RE: [Mpls] Star Tribune endorsements for Library Board
A minor correction to Rod Kruger's posting. He wrote: In the DFL endorsement for Library Board this year there were 6 men seeking the endorsement and 2 women, as Loki mentioned both women were endorsed. Actually, Library Board Trustee Virginia Holte also sought the DFL endorsement for a period of time. She attended DFL ward conventions for a couple of months, informing delegates that she was running for the endorsement. Then, for reasons unknown, Ms. Holte dropped out at the last minute -- at the city convention itself, if memory serves me right. Like Rod, I too am honored to be endorsed by MN NOW (receiving their highest rating) and the DFL Feminist Caucus. I have also been endorsed by Stonewall DFL and the DFL Party. The support of these organizations is based in part on my long history (all the way back to marching in the '70's for the ERA) for gender/sexual equality and social justice. I am a male feminist, LGBT activist, civil rights advocate -- and proud of it. As such, and as a Human Resources Administrator and Affirmative Action Officer for a multi-state non profit, I also know it's smart economically for business and society to ensure equality of pay and employment opportunities. Therefore, should I be fortunate enough to be elected on November 8, you can be sure that I will always speak out in favor of such employment practices for all employees within the Minneapolis Public Library system. On a personal note, I would like to take this opportunity to commend all candidates, for all offices, who will be on the ballot next Tuesday and those candidates who did not make it through the Primary. Running for office is not easy. It can take its toll on a financial and personal level. Your family and friends don't get to see much of you, and you find yourself catching heat sometimes for speaking your mind. But please know that you are doing some of the hardest work democracy demands of us -- to actively work on trying to better your community. Minneapolis is richer for your efforts. For me, although it has been exhausting at times, it has been an exhilarating and wonderful experience. I have had the time of my life meeting thousands of people, and have truly enjoyed getting to personally know some of the other candidates and their families. Thank you, everyone. Best wishes to all on November 8. Alan Hooker Camden / Victory Neighborhood Candidate for Minneapolis Library Board www.alanhooker.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
RE: [Mpls] Today's city council budget presentations: CPED, NRP, Mpls public library
Cheryl Luger is right about Kit Hadley's presentation being a giant positive step forward on the path toward a better dialog between City Council and Minneapolis Public Library about the allocation of funds to our library system. It will be up to the next Library Board and Council to make sure that this discussion continues. I consider myself fortunate to personally know, and to have my candidacy endorsed by, many of the current council members or those seeking election. Should I be fortunate enough to be elected to the Library Board, I will look forward to working with Kit and the Friends of the Minneapolis Public Library to continue building this relationship with our Council, as well as with other city, county and state elected officials. Cheryl wrote: Unfortunately, only 5 of the 13 council members were there to here it--Natalie Johnson Lee, Paul Ostrow, Barbara Johnson, Dan Niziolek, and Lisa Goodman. I realize other council people can listen to it on tape (if they can find the time) but nothing beats being right there to ask questions. The Mayor was not present. Although I agree with Cheryl's sentiment that this is an important conversation that needs to engage all council members, it should be noted that this was not a city council meeting. This was a hearing of the council's Ways and Means/Budget Committee which is chaired by Council Member Barb Johnson and has Council Members Colvin Roy, Zerby, Lane, Johnson Lee and Niziolek as its additional members. Naturally, any council member can be present and pose questions, as did Council Members Ostrow and Goodman. Still, it is the job of the committee to take back information to the council as a whole. Also, from where Cheryl was sitting she may not have been able to see Mayor Rybak seated along the wall back by the rear door. It appears he was able to observe part of the presentation and discussion before he had to leave. I encourage everyone to attend as many candidate forums as possible -- whether for Library Board, Council, Mayor, Board of Estimate and Taxation (although I don't think there are any forums slated for the last office) -- and ask the candidates where they stand on issues vital to library funding. It's all interconnected and we are in this together. Alan Hooker Victory / Camden Neighborhood Candidate for Minneapolis Library Board www.alanhooker.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
RE: [Mpls] Naming the Central Library
