[Winona Online Democracy] Paul & WOD Friends
Again dating myself - I was there when the Winona Port Authority statute was passed by the Legislature. At that time there were but three port authorities in the State: St. Paul, Bloomington and Duluth Seaway. All (including Winona) were "legit" as they were all on navigable waterways, and their sole mission at the time was port development. Each port authority must be established by Special Legislation - not an easy task in the late 1960's when port authorities were the real McCoy - dedicated to port development. Alas, something went haywire on the way to the Forum. The Legislature kind of forgot the real reason port authorities were created, and all of a sudden nearly every "burg" in the State got one - places like Fergus Falls (the Ottertail River?), and even Plymouth (best they can do is Bassett's Creek). The sole purpose of ersatz port authorities was to utilize the substantial powers made available by the enabling statutes. (some even beyond those available to the City Council). Winona's first City Manager (Carroll J. Fry), when introduced to the Winona Port Authority by yours truly, exclaimed: "My Gosh, they can do everything but mint money!" That is not a direct quote. The language was a bit more colorful. Paul makes a good observation, and parallel with TIF. When power gets abused, it eventually gets restrained - as has happened with TIF. For now, I guess each port authority makes its own judgments as to the best application of its powers and resources - including Winona's. Chuck Dillerud Champlin ----- Original Message ----- From: "Paul Double" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> To: "Online Democracy" <[email protected]> Sent: Monday, January 03, 2005 4:17 PM Subject: [Winona] Port Authority Funds [Winona Online Democracy] When the legislature approves the establishment of Port Authority's was it their intent to fund such things a Shakespeare Festivals? I think not. Was it to dredge land for retail? I think not. While case law, past practice and the powers of Port Authority's may only be as creative as the human mind can dream up this use seems to slap in the face of the legislative intent. Will such abuse or creativity cause this valuable economic development tool to be controlled to such extent that industrial job creation will be lost in the desire to spend money on any cause that is presented to City Hall? It was public money, an expanded sales tax, which created the newest Port Authority treasure chest. You would think that if a public investment is to be made that it would be for sustainable industrial jobs not a part time tourism attraction. How many start up companies and how many full time jobs would be created by funding "grants" or "gifts" to start up industrial companies? What would 8 - $25,000 grants do to create new startup companies? What are the written criteria for these gifts, can anyone apply? Are they renewable and for how many years? It is one thing for individuals to give such gifts but quite another to use public funds. What is the Port Authority's measure of success? Number of full time jobs? Property Tax Revenues? Residential housing starts as a result of the investment? Is the Thompson Dredge project next? Maybe the legislature needs to address the purpose of a Port Authority again to protect us the abuses of TIF's (Tax Increment Funding) and the creative funding of fast food franchises that killed their appeal. Paul Double _______________________________________________ This message was posted to Winona Online Democracy All messages must be signed by the senders actual name. No commercial solicitations are allowed on this list. To manage your subscription or view the message archives, please visit http://mapnp.mnforum.org/mailman/listinfo/winona Any problems or suggestions can be directed to mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] If you want help on how to contact elected officials, go to the Contact page at http://www.winonaonlinedemocracy.org _______________________________________________ This message was posted to Winona Online Democracy All messages must be signed by the senders actual name. No commercial solicitations are allowed on this list. To manage your subscription or view the message archives, please visit http://mapnp.mnforum.org/mailman/listinfo/winona Any problems or suggestions can be directed to mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] If you want help on how to contact elected officials, go to the Contact page at http://www.winonaonlinedemocracy.org
