Press Release For Immediate Release - March 9, 2001 Contact: Campaign Consultant, Chris Allison 612-872-2342, [EMAIL PROTECTED] Mark Knapp Announces Campaign for 10th Ward City Council Seat With great anticipation and commitment, Mark Knapp announced today his candidacy for the Minneapolis City Council in Ward 10 and his intent to seek the endorsement of the Minneapolis Green Party. He desires to bring a fresh voice to city politics and pledges to be the candidate who steps forward with a clear vision for Minnepolis in the next four years. Mark's experience includes working as a union meat cutter, an electrical engineer, an executive secretary, a tutor, a radiological scientist, and an anti-nuclear activist. Mark chose March 9th as the kick-off day for his campaign because it marks a special moment in his heart. "I have chosen this day to announce my candidacy because it is the 97th birthday of my grandfather. He was raised in an orphanage near Lake City, Minnesota, and he was an active lifetime member of the United Auto Workers. I intend to honor the memory of my grandfather and my own values by being a strong advocate for the right of all workers to organize." The focus of Mark's campaign will be on four issues: housing, transportation, energy and election reform. In a statement made today, Mark said, "The skyrocketing cost of rents and mortgages in Minneapolis is an economic and moral crisis. The lack of affordable housing is a scandal." On transportation he commented, "The excesses of the car culture are destroying our environment, isolating our neighbors, and breaking down our communities. My vision for Minneapolis is a city where bicycling to work and walking to the neighborhood store are safe and very enticing options. I will work for bicycle lanes, greenways, and selected streets with limited access for cars." Mark's vision of energy in Minneapolis reflects the recent crisis in the State of California. "The City of Minneapolis needs a comprehensive energy policy to protect the environment and to protect its economy. The recent experience of Los Angeles shows that the best way to achieve these goals is through the public ownership of energy generation and distribution. I will work for the establishment of a municipal utility district in Minneapolis." On election reform Mark added, "We need to find ways to restore electoral choice. I will advocate election changes that open up our system. I support a referendum to amend the City Charter to install Instant Runoff Voting." Mark also expressed great concern over the corrosive influence of large campaign contributions. He said, "I will advocate the public financing of city elections, and I will support a Minneapolis version of the Political Contribution Refund Program." As a member of the City Council, Mark pledges to always listen, and not sacrifice principle over expedience. His values are those of the Green Party and the international social movement that it represents -- ecological wisdom, social and economic justice, grassroots democracy, nonviolence, decentralization, community-based economics, feminism, respect for diversity, personal and global responsibility, and a future focus. Mark stated today that in his campaign, "I will share a vision of a city that works together for a just distribution of wealth, a diverse and vibrant culture, and a clean environment for current and future generations. I will work for a community-based economy that gives people maximum control over their lives." __________ Prepared and paid for by "Greens for Mark Knapp," Treasurer to be Determined _______________________________________________ Minneapolis Issues Forum - Minnesota E-Democracy Post messages to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subscribe, Unsubscribe, Digest option, and more: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
