Re: [Mpls] Rybak's and McManus's Management Style: All Flash and No Substance?
Eva Young wrote: Anderson's point was that McManus was great at PR over substance. and: I think Anderson's point was a question about how well McManus manages people. McManus didn't stay in Dayton long enough to follow through with his ambitious reforms. My response: What do you call McManus's experience in Washington DC? Chopped liver? I think that if you make your arguments based on the rather slender information we have about his tenure in Dayton, Ohio, then you are using a rather thin reed. Plus by not including his long-term executive experience in DC, you distort his record. I'd stipulate (and I'm sure McManus would stipulate) that his jump from Dayton, Ohio to Minnepolis is because it is a professional challenge as well as for "quality of life" and family reasons. David Wilson Loring Park REMINDERS: 1. Think a member has violated the rules? Email the list manager at [EMAIL PROTECTED] before continuing it on the list. 2. Don't feed the troll! Ignore obvious flame-bait. For state and national discussions see: http://e-democracy.org/discuss.html For external forums, see: http://e-democracy.org/mninteract Minneapolis Issues Forum - A City-focused Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Subscribe, Un-subscribe, etc. at: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
[Mpls] Rybak's and McManus's Management Style: All Flash and No Substance?
First of all - thanks to Annie Young for correcting me on the Park Board Salaries. I should have double checked what I'd heard. On the Police Chief issue, Jonathan Palmer tries to discredit Mark Anderson's major point which was: Of course many will disagree with me, since I think Olson has been the best chief we've had for decades. Under his leadership, the crime rate has decreased, and the instances of thumping have gone down too. Obviously there's still much to improve, but that's how evolutionary change works, things get better slowly. Olson doesn't have very good political skills, so he didn't explain his actions well at times when it was sorely needed. But his management abilities resulted in an improved Department. I'm afraid that Rybak is replacing Olson with someone who is more like Rybak -- McManus has a slick tongue, but how well does he manage people that report to him? The Dayton street cops think not so good. Since it looks like McManus will be our new chief, I hope they are wrong. Mark, Can you provide a little more specific information on this, like what you read or some link? From what I've read, the only people who seem to have a problem with McManus in Dayton is the Police Union and that was because of the changes McManus made to the regulations regarding firing at fleeing suspects, and possible the efforts he made to make the department more diverse and bridge the city's racial divide: http://www.daytondailynews.com/opinion/content/opinion/daily/1229mcmanus.html In fact the only reference I can find to street cop dissatisfaction is this line: "His ideas haven't received universal approval from the rank and file." Which doesn't really indicate alienation, but more disagreement. Of course it was followed directly by this line: "Indeed, the Fraternal Order of Police angrily has opposed some of his initiatives." Which leads me to believe it's what I mentioned before. Article follows: http://www.daytondailynews.com/opinion/content/opinion/daily/1213transplant.ht ml Anderson's point was that McManus was great at PR over substance. although GR Anderson said that McManus "not afraid to alienate a few rank-and-file cops if that's the price of the ticket." when talking about McManus being the "rare police executive who is serious about reforming certain aspects of how cops do their jobs, particularly where encounters with other races and cultures are concerned": http://www.citypages.com/databank/24/1203/article11775.asp Anderson's column doesn't really add anything to this. If I've missed something I, and I'm sure at least 7 other Council Members and many citizens would like to know about problems he's had, especially with street cops, so if you can clarify it would be immensely helpful. We already have some Council Members who made their decision prior to even meeting McManus, and I'd hate for one of them or others on the List to add "I heard he alienated the street cops" to this without some substantiating evidence as they consider the nomination. I think Anderson's point was a question about how well McManus manages people. McManus didn't stay in Dayton long enough to follow through with his ambitious reforms. Eva Young Near North Minneapolis [EMAIL PROTECTED] Blog is up: http://lloydletta.blogspot.com REMINDERS: 1. Think a member has violated the rules? Email the list manager at [EMAIL PROTECTED] before continuing it on the list. 2. Don't feed the troll! Ignore obvious flame-bait. For state and national discussions see: http://e-democracy.org/discuss.html For external forums, see: http://e-democracy.org/mninteract Minneapolis Issues Forum - A City-focused Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Subscribe, Un-subscribe, etc. at: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
Re: [Mpls] Traffic Calming Campaign
