Index of SPPS Budget Discussion http://www.e-democracy.org/stpaul/spps-posts.html _________________________________________
SPIF = St. Paul Issues Forum
At 4:17 PM -0600 3/24/04, Jeanne Weigum wrote:
When I got home last night there was a message on my answering machine from Andy Dawkins explaining the complexity of the issues at that address.
I'd like to thank Jeanne for sharing this story. One of the things that I've not done a very good job of, is communicating to participants, especially lurkers, how much St. Paul Issues Forum "business" is taken care of "offline."
Its easy to look at our forum for a day or two and come to the conclusion that what takes place here is nothing but a few disgruntled citizens whining about things that disturb them. But, appearances can be deceiving......
As those who are active on the list know, many of the responses to each post come privately. I've heard rumors of participants getting personal responses to their posts in our forum from local reporters, Pioneer Press editors and columnists, city staff, city councilors, and even the Mayor.
I spoke to one School District staff person recently who told me, that in his opinion, the St. Paul Issues Forum has had a real and noticeable impact on how the St. Paul School District does its business.
I can think of several cases in which resolutions or ordinances have been brought to the city council at least partially, due to discussions that initiated in the St. Paul Issues Forum. Dave Thunes recent resolution is only the latest example.
Many city and county officials pay attention to what is said in the St. Paul Issues Forum, even if they NEVER post here themselves.
On a more personal level -
I know of a participant who collected references for a good local accountant AND I personally hooked another participant up with a VERY GOOD piano teacher in the Midway, based on his post to our forum. But, only a small portion of this activity is reflected publicly in our forum.
I would encourage participants to think creatively about how they might use this forum as citizens or activists in St. Paul.
Please, SPEAK UP, your voice will be heard!
Please, ASK QUESTIONS, you might find yourself with unexpected answers or EVEN ACTION.
Please, SHARE INFORMATION, you'll be surprised at who else on our forum might be interested in what is happening in your neighborhood. You'll also be surprised how they might be able to help.
You might even be surprised at how much of this takes place BEHIND THE SCENES.
Best wishes,
-- Tim Erickson List Manager St. Paul Issues Forum http://www.e-democracy.org/stpaul/ Hamline Midway Resident 651-643-0722 [EMAIL PROTECTED]
St. Paul Links - http://www.e-democracy.org/stpaul/links.html
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