Re: [Mpls] campaign finance
Tim Bonham <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: I've been Treasurer for many party units, candidates, and joint campaigns over the years. I just can't see that public financed campaigns would solve all these problems. Just change to different problems. Here's some that I see: ML : (see previous post for list of problems) There is a state-level proposal that seems to make a lot of sense that addresses many of Tim's concerns: Fair and Clean Elections (FACE). A similar system might be workable at the city level too. We'd still have independent expenditures and candidates choosing to forgoe public money in order to spend away their opponents, but choosing this route looks even more unattractive with viable alternative funding sources available. It might be a challenge to figure out the funding source at the city level, but consider it a public investment in voter education and turn-out. Rather than attempt to run through this complicated issue here, I'll point interested parties to the following link to learn more: http://www.mapa-mn.org/programs/face/ Would this model work for Minneapolis? Does it adequately address Tim's concerns? What say you, Minneapolis? What the heck, East Minneapolis can chime in too. ;) Matty Lang, Central - Yahoo! Shopping Find Great Deals on Holiday Gifts at Yahoo! Shopping 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] Re: "brt"?
Bruce Gaarder <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: David Greene say that the links supplied by Matty Lang are from a group with a bias. Maybe the name lightrailnow says it all. You can also read their comments on prt. Just imagine, they also seem to be biased, and you won't be able to imagine what that bias is . Bruce Gaarder Highland Park Saint Paul MN [EMAIL PROTECTED] Ah, I'm busted. Figured out. My bias is clear: I support rail transit. Thanks for posting the links to the rentalcartours.net site, they provided some helpful clarification of where your point of view is comming from, an automobile. I am biased. I don't believe the auto dominated examples of Los Angeles and Atlanta are the right models for Minneapolis/St. Paul. I didn't see much on the Wendell Cox websites about buss transit, however. He seemed fixated on the automobile and its apparent ability to democratize prosperity. I remember my automobile negatively affecting my prosperity. Maybe the fumes were getting to me. Check out the following link to see where BRT is comming from: http://www.demographia.com/index.html I have to wonder if BRT is "effective transit" or just an effective way to thwart transit. Thanks for offering resources that reinforced my view on BRT. Matty Lang, Central - Yahoo! Personals Skip the bars and set-ups and start using Yahoo! Personals for free 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] FW: Financial contributions to the City of Minneapolis
My apologies for the cut and paste technical error. This should be easier to read--and to challenge. Thanks to Patrick for the helpful information. And thanks to Sheldon for the great suggestion. Minneapolis can rest assured that the check is in the mail as soon as this months' payroll clears--Monday for sure. Don't expect much, however, as my gift will be based on my ability to pay. No matter how many times I ask them, my financial institution of choice (sorry Bill, it has the word 'union' in its name!) will unfortunately not allow me to write checks that my account can't cash. There are a number of reasons--with which I will not bore this list--for my desire to make a financial contribution to the city. The main reason is so that the next time a friend (or foe), during a rational conversation about the state of our city, suggests that I should volunteer to have my "taxes" raised to foot the bill for a better X, I can reply that I've been there and done that. On to the next idea please. The suggestion that voluntary contributions are equal to taxes is false. As we learned long ago (Was there a School House Rock tune on taxes and if so what was the tone? I don't remember) taxes are involuntary assessments while contributions are voluntary gifts also going by the name of donations. No matter how hard our governor tried to convince us otherwise in the recent past, taxes are like fees especially in the sense that one is expected to pay. By their very nature donations are not expected; they are asked for on top of normal expectations and thusly are not given at a high rate. Many organizations ask for donations. That's the number one reason that individuals and businesses give donations--because somebody asked them to give. Minnesotans (especially Minneapolitans) are very generous with their giving. For this, I commend all of the givers in this list's membership. The state offers us the chance each year to make a financial contribution in addition to our tax assessment. They make this offer in writing. In other words, they ask us to contribute. Without checking the stats, I'll bet the house (I really don't like to gamble) that less than 10% of us generous Minnesotans take the state up on its offer. Granted, this is a weak ask as the state would increase their compliance rate by investing in a more elaborate relationship building program for prospective donors, but is this what it or the City of Minneapolis should be spending its time and resources doing? I argue no. Patrick confirmed my suspicion that the city needs to expend considerable resources to properly process a donation--even an unsolicited donation. Most effective organizations work to reduce their fundraising overhead as the city (us) does by assessing taxes rather than organizing bake sales. This allows the city to efficiently collect its (our collective) resources. So how much does Minneapolis take in each year in donations? In the spirit of brevity I won't trot out the census stats to do the math, but in my nine plus years of fundraising from individuals and businesses the average gift of a first time donors is in the $20-$25 range while donors who already have a giving history with the organization average in the $30-$40 range. For most organizations these averages are achieved by soliciting many small contributions and a very few large contributions--based on the givers' ability to pay. These donors, of course, were asked to give. The City of Minneapolis has not asked anyone to make a donation to my knowledge so we'll drastically drop the 10% giving rate to 5% for these purposes. One doesn't even need to do the math to imagine what we could NOT fund with a donation mechanism in Minneapolis. Matty Lang, Not usually making random donations in Central - Yahoo! DSL Something to write home about. Just $16.99/mo. or less 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] FW: Financial contributions to the City of Minneapolis
Thanks to Patrick for the helpful information. And thanks to Sheldon for the great suggestion. Minneapolis can rest assured that the check is in the mail as soon as this monthsâ payroll clearsâMonday for sure. Donât expect much, however, as my gift will be based on my ability to pay. No matter how many times I ask them, my financial institution of choice (sorry Bill, it has the word âunionâ in its name!) will unfortunately not allow me to write checks that my account canât cash. There are a number of reasonsâwith which I will not bore this listâfor my desire to make a financial contribution to the city. The main reason is so that the next time a friend (or foe), during a rational conversation about the state of our city, suggests that I should volunteer to have my âtaxesâ raised to foot the bill for a better X, I can reply that Iâve been there and done that. On to the next idea please. The suggestion that voluntary contributions are equal to taxes is false. As we learned long ago (Was there a School House Rock tune on taxes and if so what was the tone? I donât remember) taxes are involuntary assessments while contributions are voluntary gifts also going by the name of donations. No matter how hard our governor tried to convince us otherwise in the recent past, taxes are like fees especially in the sense that one is expected to pay. By their very nature donations are not expected; they are asked for on top of normal expectations and thusly are not given at a high rate. Many organizations ask for donations. Thatâs the number one reason that individuals and businesses give donationsâbecause somebody asked them to give. Minnesotans (especially Minneapolitans) are very generous with their giving. For this, I commend all of the givers in this listâs membership. The state offers us the chance each year to make a financial contribution in addition to our tax assessment. They make this offer in writing. In other words, they ask us to contribute. Without checking the stats, Iâll bet the house (I really donât like to gamble) that less than 10% of us generous Minnesotans take the state up on its offer. Granted, this is a weak ask as the state would increase their compliance rate by investing in a more elaborate relationship building program for prospective donors, but is this what it or the City of Minneapolis should be spending its time and resources doing? I argue no. Patrick confirmed my suspicion that the c ity needs to expend considerable resources to properly process a donationâeven an unsolicited donation. Most effective organizations work to reduce their fundraising overhead as the city (us) does by assessing taxes rather than organizing bake sales. This allows the city to efficiently collect its (our collective) resources. So how much does Minneapolis take in each year in donations? In the spirit of brevity I wonât trot out the census stats to do the math, but in my nine plus years of fundraising from individuals and businesses the average gift of a first time donors is in the $20-$25 range while donors who already have a giving history with the organization average in the $30-$40 range. For most organizations these averages are achieved by soliciting many small contributions and a very few large contributionsâbased on the giversâ ability to pay. These donors, of course, were asked to give. The City of Minneapolis has not asked anyone to make a donation to my knowledge so weâll drastically drop the 10% giving rate to 5% for these purposes. One doesnât even need to do the math to imagine what we could NOT fund with a donation mechanism in Minneapolis. Matty Lang, Not usually making random donations in Central - Yahoo! Personals Let fate take it's course directly to your email. See who's waiting for you Yahoo! Personals 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] Property Tax: Progressive or Regressive?