I believe my friend Eric has taken a statement I made during library board candidate forums and has expanded it to a level I never mentioned, nor would endorse. Allow me to clarify. As has been previously mentioned in other posts, naming rights for our libraries is nothing new. In fact, the $20 million figure I mentioned, to which Eric refers, originates from a Library Board document enumerating a list of potential naming right opportunities for the new Central library. This document is readily available to anyone who has attended board meetings or wishes to access the achieved meeting minutes of board meetings at www.mplib.org. By the way, I encourage any candidate who needs to brush up on library issues, or residents who want to know what decisions are being made that may impact their libraries, to check out the excellent information available at this site The "items" for naming opportunities contained within the list range widely from reading and meeting rooms to book collections to objects of art and articles of furniture. If you add up all the line items it comes to a collective total of approximately $22 million over a period of five years. However, I have not noticed any specific item on the list that advocates providing the naming right opportunity for the entire Central Library structure, or the complete atrium. There is the opportunity for donors to have their names listed inside the building. I'm sure many among us will not be surprised to see names ranging from generous philanthropists of our community all the way to our neighbors down the street. So, when I mentioned that I am in support of exploring the options of naming rights further, at no time did I ever advocate including entire buildings, or that such buildings ever be "corporate-tize". Rather, I would like to see us continue partnering with our local business community, artists and individual donors, as well as international literacy/technology organizations such as the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. And let's leave naming entire structures, without cost, to honor members of our community such as T.B. Walker, William Washburn, James Hosmer and, while we're at it, Gratia Countryman. Alan Hooker Victory Neighborhood DFL/Labor endorsed candidate for Minneapolis Library Board www.alanhooker.com From: "Eric Hinsdale" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> To: [EMAIL PROTECTED], [EMAIL PROTECTED], mpls@mnforum.org Subject: RE: [Mpls] Naming the Central Library Date: Tue, 23 Aug 2005 11:54:45 -0500 I'm a little confused by Alan's post. Alan, have you abandoned your position on selling naming rights for the new central library? I think you quoted "20 million dollars" or some such number for the naming scheme. Just curious. Eric Hinsdale www.erichinsdale.com From: "Alan Hooker" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> To: [EMAIL PROTECTED], mpls@mnforum.org Subject: RE: [Mpls] Naming the Central Library Date: Tue, 23 Aug 2005 11:27:37 -0500 And when I join Rod and Sheldon on the Library Board, I will be proud to add my vote with them on behalf of this idea. Alan Hooker Victory Neighborhood DFL/Labor endorsed candidate for Minneapolis Library Board www.alanhooker.com From: "Rod Krueger" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> To: mpls@mnforum.org Subject: [Mpls] Naming the Central Library Date: Tue, 23 Aug 2005 09:17:50 -0500 The suggestion to name a room/department or an entire library in honor of Gratia Countryman is not a new idea, the topic has come up before. In fact there was an earlier movement from the Gratia Countryman Society to name the East Lake Library in her honor. In the past there has not been enough support in administration or on the board to move this forward. I have always and will continue to be in favor of naming a library (including New Central) or an appropriate room/department in honor of Gratia Countryman. You have my vote on this one! Gratia Alta Countryman was Minnesota's first woman librarian who led the Minneapolis Public Library from 1904 to 1936 and was founder of Hennepin County Library. She pioneered many ways to make the library more accessible and user-friendly to all of the city's residents, regardless of age or economic position. For information on Gratia Countryman check out the book "Gratia Countryman: Her life, her loves, and her library" by Jane Pejsa (Nodin Press, c1995). Thank you, Rod Krueger Library Board member / 12th Ward [Mpls] Naming the Central Library Ian Stade - Mon, 22 Aug 2005 >From Sheldon Mains' message today: "To get a little away from the corporate naming issue: Something BIG named after Gratia Countryman (Like the whole building). 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] bef
RE: [Mpls] Naming the Central Library
And when I join Rod and Sheldon on the Library Board, I will be proud to add my vote with them on behalf of this idea. Alan Hooker Victory Neighborhood DFL/Labor endorsed candidate for Minneapolis Library Board www.alanhooker.com From: "Rod Krueger" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> To: mpls@mnforum.org Subject: [Mpls] Naming the Central Library Date: Tue, 23 Aug 2005 09:17:50 -0500 The suggestion to name a room/department or an entire library in honor of Gratia Countryman is not a new idea, the topic has come up before. In fact there was an earlier movement from the Gratia Countryman Society to name the East Lake Library in her honor. In the past there has not been enough support in administration or on the board to move this forward. I have always and will continue to be in favor of naming a library (including New Central) or an appropriate room/department in honor of Gratia Countryman. You have my vote on this one! Gratia Alta Countryman was Minnesota's first woman librarian who led the Minneapolis Public Library from 1904 to 1936 and was founder of Hennepin County Library. She pioneered many ways to make the library more accessible and user-friendly to all of the city's residents, regardless of age or economic position. For information on Gratia Countryman check out the book "Gratia Countryman: Her life, her loves, and her library" by Jane Pejsa (Nodin Press, c1995). Thank you, Rod Krueger Library Board member / 12th Ward [Mpls] Naming the Central Library Ian Stade - Mon, 22 Aug 2005 >From Sheldon Mains' message today: "To get a little away from the corporate naming issue: Something BIG named after Gratia Countryman (Like the whole building). 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: FW: [Mpls] From Candidates Library Board Forum
