In the Summer of 1999, a group of us from "Scenic Saint Paul", collected 7500 signatures from Saint Paul residents. This would put in place the ballot question of limiting billboards within City limits. It was a challenge to find places where people gather, who were mostly Saint Paul residents, since residency was required by Ramsey County election law. We were allowed to register voters on the spot, if necessary.
We discovered the most fruitful location was in the evening at The Grand Ole Creamery on Grand Ave. It seemed most customers were from the City, were not rushed and willing to talk. Without any warning, the owner of the shop, in a surprising state of irritation, confronted Jeanne and demanded she leave or she "would call the police." This happened on the sidewalk, in front of, but next door to the shop. In a few minutes the police came and said Jeanne had to leave. This was ironic since I used to own this building and had my first office in that storefront. We left rather than stick to what I believe were our rights, considering we had a city administration which did not favor our cause. So I guess what we also discovered is what many believe to be a constitutional right can be selectively enforced depending on who is in power at the time. It has only gotten worse but now on a larger scale. John Mannillo Highland Park band Downtown _____________________________________________ 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/