Michael Thompson <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: Mike Thompson Windom If you don't think your taxes are high enough, write out a check ML: In all seriousness, I was thinking about doing this today. But, to whom do I write the check? The Minneapolis Finance Department? If I wrote and sent an unsolicited check to the City would it deposit it? Would the City Council need to take an official action to accept my gift? Would I be able to earmark my gift to a department/program of my choice? I just searched the City's website without luck. I entered a number of different phrases into the search engine about paying exta taxes and making contributions to the City without finding instructions on how to do so. I even checked the Minneapolis One Stop page without success. Any help would be welcome. Matty Lang, Central - Yahoo! Personals Single? There's someone we'd like you to meet. Lots of someones, actually. Try Yahoo! Personals 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] PRT becomes "SkyWeb Express"
Maybe Taxi 2000 was threatened with a lawsuit by Pacific Regeneration Technologies, INC (PRT)--I can't say for sure. More likely, Taxi 2000 just wasn't convincing anyone and needed an image upgrade. Regardless, the result is still the same for me--not convincing. Another well documented reason to question PRT is to look at a couple of its biggest local supporters: Michelle Bachman and Phil Krinkie--not the greatest friends of public transit the last time I checked. As Taxi 2000 admits, the whole thing can be done privately. If your goal is to dismantle public transportation then PRT or SkyWeb Express seems to be a good way to do it. I can't help but think of Hollywoodian examples of public endeavors being privatized with literally smashing results: see Robocop and its sequels as an example of a privatized, automated police force. Do a quick search for "PRT" and you will find Taxi 2000's site as well as websites critical of Personal Rapid Transit or SkyWeb Express. A brief scan of the SWE website makes me think of a world resembling that of "The Jetsons" based on a Wal-Mart style economy. It's so cheap. You just swipe a card and type a destination! No transit employees to bother you. No jobs at all from the look of it. And, as the SWE website proclaims, the cars are much like the back seat of a taxi (complete with whatever one normally finds in the back seats of taxis left by other passengers--yum!) Matty Lang, Just returned from a nice bicycle ride alongside slow auto traffic in Central - Yahoo! Music Unlimited - Access over 1 million songs. Try it free. 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] "brt"?
[EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: In regard to: Message: 12 Date: Thu, 24 Nov 2005 13:09:32 -0600 (CST) From: Bruce Gaarder Subject: [Mpls] Re: Central corridor lrt and SW lrt (long) To: mpls@mnforum.org Message-ID: <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Content-Type: TEXT/PLAIN; CHARSET=us-ascii can anyone tell me more about "brt"? Neal E. Simons Prospect Park Neal and list members, The following link has information on BRT: http://www.lightrailnow.org/ The link to the BRT analyses is in the left coulmn. Scroll down to the "Streetcars Making a Vigorous Comback" Comentary. The link is just to the left. Some great images of busses passing by empty stations. Very inspiring. Matty Lang, Central - Yahoo! Music Unlimited - Access over 1 million songs. Try it free. 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] Re: Central Corridor / LRT in Minneapolis
Becca Vargo Daggett <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: Traffic has shifted from Hiawatha to Minnehaha and the River Road, and through Minneahaha Falls park. That's bad for neighborhoods. I'm agnostic on this. I love the idea of LRT in the same way some people love the idea of stadiums for their sports teams. But it makes no sense. The Pi-Press article yesterday indicated that the capital costs are 4 times higher than BRT and the annual operations are about the same. At least if we're going to do it, and if we're going to do it in the name of economic revitalization, we should pay something to the existing businesses that are going to lose business during the construction period. . . ML: Is this agnosticism directed towards transit in general or LRT?BRT would surely affect auto traffic and bicycle traffic ;) (in the negative sense of getting in the way) just as much if not more than LRT--unless we build a subway system or an elevated freeway (just imagine, wide enough for a rapid bus in each direction) for the busses. All of this with less passengers on board than LRT. (Side note: I believe rail transit will be the most economical mode of transit in the long run. That said, streetcar lines (much less expensive and intrusive) are appropriate rather than full blown LRT in many cases, IMO). Our region will gain over 1 million new residents in the near future and they will have to live somewhere. Without transit, how will they get around? (I've given up on getting everyone on bicycles). On the small business side, I agree that we should do all that we can to ensure their survival. In my neighborhood many small businesses recently endured (or soon will) a major reconstruction project about which I was somewhat agnostic. I know that Smith Parker was hired by someone (the County?) to do a "we're open for business" marketing campaign. Was there anything else done for Lake Street businesses? I don't know. If we can get these businesses through the construction, my crystal ball says they won't remember why they ever questioned the line as long as it's rail, that is. I'm glad that the Pioneer Press on-line (very scientific ;) poll showed a large majority supporting the transit line yesterday. Matty Lang Central - Yahoo! FareChase - Search multiple travel sites in one click. 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] Southwest LRT - Why so much effort to leave out Uptown, and others?
