This is the outline of the policy presented by one of the district
managers recently hired by the MPRB Paul Hokeness. From what I could
see the rules were made by the district managers to answer questions
presented by staff at the recreation centers. I doubt that the
"freedom of speech" issue came up but the MPRB does have an attorney,
Brian Rice and he could have been asked to give an opinion.
New Business ( from the June 1, 2005 MPRB meeting )
Campaigning in the Parks
Commissioner Young brings this up now to have a standard set of rules
for the upcoming political season.
GM Siggelkow when checking into this found that it had come up and the
3 district managers had set a policy
Lakes District Manager Paul Hokeness give the presentation...
1) Follow building guidelines and if questions check with district
supervisors
2) Political Parties may use rooms other than the gyms free of charge
and may pass lit within the room but no fundraising (fee if room is
used outside of regular center hours or for gym)
3) staff is discouraged from voicing opinions on park property or on
MPRB time
4) give facts/ do not offer opinions
5) use common sense and if in doubt ask a supervisor
6) at festivals and celebrations the candidates may purchase a booth
like all other participants but may not freely wander the crowd handing
out materials
The fact that no one questioned this at the time doesn't mean that the
policy is lawful. Commissioner Young was just trying to make an even
playing field for campaigning. The fact that the place you will find
people who are interested in park issues is at the parks seems to make
rule 6 a little too much and Superintendent Gurban's response was
overkill. For the record I am not a Gurban fan and I support Jason
Stone and all reform candidates to the MPRB.
Liz Wielinski
Columbia Park
for more information check out www.mplsparkwatch.org
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