Re: [Mpls] Statewide Smoking Ban
I side with the ban. Bring it on. Defend it. Beat Big Tobacco. Beat know-nothing redneckism. --David Shove Roseville On Wed, 2 Mar 2005, Dan wrote: The statewide smoking ban ran into problems today in the House Commerce Committee. The bill is being declared dead by some and it would appear that Minneapolis may have to go it alone. Does anyone know where Hennepin County or St. Paul stands? I believe they are waiting for the state to act. Here is the Star Tribune link: _http://www.startribune.com/stories/587/5269590.html_ (http://www.startribune.com/stories/587/5269590.html) As it now stands, Minneapolis and Hennepin County's draconian total ban is going into effect March 31st (coming up like a rocket now). Smoking as of that date will be completely banned in all bars, resturants, bowling alleys, veterans clubs, private clubs, smoke-shops, and even cigar clubs. St. Paul/Ramsey's Ban will exempt bars which derive the majority of their revenues from liquor sales (it's a resturant ban). With the lack of a state-ban (which I am thankful for), bars in St. Paul, and suburbs outside of Hennepin County are going to get a nice boon. Where does that leave Minneapolis bar owners? Champs downtown will be pretty crowded, I'm sure, but the rest will probably be praying that the non-smokers come out in greater numbers than they have historically, I suppose. Dakota County is looking like a good place to open a bar or resturant. Dan McGrath Longfellow http://www.smokeoutgary.org REMINDERS: 1. Be civil! Please read the NEW RULES at http://www.e-democracy.org/rules. If you think a member is in violation, contact 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 Civil City-focused Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: mailto:mpls@mnforum.org Subscribe, Un-subscribe, etc. at: http://e-democracy.org/mpls REMINDERS: 1. Be civil! Please read the NEW RULES at http://www.e-democracy.org/rules. If you think a member is in violation, contact 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 Civil City-focused Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: mailto:mpls@mnforum.org Subscribe, Un-subscribe, etc. at: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
Subject: Re: [Mpls] Stormwatergate NOT
Date: Wed, 02 Mar 2005 Subject: Re: [Mpls] Stormwatergate NOT To: mpls@mnforum.org I served along with a number of other residents or stakeholders on the Stormwater Utility Rate Model Implementation Citizen Advisory Committee called together by Minneapolis Public Works to review and comment on the establishment of the Stormwater Utility and the new methodology. Despite informational mailings (about 90,000 blue postcards) or inserts, three community meetings, and public hearings as part of the city council review, I suspected some ratepayers would only become engaged in this process when they received the bill reflecting those changes. As a low water user with a large lot, I expect to pay about $50 more annually under the new rate model in my combined utility bill. In theory the new model is more equitable as to the billing rationale, is more consistent with stormwater utility practices in Minnesota and nationwide, and the utility will fund needed stormwater capital improvements citywide, will encourage development of best practices and allow for credits to perhaps lessen the stormwater load on the public infrastructure and reduce to some extent the millions of dollars of future capital improvements. I respect Jim Graham, especially for his leadership on neighborhood issues. In this instance the mayor and council members who were elected to lead did so. The ratepayers and voters will have to evaluate and draw their own conclusions about the policy change. I was concerned about rate increases on residents on fixed incomes who were low water users, and believe so noted at the public hearing. Below is an excerpt from an article I had published in the Camden Community News March 2005 issue on this subject: As reported in the December 2004 Camden Community News, the City Council last year amended Title 19 of the Minneapolis Code of Ordinances relating to Water, Sewers and Sewage Disposal by adding a new Chapter 510 entitled Stormwater Management System and Operation of a Stormwater Utility and Stormwater Utility Credit Rules. The 2005 sewer and stormwater rates were first approved by the Transportation Public Works committee on 1/18/05, then referred to Ways and Means/Budget committee where the rates were approved 1/24/05. Final City Council approval was given on 1/28/05 establishing the utility rates for sewer rental and stormwater services The Public Works report approved by City Engineer Klara A. Fabry, P.E. for the council committee requests stated The impact of this methodology change for an average single-family residential property (average is defined as having 1,530 sq. ft. of impervious area and currently consuming six units of sewer) will be a reduction of $1.00 on their monthly combined sewer/stormwater bill. However, current low water users may see an increase in their combined sewer/stormwater bill. The action last year to implement a new stormwater utility methodology followed fifteen months of preparation including necessary legislative changes, a process review by a citizen advisory committee, the holding of a series of open house meetings for property owners, and a prolonged council committee discussion. The stated project objective was To develop and implement an equitable funding mechanism for storm water related activities. The City sought a more accurate way to charge fees for storm water management services tied to water runoff instead of the existing system based on units of water consumption. The City of Minneapolis web site provides detailed information about the Stormwater Utility change process at: http://www.ci.minneapolis.mn.us/stormwater/what-we-do/StormwaterRate.asp Municipal utility ratepayers may contact Public Works Project Manager John McLain at (612) 673-2990 for more information. Jeffrey L. Strand, Shingle Creek (Ward 4) (and CLIC Member 2005-2007) REMINDERS: 1. Be civil! Please read the NEW RULES at http://www.e-democracy.org/rules. If you think a member is in violation, contact 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 Civil City-focused Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: mailto:mpls@mnforum.org Subscribe, Un-subscribe, etc. at: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
[Mpls] IRV adopted in Burlington Vermont
Burlington Vermont sets another example for Minneapolis, adopting IRV for mayoral elections. From http://www.fairvote.org/ On March 1, Burlington voters gave instant runoff voting a landslide win. Even as other high-profile ballot measures went down in defeat, 62% of voters supported adopting instant runoff voting for mayoral elections. Burlington follows Ferndale Michigan, which adopted IRV by ballot with 70% approval last November. See: http://www.fairvote.org/irv/ferndalepress.htm Jeanne Massey Kingfield REMINDERS: 1. Be civil! Please read the NEW RULES at http://www.e-democracy.org/rules. If you think a member is in violation, contact 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 Civil City-focused Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: mailto:mpls@mnforum.org Subscribe, Un-subscribe, etc. at: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
RE: [Mpls] Why some people are excluded
Dyna, If you have a beef with Megan, work it out with her. If you have beef with me, send me flame e-mails and I'll flame back. If you have a beef with anyone else, do what you are going to dobut for God's sake, leave the name of Stonewall DFL OUT OF IT. The issues you are bringing forward have nothing to do with Minneapolis politics and have no business on the Minneapolis Issues Forum. The way you toss around the Stonewall DFL's name is damaging to the good image that many many many individuals have worked so hard to rebuild after the recent (almost fatal) collapse of the organization while YOU were on the board of directors. To the people of this forum, I sincerely apologize for dirty laundry being aired in public. It is not the indent of SDFL to distract from the otherwise very important issues being discussed here. We now return you to your regularly scheduled blogging... Paul R. Skrbec Home e-mail - [EMAIL PROTECTED] Inver Grove Heights -Original Message- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Dyna Sent: Thursday, March 03, 2005 1:03 AM To: Megan Thomas Cc: mpls@mnforum.org Subject: Re: [Mpls] Why some people are excluded Megan, when I first read this latest bit of character assassination from Stonewall DFL I was full of righteous indignation and eager to set the record straight. Then I remembered how a few years back when I was hanging out with a well regarded journalist you told me