"I think this "discussion" is a non-starter. Whomever is interested, is in. To exclude one who doesn't live here, would be the same as saying you are not allowed to talk about the schools unless you have a child in the system or cannot talk about Ayd Mill Road unless you live on the road. Even to suggest it is just silly."
I'm not saying that anyone should be excluded from having or expressing an opinion. Everyone can do that and has a right to state that opinion. However, they don't have a right to vote for our council/mayor and are not bound by the tax implications that can come from those council decisions. My point is that when it comes time for the City Council to vote, they should only be paying attention to what St Paul residents are saying. Not what people from outside the city say. The City Council represents it's constituents in the ward. If people from outside the city or ward are having influence on the council vote, then that is outside influence being brought into the city. I am not a lobbyist and as such would not expect any other government municipality that I do not pay my property taxes to, to take my opinion as seriously as they do their residents. This forum is for anyone, however, when it comes time for the St Paul City Council or Mayor to make policy decisions, those should be made by St Paul residents only. Otherwise let's find a way to tax the people who wish to impose their ideas but not pay taxes, or charge them fees as lobbyists. Tom Thompson Como Park _____________________________________________ NEW ADDRESS FOR LIST: [EMAIL PROTECTED] To subscribe, modify subscription, or get your password - visit: http://www.mnforum.org/mailman/listinfo/stpaul Archive Address: http://www.mnforum.org/mailman/private/stpaul/
