Re: [Mpls] Minneapolis: What is in a name? A powerful brand?
On Mon, 3 Oct 2005, Ray Marshall wrote: I see by the morning Strib that American Express Financial Advisors is now doing business independently under the name of Ameriprise Financial, Inc. Kinda rolls right off the tongue, doesn't it, as you savor free enterprise's latest contribution to obfuscation. I keep asking people the meaning of obfuscation, but I never get a clear answer I can understand. Each time I ask it gets worse. Put that word in your mouth and eschew it. -David Shove word traveller Roseville 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] Opus asks Mpls to swap land
Sheldon, You interested me to look into this, so I did a bunch of research into Underground Bus Depots. There is an excellent Finnish Architect called Pekka Helin whom has done such a project for Helsinki. It is truly amazing. Underground bus and rails, with green space at street level. The relevent imagry is here http://cic.vtt.fi/vera/Seminaarit/2001.03.27_Muuttuva_suunnitteluprosessi/Pekka_Helin/index.htm Cycle through them. And here is a map of the facility http://www.kampinkeskus.fi/images/en/800x1150_eng.gif This is the best example of this concepts implementation in the world today. makes for good study. Ray Rolfe Date: Mon, 3 Oct 2005 10:37:22 -0500 From: Sheldon Mains [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subject: RE: [Mpls] Opus asks Mpls. to swap land To: mpls@mnforum.org The site OPUS wants is the old Nicollet Hotel block, just north of the new Central Library. A block the city has been unsuccessful at developing as a joint project with a bus transfer facility. At one time it was planned to be part of the Central Library but when it was not needed, the city restarted its efforts for a joint private/public development. In an ideal world, the block north of the new Library should be a park. It would tie the library with the river, it could be a fitting tribute to the old Historic Bridge Square (although I believe Bridge Square was one block closer to the river). The ideal could happen if the city used the $10 million federal transportation grant it has to build the bus transfer facility underground with a park on top of it (although I don't know what the costs are for that option--it may be more expensive than the $10 million). But the city wants (needs??) a mixed use development with a private developer. Also, the proposed OPUS land swap would put the bus transfer facility next to the light rail station--a good thing. So, since the city is only getting 2/3 of the square footage in the exchange, and is giving up one of the most visible blocks downtown, it seems to me that the city could put some controls on the proposed Nicollet Hotel site development--say keeping a green space on the Hennepin side to provide a pedestrian friendly entrance to the City and keeping the Hennepin side of the development very low rise (say 0 to 2 stories) to maintain a view of the library and planetarium. Also, getting the developer to pay for a skyway link to the Library and a skyway link from the library across 4th Street--the new library is designed for those links). (OK, I'm probably asking for a lot but might as well start with the ideal) sheldon ... Sheldon Mains DFL and Labor Endorsed Candidate for Minneapolis Library Board of Trustees http://www.MainsForLibrary.org [EMAIL PROTECTED], 612/618-7149 Mains for Library Committee, 2718 24th St. E., Mpls 55406 __ Yahoo! Mail - PC Magazine Editors' Choice 2005 http://mail.yahoo.com 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] History in Lower NE
Correction to Shawne's correction: The Metis village, the Metis farms and St. Anthony of Padua Church were on the west bank - in St. Anthony. The Metis village was located on the EAST bank of the Mississippi. The St. Anthony of Padua Church is still located on 8th and 2nd in lovely lower NE MPLS. The original cemetery for the church was located on the river at about 14th and Marshall ST. This cemetery's location became apparent when the development of the River Run housing development unearthed bones that were attributed to that cemetery. A curious thing that I have not been able to get an answer to yet is that the original remains that were unearthed were deemed to be native American but I have not been able to find out what happened to those and how they happened to be buried in a Catholic cemetery. Perhaps they were from an assimilated individual that had taken up the faith. I am still waiting and will let folks knows if and when I find anything out. Has anyone from the AFCAC heard and I wonder if the AFCAC has suggestions/recommendations in place for what should happen when something like this happens again? tt Tom Taylor Sheridan Raise less corn and more hell. Mary Elizabeth Lease -Original Message- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Behalf Of Shawne FitzGerald Sent: Monday, October 03, 2005 10:05 PM Cc: Steve Brandt; mpls@mnforum.org Subject: Re: [Mpls] Minneapolis: What's in a name? CORRECTION The Metis village, the Metis farms and St. Anthony of Padua Church were on the west bank - in St. Anthony. As was the settlement of the early New Englanders - John Stevens being an exception. Shawne FitzGerald 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 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] The PCRC Item for next week's PS RS meeting on 10\12 at 1:30 pm
