I am assuming the Paul Kuettel email is in response to the City Council settling with Clear Channel. I am not sure how this has prompted his specific complaint however, as one thing I note that is missing from this event is any mention of "advocacy groups that hurl frivoulous legal actions at cash-strapped, over-taxed public entities."
It seems to me that it is well within the purview of the St. Paul City Council to pass an ordinance that limits and even attempts to reduce the amount of billboard advertising within the city limits. It also seems to me that it is appropriate for a business effected by that ordinance to sue the city to fight parts of that ordinance it feels are unfair. Further more it also seems to me that it is appropriate for the State Legislature to pass a law that allows property owners to make repairs on structures that a city has deemed "nonconforming." Do I agree with all of the actions taken by these entities? No, I don't. But that is not why I felt compelled to send this email. I think that grassroots and activist organizations are a good thing. I am all for a group of like minded citizens coming together and working toward a goal that they believe will make their society a better place. That is what this country is all about. At the same time I would hope, and Paul's email makes me think that he agrees with my hope, that those groups would attempt to do their work in a manner that costs the public institutions they are working to influence as little as possible. This allows that public institution to spend that money on things like, in the case of St. Paul, parks, libraries, education, etc. Additionally, I am all for a real discussion of issues and ideas and I am trilled that a mailing list like this exists for that reason. I think that Paul is entitled to his opinion that "advocacy groups that hurl frivoulous legal actions at cash-strapped, over-taxed public entities" are a bad thing. I even want to read him express that opinion on this forum so that anyone who agrees or disagrees has the opportunity to respond. What I am seeing more and more however, at all levels of public debate, are people who back up their opinions with unrelated or misconstrued examples and facts. Paul's email is a perfect example of this. If it is true that members of our city government lurk on this list, not to mention those that actively participate, then I think we would be doing ourselves a favor to make an effort to find more relevant examples and facts to back up our opinions. I think if that were to happen, we would have the opportunity to be real participants in out government with a better chance to influence our elected officials. That is the standard I plan to hold myself to here, and I believe that this list will be more effective if we all do. -- Jason Stahl Battle Creek/Highwood http://jasonstahl.net/ _____________________________________________ 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/