Chris Johnson wrote: There are a number of places where neighbors have managed to get through-traffic stopped by cutting intersections in half, making them into 2 turns, one each for the 2 pairs of roads meeting, or 2 dead-ends and 1 turn, thus making the intersection no longer useful for driving through on any one street. (As it is hard to explain this clearly, ask if it does not make sense.) I really do despise these types of intersections. They confuse the heck out of you if your're trying to find someone's home and they increase traffic on streets that do go through. These intersections are all over in Southeast near the U of M. It's terrible trying to get from the campus to NE in the afternoon. The only streets that go through are Johnson/10th, Stinson/16th and Como Avenue. They have tons of traffic because of "dead ends'' and 'traffic calming' measures that prevent residents from moving freely. -Sean Ryan Audubon _ Tired of slow downloads? Compare online deals from your local high-speed providers now. https://broadband.msn.com REMINDERS: 1. Think a member has violated the rules? Email the list manager at [EMAIL PROTECTED] before continuing it on the list. 2. Don't feed the troll! Ignore obvious flame-bait. For state and national discussions see: http://e-democracy.org/discuss.html For external forums, see: http://e-democracy.org/mninteract Minneapolis Issues Forum - A City-focused Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Subscribe, Un-subscribe, etc. at: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
[Mpls] Respond to Mayor Rybak
I've read your comment in this forum, Mayor Rybak. At the hearing, I see how hard press are we toward the deadline. My biggest regret and I'm sure that goes the same for many citizens... I don't think we have been given much chance to get to know McManus and having their voice being heard before deciding. This is important because I do try to hear both sides and be well informed before making decision. I don't think citizens have gotten that much chance. All in all, like I said... whatever the fate may fall in our hands, I know it will work out one way or other. Thank you Mayor Rybak Ellie Kidder Do you Yahoo!? Yahoo! Hotjobs: Enter the "Signing Bonus" Sweepstakes
RE: [Mpls] Importance of employees' opinions concerning new boss
Jonathan -- No, I think you've listed everything I have seen. Admittedly, it's pretty slim evidence of alienating the everyday cop. But it's what we've got. As your comments suggest, it's the Police Union that has had the most visible fracas with McManus, not individual cops. I'm assuming that the individual cops agree with what their organization say. Maybe that's not true, but do you have any evidence to the contrary? We have to deal with what we've got. I liked Olson because both crime and thumping have decreased under his tenure, and he's been around long enough to take the credit for the changes. McManus hasn't been in Dayton long enough to take either credit or blame for any changes that have occurred. Instead Rybak uses the example of firing a cop who struck a minority suspect. To me, one example is public relations, not an indication of management skills. And the other things Rybak brings up are all public relations, not improved policing on the street. Maybe McManus will be a great manager, but I don't think we can tell if that's true based on his limited history in Dayton. Instead we're basing the decision based on his political skills, and hoping that translates into management skills. I would prefer someone who's been in one jurisdiction long enough to demonstrate improvement there. I don't know if any of the other candidates qualify under these standards either. Have the internal candidates been in one district long enough (say five years) to show that their efforts have made a difference? (either good or bad) I've mostly seen comments on this List that the commenter "liked" the candidate. I don't find that real impressive. I'm sorry that I'm just starting to discuss this at this late date. The issues that I brought up last time just came to me as I was writing earlier today, and so I got more emphatic as I wrote. Mark Anderson Bancroft -Original Message- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Wednesday, January 07, 2004 3:44 PM To: Anderson, Mark (GESM); [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subject: Re: [Mpls] Importance of employees' opinions concerning new boss >>From what I've read, the one group that McManus alienated in Dayton was the street cop. I think Rybak is looking for evolutionary change, not revolutionary, so he's expecting McManus to work with the culture that's there, and guide it in the right direction. I just hope that McManus can do this. What I'm afraid is that the street cops will get so disgusted by him, that they will refuse to work with the forces of moderation at all, which may result in more thumpers.<<< snip >>The Dayton street cops think not so good. Since it looks like McManus will be our new chief, I hope they are wrong.