he was a rapist. You never provided any evidence to back up your claim and this person is still a well regarded journalist who has not been charged with any crime. Than a few weeks ago you claimed RT said something he hadn't, and you later had to retract your accusations. Again in your post you are making allegations that you cannot prove. I'd get mad, but then I consider the source... I'm honored to be in the company of our mayor and a well regarded journalist who shall remain anonymous. uncommitted in Hawthorne, Dyna Sluyter OK, breaking a cardinal rule of my own I will respond to Dyna's continued assertations about her exclusion from the Stonewall DFL Board. (and in my opinion) Of course there is a major problem here ... namely, how do I explain this and stay within the bounds of the rules of this list? How is that a problem . my guess is that many of the people who read this list have already figured it out. It means that I in order to respond to this I need to make some personal comments. So, with apologies to the list manager Dyna was not reelected to the board because she is an unpleasant person. She is almost exclusively negative in her tone and comments, at times hostile and seems to take pleasure in that hostility. It has nothing to do with her politics, identity or so on. In the simplest terms, people are, at the very least, uncomfortable around her and often people feel threatened around her. As someone who has often been the leader of meetings with Dyna in them she is extremely disruptive, makes deliberately hostile and confrontative remarks and plays an excessive role in creating an unproductive and hostile environment. It often becomes a struggle to separate her behavior from the candidate or issue she may be advocating for (or against). Difference of opinion does not nessecitate hostility. I have often been supporting different candidates than my other political friends. I am not even suggesting that you have to agree to disagree, However, when someone is consistenly hostile and disruptive the issue is no longer opinion but rather the right of other members of the organization to work in a safe and respectful environment. There is a broader question here of how do you deal with disruptive people? The challange is in trying to balance everyone's right to participate. Sometimes there are people who simply do not play well with others and cannot be a member of a group. REMINDERS: 1. Be civil! Please read the NEW RULES at http://www.e-democracy.org/rules. If you think a member is in violation, contact 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 Civil City-focused Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: mailto:mpls@mnforum.org Subscribe, Un-subscribe, etc. at: http://e-democracy.org/mpls REMINDERS: 1. Be civil! Please read the NEW RULES at http://www.e-democracy.org/rules. If you think a member is in violation, contact 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
Re: [Mpls] Statewide Smoking Ban
People like Mr. Strand have always had the choice to patronize clubs and restaurants that did not allow smoking. People like Mr. Strand and the city council just felt it necessary to have a law passed increasing the number of choices available. In doing so, the ban actually removes choice. Apparently a sizeable portion of the populice is unable to decide to stay out of places that are not healthy for them and need a law to dictate their choices for them. Thanks, freedom fighters. Like I've said beforeI don't like rap music, so I stay out of places that play it. If you don't like smoke, why on earth can't you just stay out of smoky bars? What is so tough about it? I trust people like Mr. Strand will now be patronizing the local VFWs and American Legions and Cardinal Bars and Adrians that you didn't go into lest you have a three-day recovery time. See you there, right? Life ain't fair, sir, and your respiratory allergies should not deny a business owner the right to run a business the way he or she sees fit concerning a legal product that the state makes a lot of money on. Apparently business owners have to now cater to your allergies so you can feel more socially free. This city is screwed up. Mike Thompson Windom - Original Message - From: David Strand [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: Michael Thompson [EMAIL PROTECTED]; [EMAIL PROTECTED]; mpls@mnforum.org Sent: Thursday, March 03, 2005 1:29 AM Subject: Re: [Mpls] Statewide Smoking Ban Hmmm... this issue is not likely to go away as yesterday Rhode Island became the seventh state to pass a comprehensive statewide ban more similiar to the strict version still alive in the Minnesota State Senate. I for one will be visiting nightclubs, bars and restaurants in Minneapolis and Hennepin County far more frequently following the ban than I did previously precisely because they will know be accessible to me since I have become able to be in smoky environments without becoming seriously ill(due to respiratory allergies). I love to go out clubbing and out to eat but it's not worth a three day recovery time involving lots of antihistamines, inhalers, and missed work which is what it has come to for me personally. I will feel far more socially free in Minneapolis and Hennepin with the coming ban and look forward to it with anticipation. David Strand --- Michael Thompson [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Thanks be to G-d above that this silly legislation went exactly where it should, in the proverbial ashcan (pun intended). Maybe the Minneapolis city council will realize that their efforts to protect workers really put them out of step with rationality. On second thought, I doubt it. __ Celebrate Yahoo!'s 10th Birthday! Yahoo! Netrospective: 100 Moments of the Web http://birthday.yahoo.com/netrospective/ REMINDERS: 1. Be civil! Please read the NEW RULES at http://www.e-democracy.org/rules. If you think a member is in violation, contact 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 Civil City-focused Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: mailto:mpls@mnforum.org Subscribe, Un-subscribe, etc. at: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
Re: [Mpls] Why some people are excluded
Hi folkslet's take the whole Dyna/Megan/Stonewall feud off-list. It's obviously personal hint: if you address your post to a person, you should send it to them and not us and while sometimes these things do matter in politics, things quickly devolve, so it must be stopped. Warnings and expulsions will be given if you blow through this warning. David Brauer List manager Dyna, If you have a beef with Megan, work it out with her. If you have beef with me, send me flame e-mails and I'll flame back. If you have a beef with anyone else, do what you are going to dobut for God's sake, leave the name of Stonewall DFL OUT OF IT. The issues you are bringing forward have nothing to do with Minneapolis politics and have no business on the Minneapolis Issues Forum. REMINDERS: 1. Be civil! Please read the NEW RULES at http://www.e-democracy.org/rules. If you think a member is in violation, contact 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 Civil City-focused Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: mailto:mpls@mnforum.org Subscribe, Un-subscribe, etc. at: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
Re: [Mpls] Statewide Smoking Ban
Hi folks - looks like a busy list-manager day. There is a VERY narrow basis to discuss the state smoking ban limited to how it affects Mpls. However, we've held the underlying debate on the general merits/demerits of the ban concept, so let's rest on our laurels until there's local news, or until March 31. Did I mention warnings? I'd rather not give them out, so please desist. David Brauer List manager People like Mr. Strand have always had the choice to patronize clubs and restaurants that did not allow smoking. People like Mr. Strand and the city council just felt it necessary to have a law passed increasing the number of choices available. In doing so, the ban actually removes choice. Apparently a sizeable portion of the populice is unable to decide to stay out of places that are not healthy for them and need a law to dictate their choices for them. Thanks, freedom fighters. Like I've said beforeI don't like rap music, so I stay out of places that play it. If you don't like smoke, why on earth can't you just stay out of smoky bars? What is so tough about it? REMINDERS: 1. Be civil! Please read the NEW RULES at http://www.e-democracy.org/rules. If you think a member is in violation, contact 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 Civil City-focused Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: mailto:mpls@mnforum.org Subscribe, Un-subscribe, etc. at: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
[Mpls] STORMWATERGATE- great name!