One of the good things that could result from choosing to run the SW LRT line between the lakes is a Streetcar line in the Midtown Greenway connecting SW LRT to the Hiawatha line. This would likely result in Streetcar stations at Chowen, Hennepin, Lake, Nicolett, 5th Ave, Chicago Ave (Midtown Exchange), Bloomington Ave and a terminus at the Lake Street station at Hiawatha. This scenario allows the suburban commuters to take the "as the crow flies" more direct route downtown while the streetcar line would serve Uptown (and Midtown) very well. When I think of the SW LRT line comming through the Midtown Greenway and North under Nicollet Ave, I can't help but think about the Midtown neighborhoods being ignored once again. Matty Lang Central - Yahoo! FareChase - Search multiple travel sites in one click. 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] Tall Buildings In Minneapolis
[EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Today's Star Tribune editorial argues that Minneapolis residents have to get over their problems with tall buildings along transit corridors such as the Midtown Greenway and Lake Street if the city is to continue to draw tax-paying professionals and aging empty- nesters back into the city. "For Minneapolis to continue its generally forward momentum and its progressive political traditions, residents must get over their phobia about tall buildings." . . . I wholeheartedly agree with this editorial position. Bill Dooley Kenny I'm glad to see that the Star Tribune editorial board is being consistent with it's earlier writings on Vancouver and its status as the "most livable" city in the world. Vancouver got over its height phobia over 40 years ago and today is reaping the benefits. I feel like the editorial board somehow recorded my thoughts exactly and published them without my permission. ;) I guess that means that I, too, agree wholeheartedly. Matty Lang, Central - Yahoo! FareChase - Search multiple travel sites in one click. 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] Gubernatorial Candidates and Minneapolis
Jason McGrath <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: To bring the question of gubernatorial candidates back to Mpls issues: In an MPR interview the day after the municipal elections, Mayor Rybak and Mayor-elect Coleman both voiced strong support for the proposed University Ave. corridor light rail line, and RT went further in saying that he didn't just want to see a new line every decade or so but a comprehensive investment in a whole network (like 3 additional lines instead of one) at once. He pointed out that this would benefit the whole region and should be funded in part by a multi-county metro area sales tax, presumably in addition to whatever state and federal funds can be mustered. It seems obvious that a piecemeal approach of a line every decade or two is not going to solve the transit problems of the growing Twin Cities metro area in the 21st century, and I for one will be paying close attention to which gubernatorial candidates (and those for the state and national legislatures) make this kind of comprehensive commitment to a regional light/commuter rail system a priority. In fact, if the proposed Twins stadium at the hub of present and future rail lines helps to increase statewide support for investment in mass rail transit, then the stadium funding itself becomes more palatable. I have yet to hear the gubernatorial candidates weigh in on any of these issues (though maybe they have and the media hasn't covered it). Jason McGrath Corcoran, Mpls ML: Good for the Mayor--that is exactly the type of gusto we need in the transportation debate. Jason mentioned the proposed baseball stadium. I'll add in the proposed football stadium in Blaine. Now, I wouldn't necessarily shed a tear for Blaine if the Sunday traffic on 35W moved North, but isn't the type of mixed use development Mr. Wilf is proposing perfect for rail transit? I would shed a tear if such a project was built without rail transit connecting it to the rest of the region. As far as I know the parcels of land he is purchasing are well to the East of the Northstar line. If Zygi plays guitar well enough, we may be stuck with another "Golden Triangle" of car exhaust and congestion to our North as well as to our West. Sales tax to fund it? I don't like that as much as a long overdue increase in the gas tax dedicated to transit to foot the bill. In order to help more people choose to get out of their cars we have to invest in a transit system that is attractive (rail), competitive in the time sense (rail), and competive in the price sense (rail--if the true costs of cars are factored in). How does the saying go--you get what you pay for. BRT will not get enough people out of their cars--rail is proven to be far more attractive. And dedicated bus lanes can and could be easily oppend up to car traffic in the future. Buses sharing right of way with cars take away the time savings and don't address on site polution either. Buses can be used for local travel at the neighborhood level although Streetcars (rail) would be even better. Both Mayor Rybak and Commissioner McLaughlin would do well to push for a larger and quicker investment in transit (rail)--wich would save the City, the region , and the State an obscene amount of time and money when we desperately need it. To do this they can reach out to Suburban Mayors, city councils and county Commissioners to build support that can be shown at the State level. Gubernatorial candidates should recognize that investment in the "Cadilac" of transit systems is not just good for Minneapolis and St. Paul, but for the entire region and State. Matty Lang, counting as one less car (even in the winter and without a sufficient transit system) in Central - Yahoo! FareChase - Search multiple travel sites in one click. 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] Candidates who Question or Equivocate on Smoking Ban are Defeated?
Come on folks, the market will take care of everything, right? I can tell the list that the smoking scene in Minneapolis bars is far from dead--you just need to know where to go. It's like New York after the smoking ban there--if you knew where to go it was only a matter of time before the bouncer would light up a smoke and then before one knew what happened, cigarettes a blazin all around the bar. I'm not old enough to have experienced it myself (although I dream in the 50's often) but didn't we used to have medical doctors endorsing their preferred brand of cigarettes on television and the radio? Times change and we need to change with them. And after a long day of being over worked, under compensated, underappreciated and less than celebrated, I am still very happy to belly up to the bar and have a beer (and maybe even a shot!) to unwind--all without the cigarette that used to accompany said beer and shot. If the ban didn't help me to quit smoking, I would be fine with stepping outside to filter some fresh air through my burning stick of tobacco too. Matty Lang, Central - Yahoo! FareChase - Search multiple travel sites in one click. 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] Snicker shock?
Diane Wiley <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: The main question I have is whether people who have less incomes are being hit harder. That would not be good. If we want to have a decent city, we're going to have to pay for it. I will buy $300 less of some kind of thing that I probably don't really "need", and that seems a small sacrifice to pay for a better city. I just would want to know that families with less income are not going without food or heat in order to pay their mortgages. Diane Wiley, perhaps idealistic to a fault in Tangletown... ML: I'll let you know how it went come Spring. On the same day that I received my letter from Hennepin County, I believe the Strib also ran a story on climbing mortgage interest rates. I don't recall (I don't want to think about it) if my taxes increased by 10 or 20 % this year as the notice was part of an increasing white noise of negative economic news. At some point last year, New Jersey considered (and passed?) a millionaires' tax to reduce local property taxes as well as to buttress funding for health care and education. Being taxed on the ability to pay taxes, now that's a novel idea. The guv could call it a Millionaires' fee and pick up some votes in Minneapolis. Matty Lang, Hoping hard for a 3% raise in 06 but not holding my breath in Central - Yahoo! FareChase - Search multiple travel sites in one click. 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] Chicago Style gun shot detecting cameras for Minneapolis?
Alight. It does look a little much, but it should be worth it. Here's the url to their website: http://www.shotspotter.com/ Matty Lang, Central __ Yahoo! FareChase: Search multiple travel sites in one click. http://farechase.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] Chicago Style gun shot detecting cameras for Minneapolis?
