Two points:
#1) I joked about Chuck Repke being the big winner, not as any kind of criticism of Chuck or the proposed new system. I certainly don't think that Chuck "manipulated" the system - although he does know how to "work it." Its simply the case that Chuck has been the very vocal promoter of this new system in our forum and I couldn't resist the urge to toss in that comment. Clearly, this effort involved many people and will have a positive impact on several districts, A neutral impact on others, and others might loose a little something over the long run.
#2) Matt Anfang commented "to say that the boards are representative of the community, well thats another matter..."
While others might disagree, I'll grant Matt the point that district councils aren't really representative of their districts. Just as our city council doesn't really represent our city nor does our congress really represent our nation. All of these bodies tend to represent that portion of the population to that takes the time and effort to get involved, run for office, and vote (neglecting for a moment the impact of money on the process). Or as some might say, "its a messy and inefficient system, but its the best system that we've been able to find."
I frequently hear people criticize district councils, site councils, and other community based policy bodies - about, not representing their communities. But, when I go to the meetings of these organizations, I find groups of volunteers desperately struggling to get more people to take an interest, to get involved, and to vote in their elections.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - -
I'm wondering if Matt or anyone else has any suggestions or ideas about how to make district councils more representative of their communities? How to increase participation?
OR - does this criticism suggest that district council bodies are inherently unrepresentative and should be down away with?
Just curious,
Tim Erickson Hamline Midway [EMAIL PROTECTED]
----------------------------------------------
Apparently this issue is of no importance to the Community Councils. I just had a few minutes between meetings, perused each of the District Council websites (and the City's) an found zero information about the proposed funding plan.
Population based funding is probably the most equitable way to fund these councils. Are the issues any more difficult to address in District 2 than in District 13? We have non-english speaking people too!
Should we do it by tax base? why no, that would not be fair...
Maybe a system could be established where funding is determined by a basis of where a college or university is located and what the "negative impacts" of their presence is on the community... no, too issue based
Perhaps some councils could get "bonused" when they take action on an issues within an established timeframe. There is usually always time to come and report that they did not have time to respond... silly
Maybe when a development or improvement that meets zoning and codes within an area of a council is opposed, that future property values associated with that be imposed as a fine on the funding... nah
Kudos to the District Councils that have done fundraising efforts, Kudos to all the councils for that matter, the representatives of the boards are committed and valued citizens,
to say that the boards are representative of the community, well thats another matter...
Good Luck Chuck,
Matt Anfang Highland Park
--
=================================================
Tim Erickson http://www.politalk.com St. Paul, MN - USA 651-643-0722
[EMAIL PROTECTED] iChat/AIM: stpaultim
=================================================
_____________________________________________
To Join: St. Paul Issues Forum Rules Discussion
Email: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
_____________________________________________ 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/