Thanks to Jeff Strand, I appreciate your kind words. The post was intended to do what it did. Get attention! Stormwatergate is cute, thanks to David Brauer for that. Isn't it wonderful what humor can achieve! Well I seem to have someone's attention, unfortunately no answer from the Leaders. I believe the real point of the post has been missed. I am sure the Mayor and Council lead the effort to separately charge for Storm Water, that was not a bad idea. BUT, and it is a big butt, we are talking about the overcharging of poor homeowners for storm water. Would someone please address that? Last evening I reviewed several such letters and bills, and everyone of them from my neighborhood was overcharged by almost 300%. Possibly 50% of the homeowners in my neighborhood may have been overcharged to support those from neighborhoods where half the yard is paved with driveways and three car garages. This overcharge was due to the bill being charged on a statistical model that did not take into consideration non-paved driveways, lack of garages and out buildings, and small footprints of two story duplexes that prevail in poor neighborhoods. My alarmist post was to get attention and prevent the clear injustice of the situation. Leadership requires just that; Taking the Lead. So I would expect that in this election year we might expect Leaders to immediately correct the situation. It should not be up to poor people to Prove they do not owe that amount; if they are even aware that they are being overcharged. In that bill and notice there should have been included a notice that the bill was based on statistical information and NOT actual measurement. As such the owner should be advised to carefully review it, and call if the measurement was faulty. After such a call taking exception, it should be up to the City to measure and prove, not the poor homeowner. Hopefully, the water department will contact all people in poorer neighborhoods and give such a warning. Perhaps leadership will help them make this correction. Also hopefully, responsible neighborhood newspapers like David's, will report this issue and warn their readers about these overcharging. In that way they might even have an awareness it is happening to them. I have to apologize to that civil servant I referred to in my last post. I am sure he was simply reacting that way out of frustration from many people calling and madly complaining to him about a policy that he had no hand in creating. I, like many people, sometimes forget that our employees do not make policy and can not take leadership themselves in fixing the problem. We supposedly have elected leaders for that purpose. Any elected leaders care to respond? Jim Graham, Ventura Village Crickets, if you can be patient in one moment of anger, you may avoid a hundred days of sorrow. In swallowing of one ounce of pride, we may allow the creation of several pounds of happiness. REMINDERS: 1. Be civil! Please read the NEW RULES at http://www.e-democracy.org/rules. If you think a member is in violation, contact 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 Civil City-focused Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: mailto:mpls@mnforum.org Subscribe, Un-subscribe, etc. at: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
Re: [Mpls] Statewide Smoking Ban
I too will be out much more now. I must admit, I do not understand the thinking that smokers will no longer go out because they can't smoke. I don't believe that will be the case. Will they just stay home instead? Doubtful. Most smokers I know don't smoke in their own houses anyway. They go outside their own house to do that. And as for them going to another county (as this is Hennepin - not just Mpls), perhaps that could occur around the borders, but not likely elsewhere. I prefer to walk to my local watering holes rather than drive. I suspect there a large number of smokers who feel the same. While I still philosophically haven't come to a decision whether I think it is right for government to go down this road, at least I'll be able to debate it with my friends without coughing. Tom Madden Lowry Hill On 3/3/05 1:29 AM, David Strand [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Hmmm... this issue is not likely to go away as yesterday Rhode Island became the seventh state to pass a comprehensive statewide ban more similiar to the strict version still alive in the Minnesota State Senate. I for one will be visiting nightclubs, bars and restaurants in Minneapolis and Hennepin County far more frequently following the ban than I did previously precisely because they will know be accessible to me since I have become able to be in smoky environments without becoming seriously ill(due to respiratory allergies). I love to go out clubbing and out to eat but it's not worth a three day recovery time involving lots of antihistamines, inhalers, and missed work which is what it has come to for me personally. I will feel far more socially free in Minneapolis and Hennepin with the coming ban and look forward to it with anticipation. David Strand --- Michael Thompson [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Thanks be to G-d above that this silly legislation went exactly where it should, in the proverbial ashcan (pun intended). Maybe the Minneapolis city council will realize that their efforts to protect workers really put them out of step with rationality. On second thought, I doubt it. __ Celebrate Yahoo!'s 10th Birthday! Yahoo! Netrospective: 100 Moments of the Web http://birthday.yahoo.com/netrospective/ REMINDERS: 1. Be civil! Please read the NEW RULES at http://www.e-democracy.org/rules. If you think a member is in violation, contact 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 Civil City-focused Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: mailto:mpls@mnforum.org Subscribe, Un-subscribe, etc. at: http://e-democracy.org/mpls REMINDERS: 1. Be civil! Please read the NEW RULES at http://www.e-democracy.org/rules. If you think a member is in violation, contact 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 Civil City-focused Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: mailto:mpls@mnforum.org Subscribe, Un-subscribe, etc. at: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
RE: [Mpls] Automobile Insurance Reform
Bill makes some good points for discussion and action. Years ago I lived in Milwaukee and my rates were higher in my area mostly because of car theft, not accidents. My rates were determined by my zip code. Some of the insurance companies were offering coupons for a discount on the 'club' device, and my neighborhood group was actually offering them for a very low price to help alleviate the theft problem. I still have mine, but admit I do not use it any more since I have a locked garage. Ron Leurquin Nokomis East Bill wrote: There has been some discussion of this list regarding pay-at-the-pump automobile insurance reform. Two bills that would otherwise significantly reform Minnesota automobile insurance law were defeated in the Senate Commerce Committee today. I bring this to the Minneapolis forum because I know from my former work that Minnesota is a high price auto insurance state and Minneapolis is the highest priced territory in the state. To again keep this local, we need to discuss ways to reduceMinneapolis premiums such as, discouraging speeding and red light running, encouraging police investigations of hit and run vehicle damage accidents, encouraging folks to secure their cars with The Club or other such locking devices or taking the time to park the car in the garage, etc. Here is the Star Tribune link to the defeated insurance bills story: _http://www.startribune.com/stories/587/5269614.html_ (http://www.startribune.com/stories/587/5269614.html) REMINDERS: 1. Be civil! Please read the NEW RULES at http://www.e-democracy.org/rules. If you think a member is in violation, contact 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 Civil City-focused Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: mailto:mpls@mnforum.org Subscribe, Un-subscribe, etc. at: http://e-democracy.org/mpls REMINDERS: 1. Be civil! Please read the NEW RULES at http://www.e-democracy.org/rules. If you think a member is in violation, contact 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 Civil City-focused Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: mailto:mpls@mnforum.org Subscribe, Un-subscribe, etc. at: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
[Mpls] a modest proposal
Life ain't fair, sir, and your respiratory allergies should not deny a business owner the right to run a business the way he or she sees fit concerning a legal product that the state makes a lot of money on. Apparently business owners have to now cater to your allergies so you can feel more socially free. This city is screwed up. Mike Thompson, Windom Mr. Thompson is right. Enough of this whining. But he doesn't go far enough. Public Health Departments are the Gestapo of government. They can close down restaurants for what they call unsanitary conditions. They insist on an exhaust fan over a stove, then they insist on a make-air system so a fresh supply of oxygen comes into the restaurant. Who ever heard of people dying from lack of oxygen? Let's get government out of the business of policing public health! Ed Felien Powderhorn REMINDERS: 1. Be civil! Please read the NEW RULES at http://www.e-democracy.org/rules. If you think a member is in violation, contact 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 Civil City-focused Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: mailto:mpls@mnforum.org Subscribe, Un-subscribe, etc. at: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
Re: [Mpls] Inclusivity at the caucus