Hello, As we all know, Lt. Arradondo and Glenn Burt have been removed from the PCRC process. We also know that the Federal Mediation process has been made a mockery of by someone at City Hall. I would like to attend the City Council meeting next week (PS RS Committee) at 1:30 on October 12th as a concerned citizen who is wondering what the Heck is the hold up on progress with the PCRC. The City Link to this agenda may be found here; http://www.ci.minneapolis.mn.us/council/2005-meetings/20051007/PSRS20050928agenda.asp Item #20 reads; 20. October 12th - Police Community Relations Council (PCRC) Update. At the bottom of the page I find the reference; Notice: A portion of this meeting may be closed to the public pursuant to Minnesota Statutes Section 13D.03 or 13D.05. This disclaimer appears at the bottom of all PS RS Committee agendas. I am just curious as to whether or not this might apply to the PCRC portion of the meeting...will the public be kept out of this portion of the Committee meeting...can someone answer that question? The Statutory references, it would seem, could apply to this meeting...excluding the public will only exacerbate an already very messy situation and anger many people even more. Guy Gambill (Uptown) __ Yahoo! Mail - PC Magazine Editors' Choice 2005 http://mail.yahoo.com 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] The PCRC Item for next week's PS RS meeting on 10\12 at
No alarm needed. The disclaimer is posted for every PS RS Hearing. At times the counsel may invoke attorney client privileges or discuss items that are considered non-public data. See http://www.revisor.leg.state.mn.us/stats/13D/. As a general rule, it would seem that PCRC discussions do not fit under non-public data which can be exempt from open meeting laws. Greg Reinhardt Excelsior 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] re:Lt. Arradondo removed from the Police Community RelationsCouncil
Thanks for posting my response in city pages Dennis. That was a nice article wasn't it? Please reread my earlier post. In my post I said, I will be the first to defend a person when their civil rights are in question. That remains true. The issue here is CP Samuels and the fact that he had already passed his second hand information to the 4th precinct commander. He went over his head to the chief and by some accounts the mayor. Only the chief and the mayor could cause that swift action from Internal Affairs. Let's be clear here. If you look back on all of your earlier post, you supported Human Rights Director, Tyrone Terrell when he targeted gang members and their entire post. Your every post was against gangbangers and drug dealers. Why are you strongly debating this gang-banger issue? Because it is about CP Samuels? Which is the point I keep trying to horn in on in my post. Ask CP Samuels what the store owner told him when he went out to do his own investigation. I hope he gives a statement to Internal Affairs telling both side of his second hand information. He used his POLITICAL POWER. His real duty was to tell the 4th precinct commander and to direct his constituent, to either the 4th precinct commander or Internal Affairs. Let's not forget that he used his POLITICAL POWER to have the Minneapolis Police Department forward a request for criminal charges against community activist Al Flowers and Booker Hodges, that amounted to nothing. I question is would the city/police department have ever sent out or considered charges against anyone else on Criminal Defamation? Let's not lose site of the issue here. POLITICS!!! Again, and I quote, I will be the first to defend a person when their civil rights are in question. Oh yeah, can I get an answer to my question in your next post? How many comp laints of alleged use of force has CP Samuels made to the chief, or any other precinct commander, that resulted in such swift action from Internal Affairs. Or perhaps DEMKO and ANDERSON can ask that question, since CP Samuels involvement could cost the city a settlement in the end. Michelle Hill Cleveland Michelle Hill Cleveland 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] Library and Wi Fi
I ran for library board and didn't make it out of the primary (great people, great field of candidates) and I really hope one of my talking points gets broader discussion: find a way to draw operations funding out of the Minneapolis Wi-Fi network that is being put out for bid. Certainly, the revenue streams have not yet been established and the network hasn't been built, but if the Wi-Fi network is connected with the library system in some way (content-wise and financially), it is pretty nice leg up into the 21st Century. Jae Bryson Tangletown __ Yahoo! Mail - PC Magazine Editors' Choice 2005 http://mail.yahoo.com 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] Minneapolis: What's in a name?
