[Winona Online Democracy] I have not followed any of the process to hire an assistant city planner, so I am only picking up on John Finn's recent comments. But since the hiring and firing of city planners is something close to my heart I will chime in.
I would hope that Winona selects a planner who is well-versed with a broad range of city planning theories, including new urbanism, but that this person's favorite theories are not the sole criterion for hiring. Rather look for someone who will listen, bring good information to the table, who can work with many kinds of people, and has Winona's best interests at heart - regardless of where they choose to live. Ultimately I think the human side of planning is more important than the purely empirical or academic. Phil Carlson, Mpls P.S. Good mixed use neighborhoods and a serious tourist destination needn't be mutually exclusive - as long as it's planned right. For places like Winona, there needs to be a reason to go downtown. -----Original Message----- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Behalf Of John N. Finn Sent: Monday, May 09, 2005 5:31 AM To: Winona on line (WOD) Subject: [Winona] Assistant city planner [Winona Online Democracy] The Startribune's editorial today is about urban planning, riverfronts, and landscape architecture. Which leads me to wonder about the status of our downtown revitalization task force. The last I heard they were doing the visioning thing. http://www.startribune.com/stories/1519/5390133.html I also had been wondering if an assistant city planner for downtown was on board, as that was to have happened in March, I believe. But I recently read that there are now three finalists for the position that will be filled by the end of summer. I'm curious as to what qualifications and design philosophy are considered relevant. For instance, would the candidate subscribe to the 'new urbanism' notion that downtown and adjacent neighborhoods should have mixed income housing and mixed use zoning? Or would the ideal candidate for Winona think that what downtown needs is some sort of blockbuster tourist attraction with lots of parking? If the former, would the new hire then want to live in or near downtown? It probably won't be considered relevant by the Merit Board, but if the candidate desires to move into Valley Oaks or the pending Phillips development, I would think that his dedication to the cause somewhat lacking. _______________________________________________ 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