And, in keeping with the theme my friend Rod Krueger posted (i.e., endorsements), my complete list of endorsements and supporters, my experience and qualifications, and my ideas for our libraries, can be viewed at my website: alanhooker.com The only info that hasn't been updated on the site, yet, has been my latest endorsements: DFL Feminist Caucus Gay and Lesbian Victory Fund ...and the latest book I just read (actually, a re-read): Governing Urban America Lastly, on an unrelated, but important, note: Don't forget that your last chance to see all the Library Board candidates together in a forum format will be Saturday, August 20, 2:00 p.m. - 3:30 p.m., at the Walker Community Library (2880 Hennepin Avenue). A huge thanks goes to The Friends of Minneapolis Public Library for hosting these vital events. Alan Hooker Victory Neighborhood Resident and Candidate for Minneapolis Library Board www.alanhooker.com From: "Rod Krueger" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> To: mpls@mnforum.org Subject: FW: [Mpls] From Candidates Library Board Forum Date: Fri, 19 Aug 2005 12:27:47 -0500 Message: 10 Date: Thu, 18 Aug 2005 13:23:56 -0500 From: Laura and lloyd <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Subject: Re: [Mpls] From Candidates Library Board Forum [The DFL has endorsed six candidates: Alan Hooker, Laura Waterman Wittstock, Sheldon Mains, Gary Thaden, Rod Krueger, and Laurie Savran. AFSCME has endorsed Alan Hooker, Laura Waterman Wittstock, Sheldon Mains, Gary Thaden, and Rod Krueger. AFL-CIO COPE has endorsed Alan Hooker, Laura Waterman Wittstock, Sheldon Mains, Gary Thaden and Rod Krueger. And there are many other endorsements for this group.] Here are my endorsements: - Minneapolis DFL - Minneapolis Central Labor Union, AFL-CIO - Minnesota - National Organization for Women (NOW) - Minneapolis Building & Construction Trades Council - Stonewall DFL Caucus - Minneapolis Firefighters - Local 82 - Gay & Lesbian Victory Fund - AFSCME Minnesota Council 5 (represents majority of library workers) - DFL Feminist Caucus 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] Library Board
Dorie Rae Gallagher is absolutely right in her most recent post when she wrote: A little out of context here...I replied to Scott's post which asked the question who won?to which I made my reply. No one won ..this is not a label.. nor would I use one. I thought everyone did a great job and truely enjoyed the process otherwise I would not have wasted my time with a post to tell everyone to try and attend a forum. My addendum: My apologies to Dorie for not conveying my sentiment more clearly in my original post. I agree with her assessment as well as her post regarding the Observer's coverage, or possible lact of coverage, regarding those Library Board candidates who addressed budgets and funding. Let us hope that future forums will continue to ask all candidates to express their knowledge of bugetary issues facing our library system and to present their plans to address these issues. And let us hope that our community newspapers (Southwest Journal, Observer, City Pages, North News, et al) will find space to report it. The next Library Board candidate forum will be Wednesday, July 27, at the Northeast Library (2200 Central Ave NE). It begins at 6:30 p.m. Please spread the word. Alan Hooker Victory Neighborhood Candidate for Minneapolis Library Board DFL / Labor Endorsed www.alanhooker.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
Re: [Mpls] Library Board
Dorie Rae Gallagher wrote: No one really won since they all spoke with knowledge and heart with some being better in oratories than others. And in a somewhat related thread, Dean Carlson responded to a Minneapolis Observer article which claimed that "No one, however, seemed to have an answer to the systems ongoing budget crisis, beyond sending a more city-friendly governor to St. Paul in 2007" when he wrote: This is the most important issue facing the library system and 13 potential libary candidates didn't seem to have any answer?!? I'm sorry but a more city-friendly governor is NOT going to magically fix the library funding crisis. My response: All my fellow candidates truly have heart-felt passions for the reasons they are running. Some are running because their employment with the library system has been threatened or terminated due to the draconian budget cuts the Minneapolis Public Library has been forced to undertake. Others believe they have ideas that will help our libraries. I am proud to be in such good company and look forward to working with whomever is elected should voters decide to award me the same opportunity. However, I hope those who attend or read about the forums (not debates) will be careful about using labels such as "winners" and "losers". In my humble opinion, all these candidates, by the very nature of putting their neck on line and facing the incredible