--- David Strand <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: > One of the more interesting questions raised during > the campaign was regarding the gun shot detecting > cameras which focus in and record upon "hearing" a > gun > shot being fired. ML: I understand the Shot Spotter system to be more like microphones than cameras. Nonetheless they apparently can tell the difference between a gun shot and fireworks/car backfires. If funded and installed, police would be able to know the exact point from which a gun shot was fired within 10 seconds of the shot being fired. Although I've been lucky enough to avoid gun shots myself, I'd rather not rely on luck. Getting guns off the streets relies on Police being able to catch the offenders in the act. The Shot Spotter would allow Police to respond rapidly to the exact location. I've heard statistics cited from other cities using this technology that show up to an 80% decrease in shots fired. I think we should fund it. I think this one should be paid for by the city. Let's get it installed on both the North and South sides. Matty Lang, Central __ Yahoo! Mail - PC Magazine Editors' Choice 2005 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] Re: Minneapolis and the State Legislature
--- [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: > With all the new condos built and condo proposals on > the board, will > Minneapolis show a net gain for the foreseeable > future or will the condo development > be offset by the remainder of Minneapolis moderates > and Republicans leaving > for the suburbs? Or, will the condo buyers merely > replace renters who will > forced to the suburbs in a Paris-type situation? > > Bill Dooley > Kenny ML: I don't know, but I've been told there are more condos on the market than have ever been sold (in one year). This could be the answer to the affordable housing crisis: over saturation of the market with high-end condos in order to depress prices. Luxury affordable housing, now that's the ticket. ;) In all seriousness, we must add to the building of more housing units a massive investment in transit and other non-car oriented transportation infrastructure or people will continue to flee to the suburbs. Not all Republicans like the suburbs and the suburban lifestyle so I doubt they'll all leave. As for Paris, yes we need to guard against the Ghettoization of our neighborhoods. In Paris the Ghettos are in the burbs, but they are Ghettos. As Minneapolis grows (hopefully) we need to ensure that our less monied citizens are not just priced out of our neighborhoods and into Ghettos wherever they are located. It is possible, especially since we don't have a huge streak of extreme Nationalism and a history of Colonialism running through us Americans. Opps can't really say that. I'll try again, at least we don't currently show a huge streak of Nationalism and. . .Ah, foiled again, it just goes by a different name today: Jingoism and Cultural and Economic Imperialism. Matty Lang, Central __ Yahoo! Mail - PC Magazine Editors' Choice 2005 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] Minneapolis and the State Legislature
--- Eva Young <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: > > I actually think it's a good use of time for > Minneapolis residents to pick candidates and help > some > of these special election candidates. The more we > can > counter the anti-Minneapolis sentiment in the > legislature the better. > ML: Great idea. I'll repeat another idea I've heard proposed: Let's increase the population of Minneapolis (and St. Paul). One does not have to look very long to see the contempt for the city coming from the Capitol. The cultural wedge issues are a great example of this contempt and the mega-church rally in EP is the ugly proof. If the Suburbs continue to gain the largest share of population growth in MN, the legislature will continue to slice and dice the inner city. The fact of the matter is that Minneapolis has lost representation as publicly subsidized and facilitated urban sprawl has grown the Suburbs at the expense of the city. Let's reverse this process and take back the legislature in the process. Heck, let's go for another seat in Congress as well. Matty Lang, Central __ Yahoo! FareChase: Search multiple travel sites in one click. http://farechase.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] Election post mortem
--- Erik Riese <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: > In the inner core where government's impact is > probably most > heavily felt the turnout was the lowest. In Wards 3, > 5, and 6 barely > 3,000 folks voted! What is up with this? > > We, the opinion leaders of the city must take > responsibility for this > failure. ML: It looks like you've answered your own question. Those with access to information tend to vote as they more fully understand the consequences of the decisions of decision makers. The barriers to information have been discussed ad nauseum on this list and range from access to a quality public education to access to the very medium we are using to share ideas in this forum. Therefore, as Erik suggests, the arm-chair savants among us must fill the gap and provide access to information and the tools necessary to digest it. The hard work that needs to happen to remedy this problem goes by the name of organizing. In the core city we feel the consequences of our decision makers' decisions on a daily basis. When we more fully understand these consequences and how they came to be we will finally take control of our neighborhoods and together, turn them around for good. Nobody will do it for us. So, knowing that a better Midtown Phillips means a better Kenwood and a more livable Minneapolis means a more livable region and state let's increase access to information and let the power chips fall where they may. I'm willing to bet the newly empowered underprivileged win in that election which means we all win. Isn't that just so meta-narrative? ;) We have less than a year to wait before we get to play the election game once again. As I've heard it said: Let's continue to do the hard work that democracy requires. Matty Lang, Central __ Yahoo! Mail - PC Magazine Editors' Choice 2005 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] Election Day
Ah ha! I was wondering who was behind my power outage this morning. At first I thought it was that pesky FBI blimp trying to prevent me from voting by preventing my alarm from sounding. After a couple of seconds that theory just seemed too Oliver Stone for me and I stopped just short of tying it to the Lake Street reconstruction which seemed even more Oliver Stoneish. ;) On another note, our election judges are paying attention. I was suspected of having already voted as I was sporting a "Vote!" sticker that looks similar to the "I Voted" sticker. After a brief debate on the merits of voting early and often I convinced the judge that I had not yet voted and he proceeded to make way for democracy. I was voter number 41 at about a quarter to nine this morning at Ward 8, precint 3. Unlike primary day, I did not feel "so alone" as all voting booths were full except for the kiddy booths. Matty Lang, Central --- wmmarks <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: > I came in right behind K. Forbes (I was 238) during > a minor lull in > activity. One of the long time judges told me that > earlier in the day > the electricity had gone out and voters had to vote > by candle light. How > romantic--not. Seems one of the guys working on the > Lake St. Repaving > Project had hit something and knocked out power > between the east side of > Portland and Chicago. It didn't affect the voting > machine, though, it > has a battery backup that kicks in in an emergency. > Who knew? > > WizardMarks, Central __ Yahoo! Mail - PC Magazine Editors' Choice 2005 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] Strib photos clarify Mayoral contest
For those who still haven't decided where their mayoral vote will go, I suggest looking at the photos published by the Star Tribune today. I think the photographer, Kyndell Harkness captured it perfectly. Two different images. http://www.startribune.com/stories/587/5711627.html Matty Lang, Central __ Yahoo! FareChase: Search multiple travel sites in one click. http://farechase.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] Transportation Justice for the 25% of Mpls Householdswithout Cars
--- "Timothy J. Salo" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: > Michael Thompson asks: > > > ... Did someone slip another justice in on us > sometime, without > > letting us know? ... > > Apparently, some readers aren't taking > "transportation justice" > as seriously as others believe they ought. If they > don't, upon hearing > the term, immediately believe in the rightness of > the cause, the > correctness of the analysis, and the necessity for > immediate action, > they risk being labeled "transportationist". Of > course, this may > leave them wondering whether this is closer to being > an > environmentalist or a classist. > > (Actually, this may be another example of "plays > well with the > base", but sounds peculiar [at best] to a broader > audience. > I guess it depends on who your intended audience is > and what your > objectives are.) > > Tim Salo > Mac-Groveland/Dinkytown If Michael and Tim don't understand the economic and social impacts of one's ability to be mobile I guess I can't help them. But, I will, give you an opposite perspective on the transportation justice issue if it makes you feel better. Maybe those of us without cars are the privileged? >From Energy and Equity by Ivan Illich The typical American male devotes more than 1,600 hours a year to his car. He sits in it while it goes and while it stands idling. He parks it and searches for it. He earns the money to put down on it and to meet the monthly installments. He works to pay for petrol, tolls, insurance, taxes and tickets. He spends four of his sixteen waking hours on the road or gathering resources for it. And this figure does not take account of the time consumed by other activities dictated by transport: time spent in hospitals, traffic courts and garages: time spent watching automobile commercials or attending consumer education meetings to improve quality of the next buy. The model American puts in 1,600 hours to get 7,500 miles: less than five miles an hour. End quote Matty Lang, Wishing I had a vacation home in Dinkytown Central __ Yahoo! Mail - PC Magazine Editors' Choice 2005 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] Ward 3 in the news - who's "greener?"