<<< Mark, Can you provide a little more specific information on this, like what you read or some link? From what I've read, the only people who seem to have a problem with McManus in Dayton is the Police Union and that was because of the changes McManus made to the regulations regarding firing at fleeing suspects, and possible the efforts he made to make the department more diverse and bridge the city's racial divide: http://www.daytondailynews.com/opinion/content/opinion/daily/1229mcmanus.html In fact the only reference I can find to street cop dissatisfaction is this line: "His ideas haven't received universal approval from the rank and file." Which doesn't really indicate alienation, but more disagreement. Of course it was followed directly by this line: "Indeed, the Fraternal Order of Police angrily has opposed some of his initiatives." Which leads me to believe it's what I mentioned before. Article follows: http://www.daytondailynews.com/opinion/content/opinion/daily/1213transplant.ht ml although GR Anderson said that McManus "not afraid to alienate a few rank-and-file cops if that's the price of the ticket." when talking about McManus being the "rare police executive who is serious about reforming certain aspects of how cops do their jobs, particularly where encounters with other races and cultures are concerned": http://www.citypages.com/databank/24/1203/article11775.asp If I've missed something I, and I'm sure at least 7 other Council Members and many citizens would like to know about problems he's had, especially with street cops, so if you can clarify it would be immensely helpful. We already have some Council Members who made their decision prior to even meeting McManus, and I'd hate for one of them or others on the List to add "I heard he alienated the street cops" to this without some substantiating evidence as they consider the nomination. Jonathan Palmer Victory REMINDERS: 1. Think a member has violated the rules? Email the list manager at [EMAIL PROTECTED] before continuing it on the list. 2. Don't feed the troll! Ignore obvious flame-bait. For state and national discussions see: http://e-democracy.org/discuss.html For external forums,
Re: [Mpls] Importance of employees' opinions concerning new boss
>>From what I've read, the one group that McManus alienated in Dayton was the street cop. I think Rybak is looking for evolutionary change, not revolutionary, so he's expecting McManus to work with the culture that's there, and guide it in the right direction. I just hope that McManus can do this. What I'm afraid is that the street cops will get so disgusted by him, that they will refuse to work with the forces of moderation at all, which may result in more thumpers.<<< snip >>The Dayton street cops think not so good. Since it looks like McManus will be our new chief, I hope they are wrong.<<< Mark, Can you provide a little more specific information on this, like what you read or some link? From what I've read, the only people who seem to have a problem with McManus in Dayton is the Police Union and that was because of the changes McManus made to the regulations regarding firing at fleeing suspects, and possible the efforts he made to make the department more diverse and bridge the city's racial divide: http://www.daytondailynews.com/opinion/content/opinion/daily/1229mcmanus.html In fact the only reference I can find to street cop dissatisfaction is this line: "His ideas haven't received universal approval from the rank and file." Which doesn't really indicate alienation, but more disagreement. Of course it was followed directly by this line: "Indeed, the Fraternal Order of Police angrily has opposed some of his initiatives." Which leads me to believe it's what I mentioned before. Article follows: http://www.daytondailynews.com/opinion/content/opinion/daily/1213transplant.ht ml although GR Anderson said that McManus "not afraid to alienate a few rank-and-file cops if that's the price of the ticket." when talking about McManus being the "rare police executive who is serious about reforming certain aspects of how cops do their jobs, particularly where encounters with other races and cultures are concerned": http://www.citypages.com/databank/24/1203/article11775.asp If I've missed something I, and I'm sure at least 7 other Council Members and many citizens would like to know about problems he's had, especially with street cops, so if you can clarify it would be immensely helpful. We already have some Council Members who made their decision prior to even meeting McManus, and I'd hate for one of them or others on the List to add "I heard he alienated the street cops" to this without some substantiating evidence as they consider the nomination. Jonathan Palmer Victory REMINDERS: 1. Think a member has violated the rules? Email the list manager at [EMAIL PROTECTED] before continuing it on the list. 2. Don't feed the troll! Ignore obvious flame-bait. For state and national discussions see: http://e-democracy.org/discuss.html For external forums, see: http://e-democracy.org/mninteract Minneapolis Issues Forum - A City-focused Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Subscribe, Un-subscribe, etc. at: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
[Mpls] Chief McManus' testinony before City Council Committee
This is Chief William McManus' testimony from this afternoon in front of the City's Public Safety and Regulatory Services Committee. McManus is Mayor Rybak's nominee for Chief of Police. The City Council will vote on his nomination January 16. Thank you for this opportunity to share my philosophy on the role of community and police in making our neighborhoods safe. I will also spend a few minutes sharing a few specific examples of how I handled public safety situations in Washington, D.C., and Dayton, where I've spend nearly 30 years in law enforcement. I hope this will give you a clear picture of the kind of leadership I will provide here in Minneapolis if I'm chosen to be the city's next police chief. It is impossible to understate the value of community involvement in contemporary policing. Police officers can no longer simply drive around on patrol and "arrest away" chronic crime and disorder in our neighborhoods and expect to be effective. Police have tried that for decades. It's never worked in