Hello All, I was new to 10-5, having been in the 8th ward for most of my years of political involvement. We had about three people new to the whole process, and one brought forth a resolution regarding Head Start. It only took a few minutes to bring them up to speed regarding the process and what delegates do, and they were happy to become such and look forward to the next phase. We met over at Jefferson on 26th. As seems to be the norm thus far, we had more delegate slots than people to fill them. We have five open slots left and no alternates at all. I believe three of the delegate seats were filled by proxy. We all were quite friendly and civil to each other, and we all seemed such at ease with each other that had some insensitive remark had been made, any number of us would have spoke up. Especially yours truly. We all hope, however, that the next time we meet we do not have to walk up three flights of steps to our assigned meeting space, as we were all a bit out of breath at the start. It was interesting meeting people and hearing the candidates speak. Most people seemed to have an idea which candidate they were planning to support already. We had no visits in our group, though candidate Scott Persons was there. He is a member of our precinct. We were done about 8:15 p.m. and I was able to get home to watch the second half of my favorite show The Amazing Race. Have a great day! Pamela Taylor Lyndale Neighborhood - Celebrate Yahoo!'s 10th Birthday! Yahoo! Netrospective: 100 Moments of the Web REMINDERS: 1. Be civil! Please read the NEW RULES at http://www.e-democracy.org/rules. If you think a member is in violation, contact 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 Civil City-focused Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: mailto:mpls@mnforum.org Subscribe, Un-subscribe, etc. at: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
[Mpls] Caucusing in the Second Ward
Greetings! After reading from Earl about the south side of Senate District 62 I was disappointed to realize that a Mayoral race is not enough to fire up all DFL activists. Or, maybe some parts of the city need more organizing. Perhaps a good council race is the missing factor. (Are folks in the 12th Ward completely happy with Sandy Colvin Roy?) The Second Ward had all its precinct caucuses at Anne Sullivan Communication Center a K-8 Minneapolis Public School. My estimate of turnout based on a plenary session where we heard from candidates is about 700 folks (for 11 precincts). I would guess that 85% of these folks were caucus attendees with the remaining 15% from campaigns, observers and candidates. Precinct 2-1, where I live, had over 70 in attendance. Our initial canvas revealed 47 or 48 folks wanting to be delegates. We had 43 allocated. Some of these folks agreed to stand as alternates and we were able to get a slate elected by acclamation. We had seven letters from absent neighbors asking for delegate positions. We put them at the top of our alternate list. We took up two resolutions: 1) To remove police authority from the Park Board and combine it with the Minneapolis Police Department. This failed. 2) To oppose the Strib's proposal for a city manager system and reduced number of Wards. This failed (on a tie vote.) A wide range of ages and ideologies were represented although I did not see any of my republican friends. (Oh! it was a DFL caucus, no wonder they weren't there.) Many first time attendees were welcomed, spoke and were elected delagates. The grizzled old veterans seemed to run the show. The Mayor's race did not come up in our discussions which surprised me a little. I expected there to be more talk about it. It was clear that having three strong candidates for Council is a factor in turnout. I worked the crowd for my Park Board Candidate, Scott Vreeland, who is running for the 3rd District seat currently held by Marie Hauser, a candidate for 8th Ward Council. I'm so glad we held city caucuses. I hope even more folks will participate in the future. Local issues are most important, vital and useful to people's lives. Talking about them face to face with neighbors who care is really invigorating. BTW It turns out that both the Deputy Mayor and Deputy Police Chief live in my new Precinct. Last year it was really hard to see who was there when our 250+ caucus met in a classroom designed for 30. -- In cooperation, Erik Riese Seward US@: A great place to live, work, learn, create and play. (612) 724-3217 mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] REMINDERS: 1. Be civil! Please read the NEW RULES at http://www.e-democracy.org/rules. If you think a member is in violation, contact 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 Civil City-focused Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: mailto:mpls@mnforum.org Subscribe, Un-subscribe, etc. at: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
[Mpls] Teens take on military recruiters
*High school students win right to counter-recruitment table */by *Farheen Hakeem*/ *School was letting out on a cold but sunny afternoon last Wednesday at Kennedy High School in Bloomington, and lingering around the exit doors were dozens of teenagers laughing, shouting and throwing snowballs.* It did not seem like a center of controversy, until a group of reporters marched into the school, followed by the curious students. They headed toward the cafeteria, where a group of students were fighting for their freedom of speecha fight they won after receiving support from across the country. http://pulsetc.com/article.php?sid=1678 REMINDERS: 1. Be civil! Please read the NEW RULES at http://www.e-democracy.org/rules. If you think a member is in violation, contact 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 Civil City-focused Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: mailto:mpls@mnforum.org Subscribe, Un-subscribe, etc. at: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
[Mpls] Automobile Insurance Reform
WLDJ == WLDJ [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: WLDJ To again keep this local, we need to WLDJ discuss ways to reduce Minneapolis premiums such as, WLDJ discouraging speeding and red light running, encouraging WLDJ police investigations of hit and run vehicle damage WLDJ accidents, encouraging folks to secure their cars with The WLDJ Club or other such locking devices or taking the time to WLDJ park the car in the garage, Are you sure that our premiums are high because of auto damage (the locking devices and garaging points above)? I ask because of the almost nil effect on my premiums when I was looking into dropping comprehensive and collision. Seems like liability (and perhaps covering my personal medical expenses) are where the $$ go. So theft may be a red herring in this issue. Anyone know for sure? -- Robert P. Goldman ECCO [EMAIL PROTECTED] REMINDERS: 1. Be civil! Please read the NEW RULES at http://www.e-democracy.org/rules. If you think a member is in violation, contact 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 Civil City-focused Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: mailto:mpls@mnforum.org Subscribe, Un-subscribe, etc. at: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
Re: [Mpls] Automobile Insurance Reform
Liability expenses are a part of the picture but liability reform is apparently stalled at the legislature. Bill Dooley Kenny - Ward 13 REMINDERS: 1. Be civil! Please read the NEW RULES at http://www.e-democracy.org/rules. If you think a member is in violation, contact 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 Civil City-focused Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: mailto:mpls@mnforum.org Subscribe, Un-subscribe, etc. at: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
[Mpls] CUE No Longer Behind the Eight-Ball
CUE No Longer Behind the Eight-Ball (March 3) The venerable Committee on the Urban Environment (CUE), which last June faced extinction at the hands of the City Council, will live to bloom again. THE STORY http://www.mplsobserver.com -- Craig Cox Founder/Editor The Minneapolis Observer www.mplsobserver.com 612/721-0285 Support the independent media! Pick up your neighborhood newspaper! REMINDERS: 1. Be civil! Please read the NEW RULES at http://www.e-democracy.org/rules. If you think a member is in violation, contact 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 Civil City-focused Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: mailto:mpls@mnforum.org Subscribe, Un-subscribe, etc. at: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
Re: [Mpls] Personal Rapid Transit
I was pleased to see that the latest PRT article ran right next to the obituaries. PRT is an example of extraordinary popular delusion, and its proponents are either mad or clever; ready to cash in on the gullibility of others. Mike Jensvold Ward 10 --- [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Although I do not like PRT for both social and aesthetic reasons, the Star Tribune has a story about three companies working on PRT for Minnesota. CM Zimmerman's vision for Minneapolis is mentioned. Here is the link: _http://www.startribune.com/stories/462/5268333.html_ (http://www.startribune.com/stories/462/5268333.html) Bill Dooley Kenny - Ward 13 REMINDERS: 1. Be civil! Please read the NEW RULES at http://www.e-democracy.org/rules. If you think a member is in violation, contact 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 Civil City-focused Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: mailto:mpls@mnforum.org Subscribe, Un-subscribe, etc. at: http://e-democracy.org/mpls REMINDERS: 1. Be civil! Please read the NEW RULES at http://www.e-democracy.org/rules. If you think a member is in violation, contact 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 Civil City-focused Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: mailto:mpls@mnforum.org Subscribe, Un-subscribe, etc. at: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
[Mpls] Automobile Insurance Reform