For those looking to the East Bank for guidance on anniversary celebrations, the town formerly known as St. Anthony observed its sesquicentennial in 1999, the 150th anniversary of the platting of the townsite. I have the sesquicentennial poster at my desk. For bonus points: What county was St. Anthony located in when the townsite plat was filed, and in which city was the plat filed? For more info on St. Anthony's hsitory, see 7-3-99 Star Tribune. Steve Brandt Star Tribune 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] Council races - who, and why?
Gary Hoover asks, I notice no discussion of the Ward 13 City council race. snip Are there no issues worthy of discussion in Ward 13? snip Are both candidates equally acceptable to the voters of Ward 13? snip Perhaps -- like Rybak and McLaughlin -- the Ward 13 race is really about DFL insider politics? snip [MH] I guess discussions are taking place in coffee shops and at the door when candidates come calling with their literature. However, more often than not the literature is being direct mailed in this high-bucks race. I found property taxes to be the top issues on people's minds as I went door-to-door before the primary. And I think the city budget will increasingly be on people's minds as the general election approaches-- what with higher interest rates and more expensive motor fuels continually reminding folks that the cost of living is going up, up, up. I predict that choices for Mayor and City Council in the 13th, while limited to heavily labor endorsed DFL candidates, will be influenced primarily by budgeting and spending priorities advanced by the candidates. Are voters and taxpayers going to be willing to pay the higher taxes associated with some campaign promises or will they demand that politicians hold the line on property taxes and limit spending? Are the Mayoral and CC candidates (and MPRB, MPL Board and BET candidates as well) going to commit to using and following a multi-year planning and budgeting process that establishes longer-term goals and objectives consistent with capital and operating budgets that are matched to realistic property tax revenue streams that increase slower than in recent years; where the tax levy and annual property tax revenues increase at a rate more in line with general inflation (not triple the rate of inflation, or more)? Or, will we regress back to a deficit-laden, credit card-spending mentality in order to provide all the varied special interests with the jobs, wage and benefit increases, and programmatic spending they expect as payback for their support during the political campaigns? How much of which services do we want, or more importantly, how much do we NEED? What are our spending priorities and how much are we willing to pay? People of modest means and those on fixed incomes are concerned with making ends meet. They fear being forced out of the homes they've lived in for decades, the homes they've raised families in, because they can no longer afford the property taxes. People all over the city share these same concerns-- renters and homeowners alike. The increased cost of energy, post Katrina/Rita, will add millions of dollars in unexpected costs to City budgets over the next year-- and thereafter, as energy production lags demand. How much more money is expected to be spent on energy by the city (and Park/Library, etc.) over the next year, as compared with the average annual energy expenditure over the past several years? Where will these extra funds come from, this year and in the future? Fleet fuels, space conditioning (heating/ cooling), and conventional electric costs will continue to escalate at rates above that of general inflation indefinitely, just like health care and pension costs. Are candidates factoring in the increased cost of energy when they discuss their policies and plans? Tens of millions of dollars will be needed annually just to cover old pension costs in Minneapolis, even after we refinance them. The annual capital costs associated with the new downtown library will be going from $3 million to $12 million over the next few years, and continue at that level for a couple of decades or more. The NRP program is going broke; what is the appropriate model for assuring citizen participation as we move ahead in Minneapolis? What are we willing to pay each year for citizen participation, and what can we get for those dollars? What is really NEEDED and where does the money come from? What are the candidates promising and how will they pay for it? The crime issue has been largely politicized in an election year-- what changes are NEEDED (not WANTED), and what will they cost each year? School budgets will be pressed with added energy costs-- for heating and bus transportation. Where will the School Board get the money? What are our priorities and how will we pay for them? As fed/state costs are continually pushed down... the buck stops here... with property taxes-- the taxes that run city and county government, our schools and parks and libraries; the taxes that pay for the BASICS. The taxes we all pay as homeowners and renters. There is no free lunch and voters should pay attention to what candidates are saying, or too often, not saying. Candidates need to be put on the spot as to what they plan to do and how they plan to pay for it. Voters and taxpayers must remind the politicians what we NEED... not what we, or they, want. Not all inclusive by a long shot, but you get the idea! Mike Hohmann Linden
[Mpls] In Ballot Box: Fifth Ward fireworks