the past, and it's not an option for the future -- especially in light of shrinking budget dollars. Police and community leaders must actively look to create strategies that work. Crime prevention -- law enforcement's ultimate goal and true solution to public safety concerns -- can only occur through true partnerships between police and the community we serve. Community and police must work together to set priorities and strategies for making neighborhoods safe for our families. Community policing is not some "warm and fuzzy" approach to such serious problems as drug dealing, gangs, and predators that victimize law abiding citizens. It is a smart, collaborative, big-picture approach to tackling crime and, equally as important, fear of crime. Mutual trust is a key ingredient to successful partnerships. Community policing is no exception. This works both ways: police must embrace the communities they serve, and communities must likewise embrace the officers who put their lives on the line every day to keep peace and order. It is critical for both sides to address differences and conflicts that may arise and then work together toward common goals. Police officials in leadership roles have the responsibility to bridge differences that may exist in the police culture and community expectations. Police and the communities they both serve both benefits from a team approach. It deepens the connection both groups feel -- cops and communities take more ownership, and police aren't seen as an anonymous sea of blue that descends on a neighborhood only to dust off their hands and then disappear after a few quick arrests. Officers who are more engaged with the community to solve problems find their jobs more rewarding. The recent mediation agreement was one of the best examples of what can happen when police and community roll up their sleeves and work together to find common ground. Building strong relationships and good will up front and not waiting until a critical incident occurs is imperative to improving and maintaining a solid police-public partnership. Citizen police academies, working proactively with the media, and consistent communication cascading from the top of the department are ways to accomplish that goal. This type of approach guarantees a reasonably high level of support for the police and ensures that both police and community are strategically and philosophically aligned. I'd like to share some of the countless public safety challenges that I've faced in my nearly 30 years in law-enforcement: a Presidential assassination attempt when I was a young officer, investigation and follow-up of a major bombing, rescue and recovery efforts of the Air Florida crash into the Potomac River after hitting the 14th Street Bridge on a snowy winter evening, the shooting of the Mayor and subsequent simultaneous take-over of the City Council chambers and B'nai British Jewish Center by the Hanfi Muslims, planning and providing security for no fewer than four presidential inaugurations, the assassination of a DC police sergeant and two FBI agents in DC Police HQ, planning and providing security and traffic control for the week of events leading up to and after the NBA All-Star game in 2000. No city has more demonstrations that the nation's capitol. As a police official, I played a leadership role in planning for, and managing from the front-line, countless demonstrations both large and small, some violent and some not, that routinely occur in the District of Columbia every day. They ranged from anti-war, animal rights, and anti-abortion protests and bike rallies. My strategy was always to allow free speech and to attempt de-escalation before things could get out of hand. It was not always an easy balancing act, but I'm proud of the fact that in most instances we were able to successfully avoid confrontation. Many of these events involved wor
[Mpls] Early education at the School Board meeting
At the request of several parents at my son's school I called the school board to ask to speak at the next meeting as part of the agenda. We will not be heard as part of the regular meeting, but immediately after it. Why we are speaking: Bottineau Early Education center - a school for children through grade 2 in Northeast - submitted a written request for expansion to 3rd grade in June of 2003 to Carol Johnson. Our request was never responded to... The parents who participate on the site council of the school are still interested in this item, and not willing to let it just drop with no further mention of it. We wanted to attend the December board meeting, but were told there was no need to. During our meeting of the site council in December, representatives from the school board attended and told us that Superintendent Jennings would not consider our request until study of all elementary education facilities took place, and a 5-year plan formulated. We also were asking for an additional classroom (one that's currently unused) to be filled with STUDENTS! According to the district reps, that's not something they're currently interested in. Now with the Governor's proposed cuts, funding for the Hi-5 program may be dropped. This program helps to close the gap that children who miss the September 1 cut-off would suffer. Children who turn 5 between September 1 and December 31 are eligible to enroll. This also gives the English Language Learning children (a pretty high population at this small school) an opportunity to learn in an English-speaking environment before going on to that