If you want to read about REAL insurance reform, try this site: http://www.centspermilenow.org/ It's actually an off-shoot of NOW -- coming from the insurance preference women get because they have less accidents. The site's basic premise is that all insurance rates should be based on how much you drive and not who you are or where you live. (As, for example, by being charged a higher rate because you live in a bad area of Minneapolis.) Steve Cross Prospect Park REMINDERS: 1. Be civil! Please read the NEW RULES at http://www.e-democracy.org/rules. If you think a member is in violation, contact 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 Civil City-focused Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: mailto:mpls@mnforum.org Subscribe, Un-subscribe, etc. at: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
RE: [Mpls] Statewide Smoking Ban
Strict? The smoking ban is classic politics. It has plenty of exceptions to it to please special interest groups. For example, want to smoke at the local VFW? Go ahead, smoking is legal there. Apparently it's not an issue there. It's unfortunate that smoking affects you the way it does. I personally don't go clubbing because I'd like to avoid having hearing aids before the age of 40. When are we going to limit the decibels at these clubs? Surely that is just as much of a health risk as smoking? Or do things that mame but don't kill not matter? I can't wait for the day when I can go to most bars without losing my voice and having my ears left ringing for days. Allen Graetz Lowry Hill -Original Message- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of David Strand Sent: Thursday, March 03, 2005 1:30 AM To: Michael Thompson; [EMAIL PROTECTED]; mpls@mnforum.org Subject: Re: [Mpls] Statewide Smoking Ban Hmmm... this issue is not likely to go away as yesterday Rhode Island became the seventh state to pass a comprehensive statewide ban more similiar to the strict version still alive in the Minnesota State Senate. I for one will be visiting nightclubs, bars and restaurants in Minneapolis and Hennepin County far more frequently following the ban than I did previously precisely because they will know be accessible to me since I have become able to be in smoky environments without becoming seriously ill(due to respiratory allergies). I love to go out clubbing and out to eat but it's not worth a three day recovery time involving lots of antihistamines, inhalers, and missed work which is what it has come to for me personally. I will feel far more socially free in Minneapolis and Hennepin with the coming ban and look forward to it with anticipation. David Strand --- Michael Thompson [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Thanks be to G-d above that this silly legislation went exactly where it should, in the proverbial ashcan (pun intended). Maybe the Minneapolis city council will realize that their efforts to protect workers really put them out of step with rationality. On second thought, I doubt it. __ Celebrate Yahoo!'s 10th Birthday! Yahoo! Netrospective: 100 Moments of the Web http://birthday.yahoo.com/netrospective/ REMINDERS: 1. Be civil! Please read the NEW RULES at http://www.e-democracy.org/rules. If you think a member is in violation, contact 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 Civil City-focused Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: mailto:mpls@mnforum.org Subscribe, Un-subscribe, etc. at: http://e-democracy.org/mpls REMINDERS: 1. Be civil! Please read the NEW RULES at http://www.e-democracy.org/rules. If you think a member is in violation, contact 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 Civil City-focused Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: mailto:mpls@mnforum.org Subscribe, Un-subscribe, etc. at: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
RE: [Mpls] Personal Rapid Transit
Michael Jensvold wrote: I was pleased to see that the latest PRT article ran right next to the obituaries. PRT is an example of extraordinary popular delusion, and its proponents are either mad or clever; ready to cash in on the gullibility of others. I strongly agree. This is an outrageously stupid idea combining the worst features of both automobiles and rapid-transit. It might, however, work as an unpopular ride for Disneyland. In fact, I think they already have something similar (no waiting lines). Michael Atherton Prospect Park REMINDERS: 1. Be civil! Please read the NEW RULES at http://www.e-democracy.org/rules. If you think a member is in violation, contact 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 Civil City-focused Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: mailto:mpls@mnforum.org Subscribe, Un-subscribe, etc. at: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
[Mpls] Central Neighborhood Info
List, Just curious as to what the Central Neighborhood and CNIA are doing these days. I know Art Erickson is the board chair, but can anyone else give me a clue as to what else is going on? I am going to be doing some things with agencies in that neighborhood, so it would be nice to know a little something. Pamela Taylor (Formerly Central, now Lyndale) - Celebrate Yahoo!'s 10th Birthday! Yahoo! Netrospective: 100 Moments of the Web REMINDERS: 1. Be civil! Please read the NEW RULES at http://www.e-democracy.org/rules. If you think a member is in violation, contact 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 Civil City-focused Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: mailto:mpls@mnforum.org Subscribe, Un-subscribe, etc. at: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
[Mpls] First Thursdays in NE MPLS
The first Thursday of every month many studios and galleries in NE MPLS are open into the evening till 9:pm for you to peruse and get an eyeful and hopefully find something beautiful and meaningful to take home. NE ceramist Laura Drabant has started to be carried at a new shop on 13th AVE, Hemingway Ceramics (339 13th Ave NE ~ www.hemingwayceramics.com) I have collected several of Laura's works and am especially fond of her pieces that are ceramic food objects that you can hold in your hand and turn over and feel and sometimes hear. You can see some of Laura's work and read more about her at http://www.lauradrabant.com/ Hemingway Ceramics is located right next door to the Modern Cafe and conveniently located right down the block from two great galleries, Rogue Buddha (http://www.roguebuddha.com/) and Artrujillo Gallery (http://www.artrujillo.com/). Make a evening of it, go see some art, have dinner go see some more art and end up at the newly poshed up and reopened 331 bar at 13th and University AVE, and have something to talk about on Friday. You can find out more about 1st Thursdays and other art type things happening in lovely lower NE MPLS at http://www.nemaa.org/firstthursdays.html tt Tom Taylor 612-788-4252 Raise less corn and more hell. Mary Elizabeth Lease -Original Message- Hello friends- Just a short reminder that today is first Thursday! Come to the Arts District 5-9pm tonight to see all of your favorite Northeast artists. I'm pleased to announce that my work is going to be regularly carried by a new NE favorite-Hemingway Ceramics. Its a beautiful new home for fine ceramics, glass and jewelry. See us at 339 13th Ave NE. (Next to the ModernCafe)www.hemingwayceramics.com or for EVEN MORE information on the District: www.nemaa.org/firstthursdays.html Have a great day. Laura Drabant REMINDERS: 1. Be civil! Please read the NEW RULES at http://www.e-democracy.org/rules. If you think a member is in violation, contact 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 Civil City-focused Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: mailto:mpls@mnforum.org Subscribe, Un-subscribe, etc. at: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
[Mpls] RE: Certain Death
I assume you are referring to the death penalty. Though Minneapolis does not have a death penalty, I suspect that many of the list members would be screaming in favor of banning it if we did. Jim Bernstein Minneapolis -Original Message- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Jennifer L. Rubenzer Sent: Saturday, February 26, 2005 8:43 PM To: Gina Palandri; mpls@mnforum.org Subject: RE: [bcc][faked-from][heur] [Mpls] ban the Ban??? I can think of something that results in death 100% of the time - and there aren't many people on this board screaming for the ban of that. Choice to so many people in Mpls could be defined as doing what WE think is right what WE think you should do it. -Jennifer Rubenzer The less oppressive Plymouth -- No virus found in this outgoing message. Checked by AVG Anti-Virus. Version: 7.0.308 / Virus Database: 266.5.0 - Release Date: 2/25/2005 REMINDERS: 1. Be civil! Please read the NEW RULES at http://www.e-democracy.org/rules. If you think a member is in violation, contact 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 Civil City-focused Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: mailto:mpls@mnforum.org Subscribe, Un-subscribe, etc. at: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
Re: [Mpls] Personal Rapid Transit
Michael Jensvold wrote:
I was pleased to see that the latest PRT article ran
right next to the obituaries.
I strongly agree. This is an outrageously stupid idea
combining the worst features of both automobiles and
rapid-transit.
Michael Atherton writes:
Well, I LIKE the idea and the perfect place would be to run it from Uptown
to Downtown along Hennepin across the river to Main. Ideal for eliminating
some of the traffic on Henn., ideal for tourists, ideal for sight-seeing,
ideal for just moving people without traffic jams, pollution, road rage,
they
could use their cell phones in private!, could hold meetings in the sky,
have lunch in Uptown and be back Downtown without stress or a sweaty vest.
Conventioneers staying downtown could frequent the bars in Uptown and stay
off the road in between, courier service...it might even give new slant to
Michael's story of the Jag. I see it brimed with all sorts of
possibilities...it could be so popular it might pay for itself. {Park Board
might want to get involved :+}!