> --- Aaron Neumann <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: > > > > Can the Greens survive the DFL's attention? > > http://pulsetc.com/article.php?sid=2137 > > ML asks: Is the "2005 Minneapolis City Election > Round-up" section of this article written by > multiple > people? Once again, I'm confused. > > About the Ward 6 race the writer declairs, "Lilligren > is dead set against the controversial 35-W access > project, while Zimmermann suggests it could be done > without destroying existing homes." > > It's apparently not an issue in ward 8. > > And in Ward 10? Bill Lindeke and/or The Pulse > writes, > "Persons seems more willing to compromise with > developers. For example, hes quite in favor of the > controversial 35-W access project, that would > remove > some freeway-side houses to add new on ramps to an > expanded Lake Street." > > Lilligren gets ripped for opposing the 35 W access > project while Persons gets ripped for supporting it. > > Zimmermann gets a pass. And the smoking ban decides > it in ward 8. This is the kind of help I'm talkin > about. > > Keep it comming. > > Matty Lang, > Central > > __ Yahoo! Mail - PC Magazine Editors' Choice 2005 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] Sierra Club endorsement of RT
--- David BrauBrauerlsmplslist.tcq> wrote: > > Both men are environmentalists; neither is Satan > wielding a catalytic > converter. > That's a good one! I was thinking similar thoughts (different metaphor) earlier today. Let's stop harping on how "bad" some candidates' records are. At least on this list, as members have aired enough criticisms for the rest of us to have adequate chance to investigate further and make up our own minds. (New revelations are OK, though) This goes for all races, not just the City Council and Mayoral contests. Now, I've definitely made up my mind as to where my precious votes are going, but that doesn't mean a reasoned argument can't persuade me. Besides, I'm just dying to let my closest friends and neighbors know why I'm supporting my candidates. A good example of something that a candidate did in the past that is unacceptable or less than ideal will get their attention. A reasoned and positive argument of how my candidate will guide the future of Minneapolis in the proper direction will get them to the polls to vote for my candidates. I won't post my choices here, however, as it wouldn't do much good in my estimation. That said, I will challenge all candidates, campaigns , and those who are publicly supporting specific candidates to change course and help the rest of us more effectively reach non-list members with effective content. No implied endorsement, but I'll use Peter's announcement yesterday of his plan for a new city department as an example of what I'm talking about. Lay out concrete policy that you/your candidate will introduce and/or support. You can probably tell by now that I'd like to see more on transportation from the candidates. How will you keep Minneapolis (yes, and the region by influencing and working with other governmental bodies) moving without choking? Be honest now. And I'm not thinking about cigarette smoke at the moment. Matty Lang, Central __ Yahoo! Mail - PC Magazine Editors' Choice 2005 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] On the smoking ban and Porter's--off topic
I started this thread to point out that Porter's likely didn't close due to the smoking ban--that's it. The course has been changed and I think run into a brick wall. The best idea that resulted from this thread so far was Dan's suggestion that we ban meat too. Or did I slip off that darned slippery slope again? Matty Lang, Central __ Start your day with Yahoo! - Make it your home page! http://www.yahoo.com/r/hs 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] Nicollet Island,BOOM
--- Sean Ryan wrote: > > The island in 1935, look no freeway or jersey > barriers!httphttpollections.mnhsmnhs/visuvisualresourcesge.cfm?cfmgimageid68&Page=2&Digital=Yes&Keywords=niconicolletsland%2C%20hennhennepinrSearchTypeic > ML: I must admit that the streetcars look beautiful and very practical. Still, given the current state of the Island, I prefer that no stadium be added. We can do better than this. Matty Lang, Not very elite, and not very monied in Central __ Yahoo! Mail - PC Magazine Editors' Choice 2005 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] Fw: Commentary -- Our Current Development Process: Money Talks
That is just embarrassing. Late nights and early mornings don't go well together. My apologies to all. Matty Lang, Central --- Dorie Rae Gallagher <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: > This commentary is Kevin McDonald's that appeared > in the Strib on Sat. > I only passed it on ...last sentence! > > Good post however... > dorie gallagher/nokomis > > > Subject: Re: [Mpls] Fw: Commentary -- Our Current > Development Process: Money > Talk > > > > Sometimes I'm confused myself. Let's > > talk through the confusion. > > > > Matty Lang, > > > > > > > > > > > > __ > > Yahoo! FareChase: Search multiple travel sites in > one click. > > http://farechase.yahoo.com > > > > __ Yahoo! FareChase: Search multiple travel sites in one click. http://farechase.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] Fw: Commentary -- Our Current Development Process: Money Talks
Below, Dorie writes about two issues: campaign finance and land use. Personally, I'd love to see 100% public financing of political campaigns. As I've heard someone say before, "bring it on!" On development Dorie mentions Steve Berg's writings on Vancouver. I would suggest that high density development around transportation corridors (that have transit lines like Hiawatha) is exactly what Minneapolis needs to move towards a model similar to Vancouver or other world class livable cities. Of course, this development must be done right. Density for density's sake could turn out to be dense. I really believe that most Minneapolitans on either side of the development debate have the same end in mind. I've talked about transit oriented development with many in agreement and then have seen the same individuals rail (pun intended) against proposed developments that fit the transit oriented model. In my conversations with others, it usually boils down to two issues: the height of the building and the resulting traffic impacts for the surrounding neighborhoods. If you want less traffic/parking issues in the neighborhood you need high quality transit. If you want high quality transit, you need high density development around transit lines. If you want to maintain livability in our growing neighborhoods you need to merge land-use planning with transportation planning. I believe we can have higher density along with livable neighborhoods. Using the Ackerberg proposal for the Lagoon theater as an example we have two choices for that site if everyone agrees that higher density is appropriate. The choices are a taller building with public open space or a shorter building filling up the entire land parcel with no public open space and no space for a transit station. Both scenarios can achieve the same density, but the impacts on the surrounding neighborhoods are vastly different. A transitless, no open space for pedestrians to circulate model would result in the exact opposite of what Vancouver has achieved. Maybe the city should create zoning overlay districts for our major transportation corridors that guide their development more closely. Maybe this already