all-important first day of Kindergarten. With the number of students enrolled in Minneapolis Public Schools dropping at such a rapid rate, you would think the board would be happy to know that parents are interested in keeping their children in the district - particularly this school. The fear is that we would not send our children to Pillsbury Science and Tech (sharing the same building) and that program would lose out on the money our children are worth. After a survey, we found that good number of the parents who want to send their child to 3rd grade at Bottineau aren't considering Pillsbury as an alternative. Out of district parents like myself bring our children in from the suburbs because they believe in this program and the importance of early childhood education. And before you ask, the money is transferred from their 'home district' into Minneapolis - I checked. We are looking for support from community members who believe in early childhood education as much as the amazing folks who put this program together. This is a caring environment that guides children from Hi-5 through 2nd grade. Third graders learn more like these younger children, so continuing the program for another year makes sense. If you are willing to lend support, we'd be happy to have you there! Michelle Klinga Blaine, bringing my Son to Minneapolis Public Schools writing this on my break at work REMINDERS: 1. Think a member has violated the rules? Email the list manager at [EMAIL PROTECTED] before continuing it on the list. 2. Don't feed the troll! Ignore obvious flame-bait. For state and national discussions see: http://e-democracy.org/discuss.html For external forums, see: http://e-democracy.org/mninteract Minneapolis Issues Forum - A City-focused Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Subscribe, Un-subscribe, etc. at: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
Re: [Mpls] Importance of employees' opinions concerning new boss
Of course many will disagree with me, since I think Olson has been the best chief we've had for decades. Under his leadership, the crime rate has decreased, and the instances of thumping have gone down too. Obviously there's still much to improve, but that's how evolutionary change works, things get better slowly. Olson doesn't have very good political skills, so he didn't explain his actions well at times when it was sorely needed. But his management abilities resulted in an improved Department. I'm afraid that Rybak is replacing Olson with someone who is more like Rybak -- McManus has a slick tongue, but how well does he manage people that report to him? The Dayton street cops think not so good. Since it looks like McManus will be our new chief, I hope they are wrong. I think Mark Anderson has hit the nail on the head here. I would like to see Mayor Rybak specifically address this point. I also think McManus's short term at Dayton is a real problem also. Coming - stirring things up alot, then leaving others to pick up the pieces is the concern I have. Eva Young Near North Minneapolis [EMAIL PROTECTED] Blog is up: http://lloydletta.blogspot.com REMINDERS: 1. Think a member has violated the rules? Email the list manager at [EMAIL PROTECTED] before continuing it on the list. 2. Don't feed the troll! Ignore obvious flame-bait. For state and national discussions see: http://e-democracy.org/discuss.html For external forums, see: http://e-democracy.org/mninteract Minneapolis Issues Forum - A City-focused Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Subscribe, Un-subscribe, etc. at: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
[Mpls] Importance of employees' opinions concerning new boss
Jim Bernstein wrote: Bad idea! There is no reason to poll any officers no matter what their color or gender. It sets a terrible precedent. This is a mayoral appointment which must confirmed by the City Council. It does not require the support of the police officers. When the mayor appoints a director of public works, or finance director, or city attorney, or any other position, we don't poll the people in that department about who they want to lead them. When the Governor appoints more than 20 commissioners who must be confirmed by the Senate, there is no polling of the people working in those various state agencies as to who they want as their boss. Mark Anderson replies: I couldn't disagree more. It is ALWAYS a good idea to take into account the culture of the employees whenever a new manager is hired. One of the best ways to determine if a potential leader's style will be effective in a new Department is to ask the people who already work there. If the boss doesn't get the respect, or at least the cooperation, of the people he's leading, he'll have a hard time achieving anything. Of course the agreement of the employees is not the only factor in hiring a manager, but it should be an important one. All of Jim's examples only gives evidence as to why many of the managers in the city and the state aren't very effective. I don't mean to be anti-government here -- much of the business community has the same blind spot. Of course the particular instance Jim is discussing relates to the hiring of a new police chief for Mpls. This may be a special situation, because I think many people here believe that the Mpls police culture should be torn out by its roots, because that's the only way to instill respect by the police for the citizens they are sworn to protect. I have some sympathy for that belief, but I'm not ready for revolutionary change. >From