In Ballot Box: Fifth Ward fireworks Council Member Natalie Johnson Lee responds to the coverage of yesterday's Fifth Ward debate. Go to: http://www.mplsobserver.com/ballot_box/ -- 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] In Ballot Box: Fifth Ward fireworks
I think it's important to point out that not only is CP Samuels engaging in this type of behavior, but so are people on his campaign. Megan Goodmunson (who works on Samuels' campaign) repeatedly accuses Michelle Hill of actually being NJL (she is not) and personally insults her (and has insulted me as well when I've posted in favor of NJL) on this list. The Samuels campaign has developed a real mean streak, using derogatory words about lower income people of color (Samuels is a former corporate executive who has publicly said that he wants to replace current residents with Middle Class residents) and younger people who may choose to dress differently. Samuels has also used the terms Alpha Male and living in the Big House to describe himself, something which at worst is an offensive gauntlet thrown at certain people and at best is an insensitive, misguided statement which with most of us can't really identify. Bringing NJ L's husband in to the debate and calling him a pornographer adds a nasty, disgusting personal tone to this debate. These are the kind of campaign tactics worthy of the religious right. As long as we're throwing accusations and innuendos out there, I have one of my own. CP Samuels sits on the council as a result of FBI (Bush Administration, who's campaign tactics he is using) interference in our local affairs. As a former 3rd ward resident who had significant ideological disagreements with Joe Biernat, I'll say that CP Biernat at least returned phone calls and responded to e-mails of NORMAL PEOPLE, not just the ED of the local neighborhood groups. He helped develop the Truth in Housing statements and the Upper River Master plan. He led the fight against the Kondirator. CP Samuels is definitely a few steps down. When Northeast neighborhoods voted unanimously against affordable housing development, Samuels (an immigrant) wasn't there to tell them that NIMBY-ism is wrong, he simply kept quiet. Of course, let's be real clear. The real ugliness in this race is between the SUPPORTERS of both of these candidates. To those of us who had had the doors of city hall repeatedly slammed in our faces and were threatened with lawsuits (as happened to a list member) when Jackie Cherryhomes didn't like what we had to say, Natalie Johnson Lee is the one person in city hall who let us working class folks have a voice. The criticisms of her (an inneffective rabble rouser) are essentially the same criticisms of former CP Jim Niland and former US Senator Paul Wellstone. Most of the north side supporters of Don Samuels are the people who supported our former behind-the-seens iron fisted ruler, Jackie Cherryhomes. They resent US (working class cab drivers NJL is the council representative to the taxicab committee, counter culture types and people of color who wear baggy pants) for having any voice whatsoever at city hall. It begs the question, would Don Samuels have run if Jackie Cherryhomes were the CURRENT 5th ward council member? My money says no. Megan, maybe that's why your tone is so over-the-top with hostility towards Michelle Hill. Maybe that's why the 5th ward race is full of class warfare type language. Those avidly supporting Don Samuels seem to be economically comfortable people who seem to resent even the little scrap of power we've been thrown. Many of them have shown disturbing attitudes towards working class people. They complain about Booker Hodges' show on MTN, but don't really mind white supremacist Larry Leinenger's show. Leinenger was a third ward primary city council candidate. Hodges is not seeking political office. Larry Leinenger is not threatening to (most of) the comfortable, Natalie Johnson Lee is. (As a free speech advocate and MTN member I support the rights of both of these men to say whatever they want provided they don't violate the rules of MTN. Though I am simply writing my own opinions, I am an MTN board memberthese opinions are mine and NOT those of MTN!) Well Mr. Samuels (and supporters,) in the age of Nixon, you may find that hypocritical, negative, nasty campaigning works, but SOME of us poor slobs who don't deserve a voice still have ideals. Tamir Nolley 9-9 Craig Cox [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: In Ballot Box: Fifth Ward fireworks Council Member Natalie Johnson Lee responds to the coverage of yesterday's Fifth Ward debate. Go to: -- - Yahoo! for Good Click here to donate to the Hurricane Katrina relief effort. 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] In Ballot Box: Fifth Ward fireworks
On Tuesday, October 4, 2005, at 06:57 PM, Tamir Nolley wrote: Samuels has also used the terms Alpha Male ... It probably isn't worth much, but the alpha male's primary role is to be the consort of the alpha female and sire the pups. One world this term refers to is that of wolves, hyenas and wild dogs. In that world the alpha female is the leader of the pack. She directs not only the hunting but the procreation pecking order. Taking terminology from science isn't unheard of, but at least we should get the gender orientation right. And if we must have a human equivalent, think Prince Philip of England. Among apes, our cousins, alpha males are said to mate more often. However dominance hierarchies prevail in ape society, which do not in human society. (Well, unless you count polygamous Mormons and harems where humans actually live in groups, but that is accomplished under duress). And it should be remembered that among apes as among humans the selection of the mating male is done by the female, not the other way around, appearances notwithstanding. That's procreation for you. Politics in Minneapolis is another matter. Best wishes, Laura Laura Waterman Wittstock Candidate for Minneapolis Library Board of Trustees DFL and Labor endorsed AFSCME Mn Council 5 AFL-CIO COPE Minneapolis Building and Trades Stonewall DFL Minnesota Women's Political Caucus www.laurawatermanwittstock.com http://laurawatermanwittstock.blogspot.com/ Wittstock for Library Committee 913 19th Avenue SE, Mpls, 55414 Minneapolis, MN 612-387-4915 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] GetBoB Park Board Event - CXL