Dorie Rae Gallagher
Nokomis
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[Mpls] Bus Strike
March 4, 2004 - April 18, 2004 Anybody else thinking about it? Those were dark and difficult days. With the exception of a running LRT... has anything really changed for the better for Minneapolis commuters? Madeline Douglass Kingfield REMINDERS: 1. Be civil! Please read the NEW RULES at http://www.e-democracy.org/rules. If you think a member is in violation, contact 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 Civil City-focused Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: mailto:mpls@mnforum.org Subscribe, Un-subscribe, etc. at: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
Re: [Mpls] Central Neighborhood Info
Pamela Taylor wrote: Just curious as to what the Central Neighborhood and CNIA are doing these days. I know Art Erickson is the board chair, but can anyone else give me a clue as to what else is going on? I am going to be doing some things with agencies in that neighborhood, so it would be nice to know a little something. My understanding, from about two months ago, is that CPED's Citizen Participation Department (Bob Cooper, et.al.) is removing CNIA as the neighborhood's representative organization. CNIA has lost the right to represent the neighborhood because it cannot repay NRP for some funds which were either not used or not accounted for correctly. A new organization called CANDO, a spin off from Weed Seed, will request/has requested that it be considered the citizen participation organization for Central. It either has already or is in the process of acquiring 501c3 status. CANDO/WS meets the second Wednesday of the month at 5:30 in the Media Rm of Green Central School. The ED is Sheryl Kabat. Board Chair: Mel North. WizardMarks, Central Minneapolis Issues Forum - A Civil City-focused Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: mailto:mpls@mnforum.org Subscribe, Un-subscribe, etc. at: http://e-democracy.org/mpls REMINDERS: 1. Be civil! Please read the NEW RULES at http://www.e-democracy.org/rules. If you think a member is in violation, contact 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 Civil City-focused Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: mailto:mpls@mnforum.org Subscribe, Un-subscribe, etc. at: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
[Mpls] RE: Bus Strike
March 4, 2004 - April 18, 2004 I loved it! I had a listing in Linden Hills right on W 44th that showed much better without those noisy buses going by every 10 minutes! Every dark cloud has a silver lining! : ) -Jennifer Rubenzer Positive in Plymouth -Original Message- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of MD Sent: Thursday, March 03, 2005 7:53 PM To: mpls mn forum Subject: [Mpls] Bus Strike Anybody else thinking about it? Those were dark and difficult days. With the exception of a running LRT... has anything really changed for the better for Minneapolis commuters? Madeline Douglass Kingfield REMINDERS: 1. Be civil! Please read the NEW RULES at http://www.e-democracy.org/rules. If you think a member is in violation, contact 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 Civil City-focused Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: mailto:mpls@mnforum.org Subscribe, Un-subscribe, etc. at: http://e-democracy.org/mpls REMINDERS: 1. Be civil! Please read the NEW RULES at http://www.e-democracy.org/rules. If you think a member is in violation, contact 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 Civil City-focused Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: mailto:mpls@mnforum.org Subscribe, Un-subscribe, etc. at: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
[Mpls] Elm Tree Care and Rain Garden workshops
Some great workshop opportunities below. Jason Stone Diamond Lake --- Alliance for Sustainability [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: From: Alliance for Sustainability [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: Alliance for Sustainability [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subject: Free Elm Tree Care Workshops March 29 30, April 2 4, CUE Raingardening Workshops- free native plants! Date: Thu, 3 Mar 2005 17:12:34 -0600 To: Neighborhood Sustainability Conference list members, With the mild winter, experts predict a second high year for Elm Tree loss in the Twin Cities. Neighborhood and volunteers can do many things to protect the majestic elms on their blocks. Please publicize these four FREE Elm Tree Care workshops, March 29 30 and April 2 4 through your neighborhood newsletters, email lists and meetings. Also please let people know about the free FREE Workshops on Rain Gardens with Native Plants sponsored by CUE. Thanks! Sean Gosiewski, Alliance for Sustainability, 612-331-1099 x 1 [EMAIL PROTECTED] Free Elm Tree Care Workshops for Neighborhoods and Block Clubs March 29, 30, and April 2, 2005 Sponsored by the Minneapolis Tree Advisory Commission, Alliance for Sustainability and Tree Trust Details at www.allianceforsustainability.net and www.treetrust.org Elm Tree Care Workshops Free Workshops for Twin Cities community volunteers who want to work for a healthy urban forest on their block and in their neighborhood, with a focus on preventing the spread of Dutch elm disease. Tuesday March 29th 7pm to 9pm Burroughs Elementary Auditorium 1601 West 50th Street Minneapolis, MN 55419 Wednesday March 30th 7pm to 9pm - Logan Park Gym 690-13th Ave NE Minneapolis, MN 55413 Saturday, April 2nd 10am to Noon - Minnehaha Academy, North Campus, Campus Room 3100 West River Parkway Minneapolis, MN 55406 (2 blocks south of Lake Street.) Monday April 4, 2005, 6pm, St. Paul Student Center 2017 Buford Ave, St. Paul Campus MN 55105 Dutch Elm Disease How to Handle One of Histories Worst Tree Epidemics U of MN Urban Forestry Club. Registration and information online at: http://www.cnr.umn.edu/FR/extension/ Why: - Neighborhoods that want to protect elms for this season must start injecting trees by early June. - Our urban forests provide multiple benefits for neighborhoods including: increasing property values, reducing energy costs, reducing storm water run off, providing habitat, strengthening business districts What you will learn at the free workshops: Tree Care professionals, city foresters and volunteers from neighborhoods that have organized successful elm tree protection campaigns will inform you about how to: - Do an inventory of elms in your neighborhood or on your block - Raise money through creative fundraisers to inoculate trees - Work with licensed tree professionals, certified arborists or trained community volunteers to inoculate healthy elms to protect them from Dutch Elm Disease, - Set up a system for keeping the trees protected in future years, - Plant, water and mulch new trees. Detailed Workshop Agenda - The benefits of trees in your neighborhood, and simple things you can do to care for trees: proper trimming, removing elm logs from wood piles, watering mulching young trees. Minneapolis Tree Advisory Commission, and Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board forester - What is Dutch elm disease, how it spreads, how to identify elm trees and symptoms of Dutch elm disease. Key elements of a city wide prevention effort Certified Arborist from a local tree care company - How to do an inventory of elm trees on your block or in your neighborhood. Experts to call to help with your elm inventory: licensed tree professionals, certified arborists, Tree Care Advisors, graduate students. How to use PDA's to input tree data and download the data into a data base. How to prioritize which trees to protect this year. Janette Monear and Gail Nozal, Tree Trust, - How to raise and distribute money to protect your elms. Examples from other successful neighborhood campaigns. Working with block captains. Creating a block club matching grant program. Sample article for your neighborhood paper. Sample informational flyers. Sean Gosiewski, Alliance for Sustainability - How to protect your neighborhood elms and do follow up. The importance of removing diseased elms and wood piles quickly. Why protecting many elms at once saves money and time. Boulevard trees and park trees require a permit from the park board prior to injection. How to hire a qualified arborist to do the injections. How to train neighborhood volunteers to properly inoculate trees on private property using a macro infusion kit. Setting up a neighborhood
Re: [Mpls] RE: Bus Strike
Making $20 an hour to drive a bus (a bus!!), and they wanted more from the public teat? No wonder we're going broke. Perhaps during their time off they could have taken a lesson or two in what a red light is. They should thank the citizens for having a job and drive on. Mike Thompson Windom - Original Message - From: Jennifer L. Rubenzer [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: MD [EMAIL PROTECTED]; mpls mn forum mpls@mnforum.org Sent: Thursday, March 03, 2005 8:17 PM Subject: [Mpls] RE: Bus Strike March 4, 2004 - April 18, 2004 I loved it! I had a listing in Linden Hills right on W 44th that showed much better without those noisy buses going by every 10 minutes! Every dark cloud has a silver lining! : ) -Jennifer Rubenzer Positive in Plymouth -Original Message- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of MD Sent: Thursday, March 03, 2005 7:53 PM To: mpls mn forum Subject: [Mpls] Bus Strike Anybody else thinking about it? Those were dark and difficult days. With the exception of a running LRT... has anything really changed for the better for Minneapolis commuters? Madeline Douglass Kingfield REMINDERS: 1. Be civil! Please read the NEW RULES at http://www.e-democracy.org/rules. If you think a member is in violation, contact 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 Civil City-focused Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: mailto:mpls@mnforum.org Subscribe, Un-subscribe, etc. at: http://e-democracy.org/mpls REMINDERS: 1. Be civil! Please read the NEW RULES at http://www.e-democracy.org/rules. If you think a member is in violation, contact 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 Civil City-focused Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: mailto:mpls@mnforum.org Subscribe, Un-subscribe, etc. at: http://e-democracy.org/mpls REMINDERS: 1. Be civil! Please read the NEW RULES at http://www.e-democracy.org/rules. If you think a member is in violation, contact 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 Civil City-focused Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: mailto:mpls@mnforum.org Subscribe, Un-subscribe, etc. at: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
Re: [Mpls] Personal Rapid Transit
PRT in Minneapolis is, hands down, the most ridiculous, pie-in-in-the-sky,
wishful thinking, throwing money down the tubes idea I have ever, ever heard
of. A meeting in the sky? Please? I know what kind of meetings there will
be, and they won't involve guys in suits and ties. I'm sure there won't be
any vandalism, nobody will get run over (remember, LRT has killed more in
Minneapolis than concealed carry has), no auto versus pod collisions, no
drug deals, no PRT Club liaisons (with associated messes for the next
rider to sit in) and on and on and on...