what I've read, the one group that McManus alienated in Dayton was the street >cop. I think Rybak is looking for evolutionary change, not revolutionary, so he's >expecting McManus to work with the culture that's there, and guide it in the right >direction. I just hope that McManus can do this. What I'm afraid is that the street >cops will get so disgusted by him, that they will refuse to work with the forces of >moderation at all, which may result in more thumpers. McManus reminds me a bit of >Bouza. Bouza knew what had to be done, but he just couldn't get it done, because he >didn't have the respect of the cops. Of course many will disagree with me, since I think Olson has been the best chief we've had for decades. Under his leadership, the crime rate has decreased, and the instances of thumping have gone down too. Obviously there's still much to improve, but that's how evolutionary change works, things get better slowly. Olson doesn't have very good political skills, so he didn't explain his actions well at times when it was sorely needed. But his management abilities resulted in an improved Department. I'm afraid that Rybak is replacing Olson with someone who is more like Rybak -- McManus has a slick tongue, but how well does he manage people that report to him? The Dayton street cops think not so good. Since it looks like McManus will be our new chief, I hope they are wrong. Mark V Anderson Bancroft REMINDERS: 1. Think a member has violated the rules? Email the list manager at [EMAIL PROTECTED] before continuing it on the list. 2. Don't feed the troll! Ignore obvious flame-bait. For state and national discussions see: http://e-democracy.org/discuss.html For external forums, see: http://e-democracy.org/mninteract Minneapolis Issues Forum - A City-focused Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Subscribe, Un-subscribe, etc. at: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
Re: [Mpls] Traffic Calming Campaign
Miriam Mueller wrote: I am a German intern working with the Macalester Groveland District Council - in St. Paul. The Macalester Groveland neighborhood is researching ways to address traffic safety issues on their residential streets. We have heard good things about the work in Minneapolis on this issue and are looking for information about what other communities have done to increase community awareness on traffic safety issues and slow (calm) traffic through neighborhoods. I would recommend the book "Street Reclaiming" by David Engwicht and his website at www.lesstraffic.com as a pair of gooding starting points. Minneapolis has made some spotty efforts at traffic calming, with limited success in those few places it has been tried. For the most part, my impression of Minneapolis, Hennepin County and Minnesota State traffic and road planners is that of a very car-centric ideology, with a constant goal of maximizing the amount of traffic a street can handle and minimizing the delay drivers experience, regardless of the consequences to the neighborhood the road passes through. Despite that, some citizen groups have managed to get move things in the direction they want on occasion. When I lived in the East Calhoun neighborhood, we (ECCO) were able to rebuild west 31st street to be a boulevard with center landscaped islands after many years of effort. Doing so, along with the addition of a couple more stop signs, did slow the traffic down and make for a slightly quieter, safer neighborhood. There are a number of places where neighbors have managed to get through-traffic stopped by cutting intersections in half, making them into 2 turns, one each for the 2 pairs of roads meeting, or 2 dead-ends and 1 turn, thus making the intersection no longer useful for driving through on any one street. (As it is hard to explain this clearly, ask if it does not make sense.) The Fulton and Lynnhurst neighborhoods tried to calm the traffic on 50th street using a variety of methods a couple years ago, including yard signs, bumper stickers and more. It was deemed successful while in operation, but has made no lasting change. You might still be able to contact the "Fulton-Lynnhurst Neighbors for Safe Driving Task Force" at 612-922-3106 for more information about this effort. You can find documentation at the Fulton website here: http://www.fultonneighborhood.org/trafficplan.htm Willkommen zu den Twin Cities. Chris Johnson Fulton REMINDERS: 1. Think a member has violated the rules? Email the list manager at [EMAIL PROTECTED] before continuing it on the list. 2. Don't feed the troll! Ignore obvious flame-bait. For state and national discussions see: http://e-democracy.org/discuss.html For external forums, see: http://e-democracy.org/mninteract Minneapolis Issues Forum - A City-focused Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Subscribe, Un-subscribe, etc. at: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
RE: [Mpls] Traffic Calming Campaign
