her voice and experience supporting equal rights, reproductive freedom and access and funding for child and dependent care. Steve Jevning struggling to keep up in Kingfield REMINDERS: 1. Be civil! Please read the NEW RULES at http://www.e-democracy.org/rules. If you think a member is in violation, contact the list manager at [EMAIL PROTECTED] before continuing it on the list. 2. Don't feed the troll! Ignore obvious flame-bait. For state and national discussions see: http://e-democracy.org/discuss.html For external forums, see: http://e-democracy.org/mninteract Minneapolis Issues Forum - A Civil City-focused Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: mailto:mpls@mnforum.org Subscribe, Un-subscribe, etc. at: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
[Mpls] Stadium Boondoggle Postponed by Hennepin County
http://lloydletta.blogspot.com/2005/04/stadium-boondoggle-postponed-by.html Stadium Boondoggle Postponed by Hennepin County The Stadium boondoggle was postponed for a week by the http://www.startribune.com/stories/503/5370199.htmlHennepin County board. It's time for people to call and email their county commissioners. My post about the stadium boodoggle drew a fair amount of comment. I asked the question about where the Taxpayer's League was on this. The Taxpayer's League does oppose taxpayer funded/financed stadiums, but they've been relatively quiet about the issue. No new taxes Pawlenty has said he doesn't think this one needs a referendum (perhaps because it socks it to Hennepin County residents), while threatening to veto a gas tax increase without a referendum attached. Steve has a good question: http://www.haloscan.com/comments/lloydletta/111438252513289790/ When is a referendum a good idea, and when is it not? It's a puzzle. Perhaps it's a good idea if the issue is a piddling little tax that most of us wont notice, but it's a bad idea if the issue is amending the Minnesota Constitution to ban gay marriage or civil unions, as proposed by that moral cipher Michele Bachmann. So, the more important the issue, the less desirable it is to submit it to the public for a vote. That seems unsatisfactory, somehow. Laying aside the fact that the gay marriage/civil unions ban involves a serious, fundamental issue of equal protection of all citizenswhich of course is why it is different than a tax of three cents on a twenty dollar purchasehow do we decide how and when to restrain majoritarian impulses for the benefit of a minority interest, business interests, or just baseball fans? As I said, it's a puzzle; there has to be a rule out there somewhere between representative government only with resort to the ballot box in the case of citizen grievance on the one hand, and a California initiative and referendum regime where the voters can decide everything including the school lunch menu on the other. California in general and it educational system in particular have not profited from the states periodic initiative and referendum melees. Perhaps Lloydletta can rescue us from the conundrum. Steve Craig Westover states http://craigwestover.blogspot.com/2004/09/column-government-should-stay-out-of.htmlmore articulately than I can about why it is that it's not a good idea to put the Bachmann amendment on the ballot: One final point: The notion that the question of gay marriage is subject to majority rule is wrong. A basic American premise is that the majority cannot deny unalienable rights to minorities, and choosing a life partner is indeed an unalienable right. Banning gay marriage is the same level of government intrusion as the state legislating the number of children a couple may have based on government's judgment of the couple's ability to support them. Liberty involves risk. One's ability to live life as he or she chooses is best served by ensuring that government cannot interfere in private decisions even if that means enabling others to live their lives in a manner that one may or may not agree with or even regard as morally correct. I would urge those with moral objections to civil unions to step back for a moment and separate the properly private and properly legal aspects of the debate. The proper question is not, Do gay couples have the same rights as heterosexual couples? The proper question is, Does government have the legitimate authority to deny gay couples the legal rights granted to heterosexual couples? To the proper question I say that although a tyrannical majority may usurp government power to deny such rights, it certainly does not have legitimate moral authority to do so. There is precident for doing referendums on school bonding and library bonding projects in Minneapolis. There a much stronger case for public schools and libraries being a legitimate role of government than public subsidy for professional sports. At the same time, I also think the Hennepin County board should put this plan out of it's misery rather than pushing it to the voters. I really resent politicians who don't live in Hennepin County being the loudest cheerleaders for raising the taxes of those who do. I work near downtown Minneapolis, and taxes on restaurants in the area are already way out of line. We don't need any more - especially for this purpose. If we are going to pay that tax, I'd much rather have it go towards transit projects. Eva Young Near North Minneapolis [EMAIL PROTECTED] http://lloydletta.blogspot.com You do not have the right to never be offended. This country is based on freedom, and that means freedom for everyone - not just you! You may leave the room, turn the channel, express a different opinion, etc., but the world is full of idiots, and probably always will be. --Article II of the Bill of Non-Rights. REMINDERS: 1.
Re: [Mpls] Locked restrooms and porta-potties
Annie Young wrote: On another note, I am in total agreement with Jason Stone, Scott Vreeland and Meg Forney (this is not an endorsement of any of them) about planning and the need for the comprehensive plan. I, too, am very concerned about the privatization of our concessions and yes, the return of Dairy Queen. Where are the policies? Yes, where are they? It's time to throw the bums out who are responsible for the non-policy mode of operation. We are going through a massive restructuring - yet it is at the discretion of the new Supt. rather than being built to meet the goals and objectives set out in a new comprehensive plan. The Board has been pretty much left out of the new organization planning. One of the major hang-ups over the years for getting this done has been the inability to find $250,000-$300,000 it is said to do a comprehensive plan for our system. Whatever! Seems we can find that amount for other things over the years. We should get this done - Don't you think? I find it interesting that the Park Board cannot find the $250,000 to $300,000 necessary to do a long-term comprehensive plan to ensure the park system's future quality and purpose -- yet it had no problem at all finding $500,000 for Superintendent Jon Gurban's slush fund. There's a rat in the kitchen what are we gonna do? There's a rat in the kitchen what are we gonna go? We're gonna fix that rat, that's what we're gonna do, We're gonna fix that rat. When you out on the street, You practice lies and deceit And we know you're so unjust But when they catch you up They will kick you up Because you're someone they cannot trust. with thanks and apologies to UB40. -- Chris Johnson Fulton REMINDERS: 1. Be civil! Please read the NEW RULES at http://www.e-democracy.org/rules. If you think a member is in violation, contact the list manager at [EMAIL PROTECTED] before continuing it on the list. 2. Don't feed the troll! Ignore obvious flame-bait. For state and national discussions see: http://e-democracy.org/discuss.html For external forums, see: http://e-democracy.org/mninteract Minneapolis Issues Forum - A Civil City-focused Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: mailto:mpls@mnforum.org Subscribe, Un-subscribe, etc. at: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