exists? I doubt it. At the very least we need to continue this conversation so that Minneapolitans know exactly what trade-offs we're talking about when discussing development. I've copied the three paragraphs that led to the above rambling below. Sometimes I'm confused myself. Let's talk through the confusion. Matty Lang, Central --- Dorie Rae Gallagher <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: > Minneapolis may not quite have reached the point > of Albuquerque, but we desperately need to reform > how we finance municipal elections. This summer, the > Star Tribune featured a Steve Berg commentary about > how Vancouver bucked development trends to build a > vibrant, healthy city with a focus on > neighborhood-friendly, pedestrian-oriented > development. In other words, we need reform not just > because of ethical considerations, but because of > the results we want to achieve. > > While the practice of city council candidates > bankrolling their campaigns with developers' money > is perfectly legal, it is plainly wrong and is also > a bad way to do development. Continuing along this > path will yield ill-planned development that doesn't > fit the character of our neighborhoods, and > increases traffic congestion and parking problems. > > Our city politics have become so entangled with > the interests of developers that former Council > President Dan Cohen believes a moratorium on new > development is needed to give Minneapolis time to > straighten out its campaign finance system. __ Yahoo! FareChase: Search multiple travel sites in one click. http://farechase.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] On the smoking ban and Porter's
On October 3, 2005 a precinct 5 inspector attended a public meeting about safety concerns at my office building in the Whittier neighborhood. At the meeting we were told that they were close to shutting down Porter's due to drug activity and that it was likely that the owner would preemptively shut down and cite the smoking ban as the reason. Think Joe's Chicken Shack. As a former smoker who credits the smoking ban as one of the multiple factors in my ability to quit the habit I find this deception appalling. Matty Lang, Central __ Start your day with Yahoo! - Make it your home page! http://www.yahoo.com/r/hs 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] City seeks input on 10-Year Transportation Plan
The last of three workshops is scheduled for tonight at Sabathani. I just became aware of this yesterday. Come on over to the Central neighborhood tonight to give sought input. More information: http://www.ci.minneapolis.mn.us/news/20051006TransportWkshps.asp Matty Lang, Central __ Yahoo! FareChase: Search multiple travel sites in one click. http://farechase.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] City Pages: 8th Ward white fight
Mark Anderson replies to ML: Yes, I guess you're right that it's a big "wow" in Minneapolis. . . . Electing someone to office because of their race trivializes their other (more important) traits. . . ML: I'm not suggesting that one votes based on race. I'm simply suggesting that a city council made up of a group that is representative of the city (in many ways) is desirable. The title of the article is ironic, I think. Read it three times quickly and see if a phantom "l" shows up somewhere. Matty Lang, Central __ Yahoo! Mail - PC Magazine Editors' Choice 2005 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] Building A Better Bike Path
I second all of the warm fuzzies about the silver lining withing the Federal transportaion bill. To get all of the details check out the following link on Transit for Livable Communities web site: http://www.tlcminnesota.org/Events/2005/FedBikeWalkProgram/AnnounceSept05.htm Matty Lang, Central (dreaming of the day when we'll be debating the merits of expanding bicycle lanes to accomodate congestion on the paths). __ Yahoo! Mail - PC Magazine Editors' Choice 2005 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] City Pages: 8th Ward white fight
> Mark Anderson replies: SNIP Instead of bemoaning the lack of a Black > winner in a Ward where > Whites are in the minority, we should happy that > people are looking beyond > such trivialities. SNIP ML asks: Is Black representation on the Minneapolis City Council a triviality? Wow. Matty Lang, Central __ Yahoo! Music Unlimited Access over 1 million songs. Try it free. http://music.yahoo.com/unlimited/ 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] Clarification City council and Latino businesses
I must say that I'd love to see this city move on from the 1950's once and for all. (That statement isn't just about food and liquor licenses). Food until 3:00 am is just fine with me. I would even go so far as to argue that the more legitamate activities we have going on throughout this city at any hour of the night the less illegitimate activities we'll have going on throughout this city at any hour of the night. Let's make Minneapolis a 24-hour city. Matty Lang, Central __ Yahoo! Music Unlimited Access over 1 million songs. Try it free. http://music.yahoo.com/unlimited/ 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] Blimp above Minneapolis
Since we're throwing out guesses here: The Blimp is full of FBI agents dutifully eyeing our city's elected officials. Watch out. The Blimps had enough! Matty Lang, Central __ Yahoo! Music Unlimited Access over 1 million songs. Try it free. http://music.yahoo.com/unlimited/ 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] Dyna Sluter posts: Long before we heard of "E85", over a decade ago, under
While experiencing this thread I'll urge list members to make sure to think about the example it uses: E85 and Hybrid automobiles. I'm not the first to pose the question, but is the road to Hell paved with Hybrid automobiles? I believe it was John Tierney writing in the NY Times a couple of months ago about California opening up HOV lanes to Hybrid vehicles who worded the thought so well. Automobiles have dominated human lives for such a short period of time. Let's not fall into the trap of thinking that bettering a wrong-headed infrastructure switch (away from rail to automobiles) is the answer. E85 and Hybrid vehicles could just prolong the use of fossil fuels alowing the fossil fuel and auto industries to eek out a lot more profit and a bit more life before their inevitable collapse. All resulting in the same amount of fuel burned and emmissions emitted just over a longer period of time. Let's stop the building of freeways to nowhere and continue building trains to nowhere (except high levels of ridership). Then we can focus on that pesky electric grid--it's really not that complicated. Maybe Minneapolis should add a municiple power grid along side a municiple Wi-Fi network. I realize this is in stark contrast to the direction our State leaders are currently pointing us. Will our potential city leaders chart a similar course? Matty Lang, Central - Yahoo! for Good Click here to donate to the Hurricane Katrina relief effort. 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] N4N Candidate Forum
As one who crys quite regularly in public settings, I applaud the showing of one's passion for their community in a public way. John Waters and Johnny Depp aside, we need more Crybabies in public office. You go cry guys. Matty Lang, Central - Yahoo! for Good Click here to donate to the Hurricane Katrina relief effort. 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] Safe neighborhoods, indeed!