Please, all we need is another wacky idea to clog up traffic, and this will.
A model or pro-PRT video can show us anything. The best minds from the USDOT
can't fix the signals on Hiawatha, and we want to run little pods down
Hennepin so people don't sweat in their vest?
Mike Thompson
Windom
- Original Message -
From: Dorie Rae Gallagher [EMAIL PROTECTED]
To: mpls mn forum mpls@mnforum.org
Sent: Thursday, March 03, 2005 7:40 PM
Subject: Re: [Mpls] Personal Rapid Transit
Michael Jensvold wrote:
I was pleased to see that the latest PRT article ran
right next to the obituaries.
I strongly agree. This is an outrageously stupid idea
combining the worst features of both automobiles and
rapid-transit.
Michael Atherton writes:
Well, I LIKE the idea and the perfect place would be to run it from
Uptown
to Downtown along Hennepin across the river to Main. Ideal for eliminating
some of the traffic on Henn., ideal for tourists, ideal for sight-seeing,
ideal for just moving people without traffic jams, pollution, road rage,
they
could use their cell phones in private!, could hold meetings in the sky,
have lunch in Uptown and be back Downtown without stress or a sweaty vest.
Conventioneers staying downtown could frequent the bars in Uptown and stay
off the road in between, courier service...it might even give new slant to
Michael's story of the Jag. I see it brimed with all sorts of
possibilities...it could be so popular it might pay for itself. {Park
Board
might want to get involved :+}!
Dorie Rae Gallagher
Nokomis
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[Mpls] Bus Strike
Making $20 an hour to drive a bus (a bus!!), and they wanted more from the public teat? No wonder we're going broke. I ride the bus every day to work. I also ride it to get downtown when going to bars or restaurants, I take the LRT to the Mall...you could say I use transit more than the average person here. I see bus drivers have to deal with motorists who refuse to obey state law and yield to the bus, I see motorists try to run buses off the road when they are on the shoulder on the freeway, I see drivers deal with short fares, belligerent riders, and drunk riders. This morning on my bus ride to work a police officer had to be called to deal with a problem rider. Drivers spend several hours a day driving buses over pothole-filled streets, shaking and getting jolted in their seats. While they are trying to maneuver 20 tons of metal and get 50 riders to their destinations safely, they are getting flipped off, yelled at, sworn at, even called racists pigs because they won't let a rider on for free. No, I don't think they are overpaid in any way. I wouldn't have that job no matter how much it paid. I certainly wouldn't start out as a part-time driver for far less than $20 an hour, which is how drivers start. === Nathan Hunstad CARAG Minneapolis, MN PGP DH/DSS public key -- http://www.angelfire.com/mn/freakpower/nhpubkey.txt Do you Gonzo?! http://www.angelfire.com/mn/freakpower REMINDERS: 1. Be civil! Please read the NEW RULES at http://www.e-democracy.org/rules. If you think a member is in violation, contact 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 Civil City-focused Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: mailto:mpls@mnforum.org Subscribe, Un-subscribe, etc. at: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
[Mpls] This Week In Park Board History
It was 3 years ago on March 6, 2002 that angry citizens expressed their outrage in person at the regular Park Board meeting over the Board's proposal to put Dairy Queen franchises in the Lake Harriet and Lake Calhoun refectories. Thanks to the overwhelming opposition by the public, when the approval item was brought forward, it failed due to lack of a motion. Two weeks later, the Park Board approved a management contract for these refectories with Steve Gillen -- who was an operator of a Dairy Queen. This was also the same meeting where commissioner Rochelle Berry Graves attempted to get the board to investigate the employee theft that was occurring at the Lake Harriet refectory which resulted in its first operating loss in years. Initially, other commissioners and staff appeared ignorant of any such activity. Finally, after continued questioning by Berry Graves, Assistant Superintendent commented that he believed there was an investigation being conducted by Park Police. He believed they were talking to concession employees. At that point, other staff and commissioners began admitting they had a clue about what was going on. President Bob Fine stated that Superintendent [Mary] Merrill Anderson has informed him that she has asked the head of the Park Police to conduct an investigation. Fine informed the Board that there was an investigation underway at this time. Commissioner Marie Hauser then suggested this matter be referred to President Fine and Superintendent Merrill Anderson to look at this issue and bring it back to the Board if it is not resolved. President Bob Fine stated he would follow up with the Superintendent on the investigation. No employee was ever charged with theft or embezzlement, according to news reports. Neither Bob Fine nor Mary Merrill Anderson ever brought anything back to the board, as far as can be discerned from Park Board meeting minutes. However, in 2004, Bob Fine stated to Steve Nelson that the cause of the losses at the Lake Harriet refectory were a result of employee theft. If Bob Fine was so certain of that situation, why did he never bring it back to the board? Why didn't Mary Merrill Anderson bring it to the board? Why was the employee not charged with a crime? Chris Johnson Fulton REMINDERS: 1. Be civil! Please read the NEW RULES at http://www.e-democracy.org/rules. If you think a member is in violation, contact 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 Civil City-focused Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: mailto:mpls@mnforum.org Subscribe, Un-subscribe, etc. at: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
RE: [Mpls] Automobile Insurance Reform
I will rarely - very rarely - defend the insurance industry but basing auto insurance premiums strictly on miles driven is ultimately unworkable, unrealistic and will likely lead to even higher premiums. Any viable insurance system must have a means for assessing and predicting risk in order to correctly calculate premium. While there is a weak correlation of miles driven to accidents (yes, assuming all other factors are similar if you drive 50,000 miles a year you are slightly more likely to have an accident if you drive 500 miles a year but not dramatically so) but it should not be the sole factor in rating. Minneapolis residents pay higher premiums in auto insurance because the industry is still able to use credit scores as a basis for rating. While credit scores are not deliberately designed to discriminate by race and income, they in fact are discriminatory. Most auto insurers use credit scores as a primary component of their auto insurance rating formula. Higher scores mean lower rates. Lower scores mean higher rates. Because the credit score is weighted towards access and use of certain kinds of credit more than others, minorities and lower income people who tend to use credit less or to use credit differently or not at all are more likely to be have lower credit scores. Minneapolis does have a higher percentage of minorities living within its borders than most suburbs. It also has more people who are identified as low income than most of the suburbs. What is grossly unfair is discrimination between zip code or census tract in metropolitan areas. There is no difference between a resident of Minneapolis or a resident of Hopkins or a resident or Burnsville or a resident of Maple Grove with regard to driving in an urban area. Many Minneapolitans commute to work in the suburbs or visit them routinely for retail or recreation just as many suburbanites got to Minneapolis for work or retail or recreation. Yet some companies will tag a resident of Minneapolis with additional premium because it is a higher risk driving environment than a suburbanite - even though the suburbanite uses mostly the same roads as a Minneapolis resident under the same driving conditions with the same frequency! Jim Bernstein Fulton -Original Message- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Steve Cross Sent: Thursday, March 03, 2005 3:03 PM To: Minneapolis Issues Subject: [Mpls] Automobile Insurance Reform If you want to read about REAL insurance reform, try this site: http://www.centspermilenow.org/ It's actually an off-shoot of NOW -- coming from the insurance preference women get because they have less accidents. The site's basic premise is that all insurance rates should be based on how much you drive and not who you are or where you live. (As, for example, by being charged a higher rate because you live in a bad area of Minneapolis.) Steve Cross Prospect Park REMINDERS: 1. Be civil! Please read the NEW RULES at http://www.e-democracy.org/rules. If you think a member is in violation, contact 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 Civil City-focused Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: mailto:mpls@mnforum.org Subscribe, Un-subscribe, etc. at: http://e-democracy.org/mpls -- No virus found in this incoming message. Checked by AVG Anti-Virus. Version: 7.0.308 / Virus Database: 266.5.0 - Release Date: 2/25/2005 -- Internal Virus Database is out-of-date. Checked by AVG Anti-Virus. Version: 7.0.308 / Virus Database: 266.5.0 - Release Date: 2/25/2005 REMINDERS: 1. Be civil! Please read the NEW RULES at http://www.e-democracy.org/rules. If you think a member is in violation, contact 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 Civil City-focused Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: mailto:mpls@mnforum.org Subscribe, Un-subscribe, etc. at: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