personal costs in terms of time and finances, are "winners" because they are voters with a wealth of choices. As a result, Minneapolis will be the ultimate winner. Let us also remember that given the number of candidates and the time-limitations placed on candidates to answer complex questions is most often 90 seconds to 2 minutes. Further, due to the structure necessary to conduct these forums, not all candidates are afforded the opportunity to answer the same questions that some other candidates are asked. All this adds up to, at times, an inability to adequately provide specific or detailed answers to complex questions. Candidates are often forced into sound bites when what we truly want is to lay out our ideas and plans before a buzzer sounds or voters' eyes glaze over. This is why it is so important for voters to take the time to speak to candidates before and after forums, when the come to your front door, and even when they are standing in line at the grocery store. Lastly, to my friend, Park Board candidate Scott Vreeland's comments about never seeing a library board candidate with a book (good-naturedly inferring that we may not be readers of literature), I ask that he and others visit my website and click on "Alan's Faves & Raves". There is a list of not only books I have read and treasured, but my favorite music and film and artists whose works can be found in Minneapolis libraries. I'm sure Scott knows that libraries are much more than just books. Just as parks are more than only trees and grass. Alan Hooker Victory Neighborhood Candidate for Minneapolis Library Board DFL / Labor Endorsed www.alanhooker.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
Re: [Mpls] Hood Stores
Mr. Brown writes: >[TB] Although I'm not sure where the line is between a "hood store" >and a legit store (are SA's and Tom Thumbs hood stores? the mom and pop >store in southwest Mpls next to the hardware store and coffee shop? I >get the impression that Loon Grocery on Lyndale might be in this >catagory and am not sure why it is and SA or TT isn't) we should >remember that we had a Mayor and a few Councilmembers who likely lost >their jobs because we did it for Target. It certainly was a >contributing factor. > My response: Ah, but there's quite a difference between pumping over $60 million into a Target store smack in the middle of what was an already vibrant, economically viable downtown business district and focusing some of tax dollars back to the communities whose men and women paid for that monument to corporate greed. Perhaps Mr. Brown would like to visit some of the establishments that dot the Jordan and Folwell neighborhoods, that serve as the only source of groceries for many along Lowry and West Broadway and Chicago. I think that you quickly get the idea that a "hood store" is generally an indepent organization (although a few franchises walk a fine line as well) that violates established retail and taxation guidelines (selling items in single units although originally packed as a multiple unit set, or attempting to scam WIC) or that looks the other way when patrons/visitors engage in criminal activity. I have a hard time believing that any elected official who would focus her/his energy on assisting the communities that comprise their wards would find themselves facing retribution on election day. Mr. Brown: >Add that to we haven't (yet anyway) done it for the sports teams and at >least within the City of Minneapolis doesn't seem to have a tremendous >amount of support. > My repsonse: That's the way it looks at this time. Give it a few months. St. Paul is gearing up for an all-out effort to lure one or both sports teams from Minneapolis. Does anyone think Minneapolis and Hennepin County will roll over and play dead? What I'm saying is before that happens perhaps we should re-evaluate what the true priorities of this city should be. Just before I left the Detroit area in the late 1980's, all the city leaders could talk about was how this theater and that restaurant and those retail establishments all needed to be centered right downtown, along with new sports stadiums. Naturally, to lure them into the riot-scarred core of the city took millions of tax dollars. The problem? Neighborhoods were ignored and disintergrated at an alarming rate, which resulted in higher crime, which resulted in keeping people indoors, which resulted in few venturing downtown to see the glitz. It all boils down to liveability issues. What are cities for? Yes, a thriving downtown is wonderful, but we had that even before Target got its way and bulldozed art galleries, successful non-chain restaurants, and independent businesses. Mr. Brown: Or do you want to increase the overall tax >burden to put a grocery store at any given intersection? My reponse: Where this proposal came I do not know. I suppose it's an attempt to dramatize a point. However, I notice that Mr. Brown lives in an area that has tried for years to secure a grocery store other than City Market on Hennepin and the now defunct SuperValu on Nicollet. I'm sure he would like other grocery alternatives, unless he has access to a car. There's the rub. Many of those beholden to the corner "hood store" do not have freedom of transporation, and if they do carrying multiple bags of groceries is a bit difficult. Tax incentives to lure business should be a last resort (not a first, as was the case with the last administration). But should they be necessary, what harm do they do in the short run? Vacant