Fredric, Constance, List, With all do respect, a political candidate (or any citizen canvassing for that matter) is quite different than a thief. We can surely agree on this. I believe it was back in the early 1940's (please correct the date if I'm off) when our United States Supreme Court ruled that an individual knocking on doors and ringing bells unannounced to talk politics is the price we pay to combat "slothful ignorance" to paraphrase Justice Black, I believe. At least it differs greatly from an assault and burglary, no? It was stated that Fredric refused to answer his door. I would argue that this ability allows Fredric to enjoy his privacy. Unless the canvassers were busting down the door demanding to talk rather than moving on to the next door as I suspect they were, they should not have been removed from the building. There was a somewhat publicized court case involving a well-known religious organization that reaffirmed this right a couple of years ago. If there is a city ordinance or state law prohibiting the canvassing of multi-unit dwellings (can anyone help on this?) I would hope somebody gets cited and challenges it soon. Matty Lang, Central Fredric Markus <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: Yes, we apparently showed some intruders the door last evening here at our senior highrise. They were none other than the mayor and his too-numerous entourage, who were asked to leave, I'm told, because they insisted on knocking on our individual doors. I refused to answer my door - nothing new there - but jeepers, one would think that repeated requests not to disturb our elderly residents wouldn't fall on such tin ears. Speaking of tin ears, we had another bad incident where the perpetrators parked in our lot and then one of them jumped an elderly resident when he was en route from his car to the front door. This old gent takes a drug that thins his blood as a preventative against blood clots and he bled profusely. A life-threatening incident from the sound of it. I do hope our civic leadership, whomever they turn out to be, can embrace the notion that seniors have the right to peaceful enjoyment of their "golden" years. Putting these two examples of selective deafness together would make a nifty editorial cartoon had I only the drawing skills to render same. Fred Markus, Phillips West - Yahoo! for Good Click here to donate to the Hurricane Katrina relief effort. 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] Feels Like Low Turnout
Ouch. In ward 8, precinct 3 at roughly 9:30 am, I was lucky number 14 to vote. I felt so alone. Matty Lang, Central - Yahoo! for Good Click here to donate to the Hurricane Katrina relief effort. 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] Cost of Stadium and Tuition at D
Greg Abbott <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: Perhaps the point I made was too obscure -- the nature of DeLaSalle is irrelevant to the debate over the stadium, so there's no point in arguing about it. The only meaningful question is whether there's a net public benefit, or not. (With the caveat that the benefit to DeLaSalle is not a public benefit). ML says: Greg, I think you answered your own question. Unless, of course, you consider the loss of public park land beneficial to the public. Matty Lang, Central __ 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] Fearing violence? Try communication and a plastic bag
Completely unnecessary full disclosure: The following story does not apply to all situations. Communicate at your own risk in relation to skill level. Say hello to someone as they pass you on the sidewalk--even if you have to do it from the window of your car. Its a beautiful day on the Southside. After my daily bike commute home, I greeted the dog, picked up the leash and headed towards the door. Dont forget the convenient bag that once protected your daily dose of local mainstream print media as it patiently awaited its digestion on the front stoop, I thought to myself. I would need it. It can be adventurous these days taking a walk in the Parkespecially with a young, rather large dog. He draws attention. I didnt finish my descent of the slope into Powderhorn Park before I heard loud announcements from the rear. I turned to see a mother, a young woman (twelve years old according to her mom), and their dog. They too were out for a walk in the park. Just beyond this group was the source of the proclamations to make way. Surrounded by plenty of expletives, three young men (probably around 14 years old) demanded that folks clear the trail as they approached on their bicycles. The mother, daughter, and dog cleared the trail. I wanted to commend the young men for riding bicycles, but they were moving to fast to speak. Truman (the dog), however, had other ideashe wanted to play. As the young men approached Truman lunged forward and they swerved quickly. Two passed, but one stopped, ordering me to hold on to that thing! I caught myself raising my voice and telling the young man that if he slowed down before passing the dog wouldnt get so excited. The young man descended from his bicycle. Eyes wide, he demanded that I repeat myself to make sure that he heard me clearly. The others stopped too. By this time the woman, daughter and smaller dog caught up to us. The woman proceeded to demand an apology from the three young men for cursing profusely in front of her daughter. To be clear, I understand this womans frustrationI felt it myself. As voices, heart rates and blood pressures rose, I decided to once again raise my voice. This time I demanded that the three young men (who were still partly distracted by the large dog that they called a small horse) calm down a bit and then Id talk with them about the dog. I suggested that they probably had much more important matters to get worked up about and that they should slow down. The first young man to stop declared that I was correct. The young men relaxed, smiled, and moved towards the large dog. The woman continued exchanging words with one of the young men as I continued to attempt to draw his attention. His friends urged him to stop fighting and join the conversation about the large dog. He did, even managing to yell an apology (I admit, it might not have been completely genuine) towards the woman, daughter, and smaller dog as they continued their walk. The boys asked many questions about Truman. Their jaws dropped many times in wonder. The encounter ended with me inviting the young men to stop and talk with me any time. They said they would. Were these three young men of the young, angry and violent portion of our citys residency recently engaging in serious crime? Were they Gang members? I have no idea. We talked about a large Great Dane. Matty Lang, Central __ 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] Naming the Bridge
Ray, I'll comment on the bridge. As far as I know, the Park Board has nothing to do with it. Nevertheless, with all due respect to Martin (of whom I'm a big fan and very grateful for his work) I think naming the bridge the "Midtown Greenway Bridge" makes some sense. Just a thought. (I know it's a little late as I think the City Council approved the name at last Friday's meeting). Matty Lang Central Ray Marshall <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: I haven't commented yet on the proposal to name the $4,000,000 bicycle overpass at Hiawatha and 27th (or so) after Martin Sabo. I don't like the idea of naming things after living people, especially living people still in office. But, being it's probably the Park Board involved, I understand that it's hard to tell them what to do. But they should be reminded that Martin likes to use his middle name all the time so that folks will know that he's Scandinavian. Ray Marshall Hiawatha - Start your day with Yahoo! - make it your home page 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] Minneapolis, Exurbia, Development and the NY Times
The New York Times is running a series, starting today, called "Far And Away, America's Newest Suburbs". This piece focuses on Florida, however, it's not a stretch to see the same phenomenon closer to home. I'd ask folks to think about Shakoppee (I belive the fastest growing area of our state currently) while reading this. Also, think about Minneapolis and our political strength at the State and Federal level. When you're done reading, try not to have nightmares about Valley Fair becoming the next Disney World complete with it's own private police force and city council. The following is a link to the article: http://www.nytimes.com/2005/08/15/national/15exurb.html?pagewanted=1&th&emc=th Enjoy! Matty Lang Central - Start your day with Yahoo! - make it your home page 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] Re: DeLaSalle Stadium Debate
Peter, Please don't forget about those of us who don't live on the Island. We too might have some questions about this potential arrangement. I am, indeed, interested in preserving public open space in our urban core. I feel it is vital to the success of not only our city but our entire region and state as we continue to grow. Cities and regions that prosper have ample public open space and public green space to allow urban residents opportunities to stay in touch with the land upon which they depend. This results in healthier, happier, more productive, and less violent citizens. To take a piece of this public resource and give quasi-exclusive use to a private institution demands a thourough questioning. I am, indeed, questioning the appropriateness of the Park Board dealing in this way with a private educational institution. This amounts to a public handout to a private educational institution. I feel our public educational institutions should be the ones receiving more public handouts. The deal with the residents on the Island differs in many ways from a deal with De La Salle--it involved more than the use of public land at taxpayers expense. If De La Salle were offering to compensate the Park Board at fair market value for expanded use of the park land, I'd be objecting less. That said, it still may be a poor choice for the overall park system. And if it is an overall bad choice for the park system of this city, I think De La Salle as a resident should accept and respect that and search for alternatives to meet their needs. We need to do the old cost/benefit analysis and do it honestly. I think the Public Open park space wins in this case. These aren't easy questions, but looking at this from outside of De La Salle and off the Island these are questions that are pretty clear. Matty Lang Taxpayer, Central [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote - Start your day with Yahoo! - make it your home page 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] RE: Mayoral Candidate Don Johnson....