[mpls] Park Board Highlights 3-2-05 Part 1
Planning Committee Convened at 5:00 pm 4.1 Bridal Veil Falls Bridge Reconstruction The board had a presentation from Tim Brown (MPRB staff) Kelly Moriarity (MPLS Public Works Dept) and Greg Brown (contracted civil engineer to MPLS) The Board was presented with a variety of options ( 8 or 9) to replace the bridge and at the same time improve visibility of the falls, traffic flow, pedestrian and bike trails etc... some plans included rerouting traffic through the neighborhoods, others involved traffic circles and the approved plan calls for the road to be shifted to allow for a bigger bike, walking trail. By choosing this plan, which addresses the bridge over the falls and the widened trails, there is still the possibility for a scenic overlook and traffic circle to be added at some future date if funds become available ( Bridal Veil Falls is just north of the Franklin AV Bridge over the Mississippi on the east side of the river ). This plan was also chosen by the city and the neighborhood participants. Construction should begin in 2006. Study report items Bureau of Mines Property Judd Rietkerk, director of Planning for the MPRB gave a presentation about the 27 acre property located just south of Minnehaha Park on the Mississippi that on it's southeastern corner is not far from the MPRB's Neiman Sports Complex. The site also includes Camp Coldwater Springs and 11 buildings in various states of disrepair and possible pollution clean up problems. The property also comes with a host of protective covenants (because of the springs and the proximity to Historic For Snelling) including height restrictions due to the airport and a light recreational factor ( to which no one had a definition). Keeping all of these factors in mind Director Rietkerk gave 3 suggestions to the board as possible directions staff could follow. 1) Do Nothing ... watch how the process goes and maybe be offered the site after someone else does demolition and clean up 2) Search out partners with the intent of creating a joint venture (DNR possibly) 3) Feasibility Analysis ... cost estimates, reuse schemes, funding sources etc Commissioner Kummer suggested attending the hearings so as to look ahead but not to appear as if we came with the checkbook in hand Commissioner Erwin asks if demolition of the large building is necessary (estimated cost to demolish is $500,000) Director Rietkerk points out that having been vacant in this climate for a number of years will probably mean and extensive and expensive rehab if the building is kept and that the MPRB is not in need of more office space. Commissioner Erwin would like to pursue a combination of options 2 and 3 and asks again if the building could be saved and possibly lease out to which Director Rietkerk replies the building is in bad shape and any rents collected might revert to the federal government. He points out that if the MPRB does nothing they might be asked to take on the sight at a lesser cost than the $6 million the MAC had offered in a deal that did not go through. There can be advantages to not jumping in first. Commissioner Young brings up a nugget from the past in that at one time the MPRB had considered the site for their headquarters, believes in reduce, reuse and recycle and wonders about saving the building and also prefers the combo 2 and 3 option, perhaps the Historical Society or the Native American communities would be possible partners. Again the costs of rehabilitation vs. demolition are repeated (this time by Operations General Manager Mike Schmidt who toured the facility in 1998 and said the heating plants alone will be an expensive overhaul). Commissioner Dziedzic mentions having been through the site on a 1998 tour and asks some questions about the derelict officers quarters at Fort Snelling and if the site is polluted, then recommends making No Bid on the property. Commissioner Hauser also prefers the 23 combo and recommends the Urban Land Institute or the Brownfields group as possible partners Commissioner Kummer mentions that the possible fuel containers might be addressed with the states petrofund. Commissioner Berry Graves suggests keeping a judicious eye on the process. Commissioner Olson questions that if the site has all these problems shouldn't the buyer get a deal to which Director Rietkerk says for the MPRB's purposes it has a negative value and should come with resources. Commissioner Fine (who was also on the tour) agrees with the 23 options but states the property is important to the MPRB. The committee adjourned at 5:57 and the regular meeting was convened for open time. OPEN TIME Judy Blasak (sp) of Linden Hills the mother of an 11th grade daughter who plays soccer for DeLaSalle (with younger children coming up through the ranks) makes a plea for the MPRB to approve the plan for the DeLaSalle stadium. She comes as a citizen not an attorney or well connected political figure
RE: [Mpls] Personal Rapid Transit
This is pure speculation on my part. I figured the real problem with the traffic lights on 55 is that they haven't dug up the streets to install proper traffic sensing equipment so the signals can function according to cars that are present. They seem to be on timers at the moment which just doesn't work for a route that busy with a pesky train thrown into the mix. Allen Graetz Lowry Hill -Original Message- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Michael Thompson Sent: Thursday, March 03, 2005 9:59 PM To: Dorie Rae Gallagher; mpls mn forum Subject: Re: [Mpls] Personal Rapid Transit Please, all we need is another wacky idea to clog up traffic, and this will. A model or pro-PRT video can show us anything. The best minds from the USDOT can't fix the signals on Hiawatha, and we want to run little pods down Hennepin so people don't sweat in their vest? Mike Thompson Windom REMINDERS: 1. Be civil! Please read the NEW RULES at http://www.e-democracy.org/rules. If you think a member is in violation, contact 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 Civil City-focused Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: mailto:mpls@mnforum.org Subscribe, Un-subscribe, etc. at: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
Hiawatha Stoplights (was Re: [Mpls] Personal Rapid Transit)
AG: This is pure speculation on my part. I figured the real problem with the traffic lights on 55 is that they haven't dug up the streets to install proper traffic sensing equipment so the signals can function according to cars that are present. They seem to be on timers at the moment which just doesn't work for a route that busy with a pesky train thrown into the mix. Whatever the problem is, I pray someone will figure it out, and fix it. When Hiawatha was rebuilt, it was a very nice route from the airport to downtown, and just a nice quick path through South Minneapolis. Now, everything about it is terrible. Trying to cross, or turn onto Hiawatha is a cruel experiment in human tolerance, and travelling either direction down it depletes brake pads more than gas. The more they tinker with the lights, the worse it gets. I've had a deepening suspicion the engineers want travel by car on Hiawatha to be torturous to try to coerce us onto the train. Before the train opened, I recall being told that driving down Hiawatha would be even better, because if you shadowed the train, you'd never have to stop. Well, such is not the case. Cars speed limit is 40. Train goes about 50, but then makes stops, and the latest timing of the stoplights for approaching trains completely baffles me. being in proximity to a train while driving Hiawatha virtually guarantees stopping at every intersection. While we're on the subject, can anyone explain to me the reasoning behind dropping the speed limit back to 35 for like 2 blocks by the freeway exit at 62 and Hiawatha? Our city council in action? They always resisted raising the limit on Hiawatha. Looking for more ticket revenue? I remember before the speed limit was raised to 45 and 40, some brilliant city council member (reacting to demands to raise the limit) challenged this list to find a single street in the metro which had pedestrians crossing with a speed limit over 35. That council member must not get around much (can't remember who it was). Suburban streets with a design and use similar to Hiawatha typically have speed limits in the range of 40-55 MPH. By the way, we already have personal rapid transit. It's called the automobile. Dan McGrath Longfellow http://www.smokeoutgary.org REMINDERS: 1. Be civil! Please read the NEW RULES at http://www.e-democracy.org/rules. If you think a member is in violation, contact 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 Civil City-focused Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: mailto:mpls@mnforum.org Subscribe, Un-subscribe, etc. at: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