Hi All - Getting to the Bottom of the Ballot will NOT host a Park Board candidate event the evening of October 18. We learned of a group of Kenwood-Isles folks putting together an at-large and PD4 candidate forum that night and will leave it to their planning to give voters an opportunity to hear the candidates. BUT...don't forget we've invited all candidates - for all Minneapolis offices - to be a part of our candidate fair the evening of October 26 in the DelaSalle High School cafeteria from 7-9pm. It'll be your biggest, bestest chance to stop by and chat with ALL of the candidates you'll choose from on November 8. It'll be a great opportunity. More info at www.getbob.org. Thanks and we are truly sorry for any confusion our mistaken planning has caused. scott marshall GetBoB 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] In Ballot Box: Fifth Ward fireworks
Stuff like this is too personal. Take it off list, or I'll be forced to take folks off list. I know it's the heat of the campaign season, but if anyone has to speak to someone about their conduct (NOT the issues), do it where the rest of us aren't watching (and deleting). This goes for all members supporting whatever campaign. I only cite the below example as the latest. I'll take complaints about member behavior off list, but I won't tolerate personal food fights on list. Thems the rules. David Brauer List manager -Original Message- Tamir Nolley Megan, maybe that's why your tone is so over-the-top with hostility towards Michelle Hill. 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] In Ballot Box: Fifth Ward fireworks
TAMIR NOLLEY WROTE: The Samuels campaign has developed a real mean streak, using derogatory words about lower income people of color (Samuels is a former corporate executive who has publicly said that he wants to replace current residents with Middle Class residents) and younger people who may choose to dress differently. Samuels has also used the terms Alpha Male and living in the Big House to describe himself, something which at worst is an offensive gauntlet thrown at certain people and at best is an insensitive, misguided statement which with most of us can't really identify. MICHELLE HILL RESPONDS: It is so nice to hear someone else speak about the things CP Samuels said at the debate last month at the Urban League. I think CP Samuels may believe that White Americans would support that mentality, but I do not believe they are fooled either. You have to remember, during slavery House Slave weren't loyalty to anyone. They snitched on field slaves and reported things happening in the big house, to the field slaves. My mother would have said he had a face like a tree, one side for Blacks and one side for Whites. A man that neither side could trust. TAMIR NOLLEY WROTE: Bringing NJ L's husband in to the debate and calling him a pornographer adds a nasty, disgusting personal tone to this debate. MICHELLE HILL RESPONDS: I requested a copy of yesterday's debate, after reading Startribune. I watched it earlier today, and I was not surprised to see CP Samuels still doing his soft shoe routine. When he held up a copy of the Trendsetter magazine and attacked Mr.Travis Lee, CP NJL's husband, I nearly feel off the chair. I didn't get the point. He made the debate about her husband and her alleged supporters, verses about the issues. My son's and daughter-in-law loves the Trendsetter. Where did the allegation of a porn magazine come from? In this debate CP Samuels again talked about the things he did to get Cub Foods, Merwin Drugs, and Kemps to do to improve their image in the community. Today I had my daughter-in-law drove me down West Broadway to see what he alleged is an accomplishment of his. All superficial things. Kemps painted the outside of their building white, Cub foods put a TCF and Cub Food sign facing W. Broadway, and Merwin Drugs put a window in. The drug dealers are still on the corner of Lyndale/Broadway-21st and in the Cub Food lot. TAMIR NOLLEY WROTE: Megan Goodmunson (who works on Samuels' campaign) repeatedly accuses Michelle Hill of actually being NJL (she is not). MICHELLE HILL RESPONDS: Thank you, but if that's the best Megan has she's in the wrong battle. My issues with CP Samuels goes to an article he interviewed for in June, where he stated, And I have been guilty as a white man for looking down on black people. Me, Don Samuels, I can tell you that, I grew up being taught that kinky hair was bad, that thick lips were ugly, we teased my brother who has the thickest lips and the widest nose. The kids in my school teased the darker skinned kids. The darkest girls were the ugliest ones and the light skinned girls were the cutest ones. I am saying these things. Can I say that? Can I admit that my great-great grandfather was a house slave and that he was light-skinned and got perks for it and that it happened all across the colonial black world? Can I say that? I am admitting that. I carry that article in my purse. Perhaps that is why he dislikes CP Johnson-Lee so much, while she is beautiful, she looks like everything he despised. And yes, I know he is married to a Black woman. That's the Flip-Flopper in him. At the debate, last month at the Urban League. CP Samuels threw his support to Mayor Rybak, however he said he had spoken to McLaughlin and told him, Hey, I love you man, and if you win we can work together. Now while I put that statement in quotes, I may not have the words in the right order, but he did say that he told McLaughlin that he loved him and would work with him. He flip flops so much and neither Mayor Rybak or McLaughlin should trust him. I do not think he has White Americans anymore fooled than he does African Americans. HE HAS A FACE LIKE A TREE! Michelle Hill Cleveland 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] Broadband Availability?