>From the Don Johnson for mayor website: "Building ever more hi-rise housing is going to bring more congestion, crowding and pollution and encourage more immigration into our city." "But, of course, foot and bicycle are better ways to move about the city. We should be encouraging or rewarding people who don't use internal combustion engines." H. Matty Lang Central Gary Hoover <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: Mayoral candidate Don Johnson had a table and was handing out flyers at Lynnhurst Park at the Neighborhood Festival the other night, along with other candidates for Mayor and City Council. I guess Don Johnson is spending about a thousand bucks on his campaign. How much are other Mayoral Candidates spending, and on what? Mr. Johnson has some good visionary ideas available at: http://donjohnsonmayor.org/ The Observer did a blurb on his campaign here: http://www.mplsobserver.com/ballotbox.php I'm curious to know what list members think of Mr. Johnson's rather visionary candidacy as compared to others. Does he raise important issues? Could Minneapolis be heading down the wrong path in terms of ecological and economic development? Could Minneapolitans choose truly ecological economic development even if we wanted to do so? Do most Minneapolitans care enough to make sustainable development an issue? -- pedaling for peace and ecojustice from Lynnhurst -- Gary Hoover 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] DeLaSalle Alumni
Very well said, wizardmarks. It must be something in the water here in Central. Green Central Park (Public) Stadium anyone? Matty Lang Central wmmarks <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: >So everyone that opposes your plan or votes against your wishes is doing so >NOT because they think it is best, but because they are corrupt? > > That's a pretty self-serving way to place the question, Mr. Thompson. The issue revolves around what is the MPRB's responsibility, in this instance, to take care of Nicollet Island, a Mpls. park. Nowhere in the MPRB role could you conceivably connect conveying Nicollet Island park land to a private school as filling the role of taking care of Nicollet Island. I don't have much sympathy either for the Islanders or for deLaSalle: two groups of highly privileged people going at it hammer and tongs does not move me to side with the one or the other. But the island itself, now that's another story. It's a pretty delicate piece of property which has been much abused for a century and a half. (Funny how the Indians could live with it for thousands of years and it looked absolutely pristine when Hennepin and Nicollet paddled up to it--or so their diaries and letters would indicate.) I think the term 'conflict of interest' is very fuzzy and fails to plumb the depths of the real problem. To wit: why is the park board giving away an eco-delicate park to deLaSalle who says it will bring in hundreds more cars and the people in them, put down astroturf, build bleachers, put in screaming big lights, concession stands, locker rooms, and, in general, torture the environment. That is the first concern in this issue and neither the MPRB nor deLaSalle has addressed it. People on this list (and elsewhere, no doubt) have jumped up and down on conflict of interest in the legal sense of the term, but not in either the ecological sense of the term or the political sense of the term as it relates to the MPRB. Political sense of conflict of mission as it relates to the MPRB's interest: Though we be deep in the heart of Denial, MN, the park board still proposes to give away a chunk of land to a religious institution in a country that makes a lotta noise about the righteousness of the separation of church and state. I doubt there could be a clearer instance of offending that principle around at the moment. Ecological conflict of interest: From the position of the MPRB, the ecobest they can do is to say a pox on both the islanders and the school. This is park land, this is a very delicate piece of land, this is a part of MN history for eons (probably since the glaciers), and both the residents and the school can keep their grubby mitts off it! It already has more pressure than it should have to endure. Head races and tail races that no longer operate, miles of defunct tunnel, a lock and dam, a hydropower plant, a restaurant, a school, a hulking replacement bridge, a small bridge, a railroad bridge, and a foot bridge, and whatever else. It's a little island with a tough history and an already tough job to do. There are lots of parks in Mpls. and a case can be made for the unique qualities of every one of them; but this one, this little island in the stream, is so precious that the idea of putting a football stadium/field/whoopie ground with Astroturf on it (Astroturf! of all the ignorant &%*#+&^% !) is outrageous on its face. We have no business giving up even an inch of land on the islands in the Mississippi to any private entity and certainly not if it offends a founding principle of this nation state. So, no, Mr. Thompson, it may be that various posters have missed the bull's eye here, but conveying land to deLaSalle is a conflict of interest on a couple of very important levels. >WizardMarks, Central > > >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 - Start your day with Yahoo! - make it your home page REMINDERS: 1. Be civil! Please read the NEW RULES at http://www.e-dem
[Mpls] Barbiedollfiti
I have a few Barbie Dolls hanging by string over a power line inbetween my home and a neighbor's. I always took this as a protest against gender roles and unrealistic physical standards for women perpetuated by American Pop Culture. If it has something to do with Drug dealing I don't know. I have, however, heard a theory that the shoes hanging on power lines are a tribute to fallen comrades. Most importantly: Xcel energy should, indeed, put more resources into preventative maintenance. A little investment upfront can do wonders. Matthew Lang Central - Yahoo! Mail Stay connected, organized, and protected. Take the tour 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] That wasn't Bubby Brister
I didn't intend for that to happen! Matthew Lang Central - Start your day with Yahoo! - make it your home page 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