Miriam Mueller states: "We have heard good things about the work in Minneapolis on this issue and are looking for information about what other communities have done to increase community awareness on traffic safety issues and slow (calm) traffic through neighborhoods." MM: Fulton and Lynnhurst neighborhoods ran the successful Slow Down on 50th Street campaign a few years ago. Based on the knowledge that the majority of the people speeding actually live in the neighborhood, we designed a comprehensive project to change our own driving behavior. It involved a pledge program, local school demonstrations on 50th Street, lawns signs, a radar patrol, and a media campaign that brought coverage of the effort in the Southwest Journal, Star Tribune, and on radio and television news. Below is a link to Fulton's website with a report on our activities from the campaign: http://www.fultonneighborhood.org/trafficplan.htm Michelle Martin Armatage Fulton and Lynnhurst neighborhood coordinator REMINDERS: 1. Think a member has violated the rules? Email the list manager at [EMAIL PROTECTED] before continuing it on the list. 2. Don't feed the troll! Ignore obvious flame-bait. For state and national discussions see: http://e-democracy.org/discuss.html For external forums, see: http://e-democracy.org/mninteract Minneapolis Issues Forum - A City-focused Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Subscribe, Un-subscribe, etc. at: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
[Mpls] Why I chose Chief McManus
I wanted to send the List an outline I just gave to City Council members about my selection of Chief Bill McManus. FYI, the Executive Committee just voted 4-1 in favor of Chief McManus, with the yes votes being me, Council President Ostrow, Council Member Paul Zerby and Council Member Natalie Johnson Lee. Council member Robert Lilligren voted no. I know people have a lot of interest in the "horse race" issue here...how are the votes coming, who's changing, etc. That's understandable. But most of the council members were pressed into taking a position on this before they even had a chance to meet Chief McManus. I didn't arrive at this choice overnight, I had a chance to have several face to face meetings and the council members deserve the space to do that, too. I'm not going to be pushing hard for people to change today and instead hope the whole community can stand back from the vote question to get to know the Chief. I'm confident that when they do they will know we have a great leader for the police department. R.T. Rybak I began the process of selecting a new Chief of Police for Minneapolis by listening to people in our community talk about what they expect from the Police Department and from the Chief in particularfirst by doorknocking throughout the city, and then through my two years in office. Based on this input, I drafted a set of community expectations that have guided the entire search process. We received additional input at a public hearing and from the Advisory Committee we assembled to assist with the evaluation of candidates. These five expectations formed the structure for the questions they asked each of the finalists, and were the framework for the input I received from the Committee. They are the objective basis for the selection of my nominee, Chief William McManus. As we approach the formal process of action by the Executive Committee and City Council on this key appointment, I want to return to the community expectations that have guided this very public process, and summarize how I believe Chief McManus uniquely meets these expectations. 1. Maintain Public Safety: The number-one job of the Chief and every police officer is to keep Minneapolis safe. Starting as a beat cop and working his way up to Chief of Police, Chief McManus has been on the front lines of crime fighting in some of the toughest neighborhoods in the country. Some highlights of his work illustrate the effectiveness of his approach. In Dayton, Chief McManus developed and implemented a geographically-targeted community policing model that resulted in significant reductions in crime in less than two years. He worked with residents and community leaders to focus on five chronic call locations in each district, resulting in crime and call reductions of between 16 and 39 percent. "You can't arrest away nuisance crimes," McManus said during his Committee interview, "you have to work with the community." His holistic approach included training for community members, officers from surrounding jurisdictions and the Sheriff's department, as well as the restructuring the Police Department and tough enforcement. Overall, the policing model he implemented in Dayton helped reduce violent crime citywide by approximately 10 percent and property crime by approximately 6 percent in 2003 alone. 2. Strong Leader: The Chief must hold officers accountable, reward exceptional performers and deliver immediate consequences for those who step over the line. In Dayton, Chief McManus proved himself an effective leader and change agent by establishing clear performance expectations and holding officers accountable. In one high-profile incident, he fired an officer who struck an injured, minority suspect with his gun during an arrest. But strong personal leadership is only effective when it is respected and followed by the rank-and-file. The high marks McManus receives for improved police-community relations in Dayton demonstrate that he successfully created change - not just at the top, or within a particular command - but throughout the department and out in the community. As a career professional who worked his way up from beat cop to top-cop, McManus has demonstrated exactly the combination of street smarts and command presence I believe we need here in Minneapolis. 3. Strong Manager: The $100 million police budget needs innovative, efficient management with measurable outcomes. As Assistant Chief in Washington, DC, McManus managed 1,000 sworn officers and a $77 million operating budget within a total force of 3,800 sworn officers and budget of $300 million. (By comparison, Minneapolis currently has 781 sworn officers.) As Police Chief in Dayton, he has gained crucial executive-level experience during a very challenging period, managing fiscal, labor- and police-community-relations