I didn't see this e-mail on the list, so I will use it without attribution. Tim's points about broadband availability is well taken, but misses the point. Time Warner can't red line under their franchise agreement, so that should mean that cable modem service is available everywhere in the city. But there's a big difference between availability and affordability. Availability and affordability _are_ different. As Minneapolis and Saint Paul consider major investments in public Internet services, I believe that it is important to understand and agree on what problems are being solved. As far as I can tell, there are some for whom the objective is availability, (perhaps because they don't believe broadband services are available in low-income areas, as the previous e-mail seemed to suggest, or perhaps because they want citywide WiFi service, which isn't currently available), and there are others for whom the objective is lower price. It appears to me that there may not be a consensus on what problem citywide Internet service, wireless or otherwise, should solve. Affordability is a pretty vague term. I believe that if we are going to make policy decisions based on affordability, we probably ought to agree on what it means. Is affordable a function of cost? If so, how inexpensive does broadband need to be to be affordable? Less expensive than cable TV service? (Does anyone know the average price and penetration of cable TV service in the Twin Cities?) Less expensive than dial-up service? Note that Verizon advertises DSL service for as low as $14.95 a month. Is _that_ affordable? Or, is affordable a function of income? If so, might it be more cost effective to simply subsidize Internet service for low-income households, rather than deploying a municipal network and effectively subsidizing Internet service for all households, independent of income? Or, is affordable a codeword for free, at least in the sense that users don't pay for it directly? Note that StoneBridge services are not cost-competitive with cable and DSL, but I believe that Clearwire's prices are (http://www.clearwire.com/). Unfortunately, while Clearwire services are available in some parts of Minnesota, they are not yet available in the Twin Cities. StoneBridge doesn't do residential. Business service starts at $99 for 1 Mb up and down. True. StoneBridge and Clearwire were presented as examples of wireless technologies that can be rolled out over a wide geographic area with only widely scattered infrastructure (base stations). These types of technologies would seem to be inherently less likely to skip over low-income areas. This contrasts with most WiFi networks, which require an access point (base station) at pretty much every other intersection. [1] These differences may have some interesting public policy implications: - Technologies like those used by StoneBridge and Clearwire can be deployed with little or no use of public right-of-ways, and therefore probably with minimal municipal involvement. - WiFi networks are probably only practical if public right-of- ways, (specifically power poles and light poles), are heavily used, and significant municipal involvement is probably therefore required. - A citywide WiFi network could be deployed with the assumption that it has some sort of exclusive franchise, only to find that an alternative wireless technology, over which the municipality has little control, is deployed in the same geographic area. ClearWire is $30 per month for 768 kb up/286 kb down, $38 per month for 1.5 Mb up, 286 kb down. Silly. Well, up and down are reversed. I noted that Clearwire is cost- competitive with DSL. Beyond that, I don't know what silly means in this context. Speaking with a gentleman from Portland the other day, he made a comment about the disconnect between tech people and policy people. This is a good illustration. I believe that before Minneapolis or Saint Paul makes a major investment in a new project, there should be a good consensus on the goals and objectives for the project. There should, I believe, be a solid plan that is likely to achieve those objectives, that is based on evidence and analysis, and that embodies an adequate understanding of the relevant technical and market characteristics of the technologies being proposed. Finally, I think there should also be a plan to measure the results or effectiveness of the project. I don't know whether I believe this because I am a technologist, because I am a small business, or because that is just the way I am. [2] Beyond that, I am not sure what is being illustrated. The end of for-fee basic Internet access is near. Google has bid on San Francisco's citywide wireless - 300 kbps anywhere in the city for FREE, and wholesale access sold to competing service providers (how 'bout that - more than a
Re: [Mpls] Council races - who, and why?
Michael Hohmann wrote: I found property taxes to be the top issues on people's minds. ... And I think the city budget will increasingly be on people's minds as the general election approaches ... I predict that choices for Mayor and City Council in the 13th, ... will be influenced primarily by budgeting and spending priorities advanced by the candidates. [Either]commit to using and following a multi-year planning and budgeting process ... Or, regress back to a deficit-laden, credit card-spending mentality in order to provide all the varied special interests with the jobs, wage and benefit increases, and programmatic spending they expect Those are not the only two choices. To discuss city issues as though there are only two choices inevitably means you cannot solve problems. Nor does the characterization of the Fraser-SSB years do justice to what they faced when they were in office. The focus your post outlines makes it impossible for any administration to position the city to cope with expected growth or to respond to the cataclysmic shifts in DC and at the state capitol. We do not elect people to run a private business, we elect them to lead us through the processes for growth and to make sure we get our fair share of the money we hold jointly as a people. The whole point of the NRP was to create a paradigm shift to keep the city from drifting any further down the drain and losing more of its ability to sustain business. Both Fraser and his council, as well as SSB and her council, had agreed to pour massive amounts of money into making the loop more viable on the theory that the loop was moribund and an impediment to businesses moving and staying here. It was more than theory. Businesses were--and still are-- dictating the terms under which they will move here and stay here. For that very reason, both McLaughlin and RT will be forced to support carrying some of the cost of a stadium--more than $10 mil certainly--whether we like it or not. As a matter of reality, Minneapolis is bound around by municipalities while capitalism requires the city to either grow or die. On that level, we are required to make the best use possible of all the limited space we have. Between the 30 year disinvestment in the core city and the onset of organized drug gangs, the center could not hold. If your core city goes to hell, your entire city will suffer in the long run, making the cost of running it higher and higher while the quality of life drops lower and lower, making it less livable, therefore less valuable. In that respect, those who got in office during the Fraser-SSB administrations were far-sighted. McLaughlin's light rail is one such example of how to grow as a city. The NRP was another. Unfortunately, when it came to looking at land and new buildings in terms of greening, too many opportunities were ignored in favor of getting businesses on line. The current administration has not improved that situation a nickel's worth. And what you suggest will not improve the situation either. The tax squeeze home owners are experiencing is the direct result of the changes in the federal and state tax code coupled with the incredible jump in housing valuations. Regardless of who runs the city, they cannot be held responsible for those changes. If a house in my core city neighborhood can increase in value and taxability by six times in just eight years, while at the same time more and more of the burden of financing a city is shifted to the homeowner, it is not the policies of either the Fraser or SSB administrations which are largely responsible. The tax code changes and the state's responding changes make the spending of the Fraser-SSB years, coupled with the increasing cost of fossil fuels and other stupidities we're pursuing, make those projections of income no longer operable. Under the previous tax code, the projections were operable. Under the current tax code and budget, the 13th ward and the rest of the city's taxpayers are paying the freight for both business and the wealthy. What is being proposed is reactionary, rather than forward looking. It forces us, as a city, to constantly swing back and forth, the plaything of every shift in DC and the state. It costs us in city cohesiveness and livability. The more incohesive, the greater the cost of police and security, the more we produce a bunker mentality that lowers the city's viability for steady, intelligent growth. How much of which services do we want, or more importantly, how much do we NEED? That depends on whether or not we want to be a functional big city (defined as anything over 100,000 souls) or to be a sink hole. What you're suggesting here is the route down the sink hole precisely because it puts the onus on the city to overcome the stupidities created on the federal and state levels. WizardMarks, Central Minneapolis Issues Forum - A Civil