[Mpls] Traffic Calming Campaign
I am a German intern working with the Macalester Groveland District Council - in St. Paul. The Macalester Groveland neighborhood is researching ways to address traffic safety issues on their residential streets. We have heard good things about the work in Minneapolis on this issue and are looking for information about what other communities have done to increase community awareness on traffic safety issues and slow (calm) traffic through neighborhoods. Has your community tried a yard sign campaign? Did it work? Can you recommend a good source of information on traffic calming campaigns? Who can we contact in your neighborhood? Any other creative ideas? Thanks for your help, Miriam Müller Posting From St. Paul Resident of Weidenhausen, Germany [EMAIL PROTECTED] REMINDERS: 1. Think a member has violated the rules? Email the list manager at [EMAIL PROTECTED] before continuing it on the list. 2. Don't feed the troll! Ignore obvious flame-bait. For state and national discussions see: http://e-democracy.org/discuss.html For external forums, see: http://e-democracy.org/mninteract Minneapolis Issues Forum - A City-focused Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Subscribe, Un-subscribe, etc. at: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
[Mpls] McManus reviews and request for council opinions
I caught a couple 10 o'clock news reports of the meetings with our potential new chief of police. I'd be interested to hear list members perspectives who may have been at these meetings their impressions of Mr. McManus. I'd be more interested to get a council member or two to take the time to talk about their perspective on the McManus appointment and why they are for or against it. (or on the fence) I know everyone is busy but I would really appreciate hearing individual council member positions and how those positions might change between now and the final vote on Jan. 20. Scott Persons Lyndale Neighborhood REMINDERS: 1. Think a member has violated the rules? Email the list manager at [EMAIL PROTECTED] before continuing it on the list. 2. Don't feed the troll! Ignore obvious flame-bait. For state and national discussions see: http://e-democracy.org/discuss.html For external forums, see: http://e-democracy.org/mninteract Minneapolis Issues Forum - A City-focused Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Subscribe, Un-subscribe, etc. at: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
[Mpls] Ron Edwards dinner
Ron Edwards dinner will take place Thursday January 8, 2004 at 6:00pm at the Minneapolis Urban League 2100 Plymouth Ave. N. Speakers include Tracy Williams- President of Minnesota Spokesman-Recorder, Mpls Fire Chief Rocco Forte, Mpls Council Member Natalie Johnson-Lee, Reverend Ian Bethel, Former Mpls Mayor Sharon Sayles Belton, Spike Moss, Tony Wagner-CEO Pillsbury United Communities, Bill Means- International Indian Treaty Council, Mpls Police Sergeant Charlie Adams. Open to the public Booker T Hodges North side _ Working moms: Find helpful tips here on managing kids, home, work and yourself. http://special.msn.com/msnbc/workingmom.armx REMINDERS: 1. Think a member has violated the rules? Email the list manager at [EMAIL PROTECTED] before continuing it on the list. 2. Don't feed the troll! Ignore obvious flame-bait. For state and national discussions see: http://e-democracy.org/discuss.html For external forums, see: http://e-democracy.org/mninteract Minneapolis Issues Forum - A City-focused Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Subscribe, Un-subscribe, etc. at: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
[Mpls] Re:At Large v District Park Commission Seats
Please do not assume that all residents of Park District 1 are so wildly enamored of Walt Dziedzic that we need some sort of outside intervention. First of all, Commissioner Dziedzic represented only a portion of the district when he was on the City Council. He may have a well-known name, but he's not an easy fit for many of the more liberal residents of Southeast. And there's at least some anecdotal evidence that he gives the non-Ward 1 parts of his district short shrift. Bottineau Park used to have a really nice park building before it burned down. Now it's just one big gym and one meeting room. My neighborhood has been trying to get a new basketball court for ages to no avail. And it's not possible anymore to hold meetings at Van Cleve Park without paying a fee. Not hardly the agressive service we were expecting when we voted him in originally. Loki Anderson Marshall Terrace = As through this life you travel You'll meet some funny men. Some'll rob you with a six-gun, And some with a fountain pen. -Woody Guthrie __ Do you Yahoo!? Yahoo! Hotjobs: Enter the "Signing Bonus" Sweepstakes http://hotjobs.sweepstakes.yahoo.com/signingbonus REMINDERS: 1. Think a member has violated the rules? Email the list manager at [EMAIL PROTECTED] before continuing it on the list. 2. Don't feed the troll! Ignore obvious flame-bait. For state and national discussions see: http://e-democracy.org/discuss.html For external forums, see: http://e-democracy.org/mninteract Minneapolis Issues Forum - A City-focused Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Subscribe, Un-subscribe, etc. at: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