land, or underdeveloped land, does little to add value to the tax rolls. Perhaps a business in it's place, hiring residents of a neighborhood (thus lowering unemployment rates), will have a positive ripple effect. It's certainly better than doing nothing. Protection from crime and fire. Good schools. Fine transportation and roads. Garbage collection and snow removal. Most importantly, neighborhoods we want to come home to, and can afford to live in. Isn't this the basics that we look for? Alan Hooker Victory Neighborhood Concerned that messages may bounce because your Hotmail account is over limit? Get Hotmail Extra Storage! REMINDERS: 1. Think a member has violated the rules? Email the list manager at [EMAIL PROTECTED] before continuing it on the list. 2. Don't feed the troll! Ignore obvious flame-bait. For state and national discussions see: http://e-democracy.org/discuss.html For external forums, see: http://e-democracy.org/mninteract
Re: [Mpls] RE: Hood Stores
Jon Gorder wrote: If there were easy legitimate shopping options for the mass of legitimate shoppers then the "Hood Stores" would be reduced to little criminal crannies and pretty easily focused upon and busted. My response: Exactly! This is what I said nearly 2 weeks ago (before the issue morphed in "hood stores" and the evils of small businesses praying on patrons) when I suggested the following: 1. Council members and state legislators (along with neighborhood associations) representing areas "infested" with "hood stores" should work their bully pulpits and use their keen negotiating skills and reach out to the business community to bring small, medium, or large volume grocery establishments into these communities. Once there are viable, reliable alternatives, the "hood stores" will dwindle and die. If you build it, they will come. For those who don't believe legitimate businesses will locate to economically challenged areas, then how about offering incentives (economic development assistance via deferred taxes -- or lower taxes, etc) to entice them. Hey, if we can do it for Target downtown and propose public support for sports stadiums, how about channeling resources into neighborhood businesses? 2. Until the above point can be implemented, perhaps the city, via police and inspectors (building code, health, licensing), can make life a bit tougher for these "hood stores" and generate some revenue (in the form of fines and permit/licensing fees) in the process. And for Pete's sake, if we have someone ready to invest their time, effort, and money into a legitimate community business, let's make sure all the tools are in place to help them and not let misinformation and bureaucratic red tape strangle their dreams. Alan Hooker Victory Neighborhood MSN Shopping upgraded for the holidays! Snappier product search... REMINDERS: 1. Think a member has violated the rules? Email the list manager at [EMAIL PROTECTED] before continuing it on the list. 2. Don't feed the troll! Ignore obvious flame-bait. For state and national discussions see: http://e-democracy.org/discuss.html For external forums, see: http://e-democracy.org/mninteract Minneapolis Issues Forum - A City-focused Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Subscribe, Un-subscribe, etc. at: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
Re: [Mpls] Tow Away Zones, Convenience stores
Sean Ryan wrote: >It is quite common practice for store owners to shop at the >supermarket (cub/ rainbow) and then stock their stores with their >goods. I have seen it many times. A store in NE that I worked at in >high school bought all of its produce at Rainbow, marked it up 40 >cents and then resold it. It's probably not illegal but it does seem >a bit shady... My respone: All the more reason for council members to serve their constituents well by working to bring alternatives to these "shady" stores. I'm sure that truly effective elected officials can use their bully pulpits and creative negotiation skills to persuade either stores like Rainbow or Kowalski's, or perhaps even a fledgling co-op or mid-size grocery establishment, to see the economic opportunities (not to mention the positive public relations) that await them in areas that are often overlooked because of falsely held perceptions. Alan Hooker Victory Neighborhood Fretting that your Hotmail account may expire because you forgot to sign in enough? Get Hotmail Extra Storage today! REMINDERS: 1. Think a member has violated the rules? Email the list manager at [EMAIL PROTECTED] before continuing it on the list. 2. Don't feed the troll! Ignore obvious flame-bait. For state and national discussions see: http://e-democracy.org/discuss.html For external forums, see: http://e-democracy.org/mninteract Minneapolis Issues Forum - A City-focused Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Subscribe, Un-subscribe, etc. at: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
[Mpls] American dream denied in Ward 4
As I read Doug Grow's Oct. 30 column regarding Hassan Al-Mosawy's struggle to obtain the American dream, I found a lump develop in my throat as a sense of sorrow filled me. This sorrow soon turned to anger as I learned that my own council member, Barb Johnson, appeared to display a flippant, pass-the-buck attitude about Mr. Al-Mosawy's plight. To try and blame Mr. Al-Mosawy for wanting to invest his money in a community business is absurd when then fault lies with a Kafkaesque bureauracy. Further, for this council member, who is oft described as one of the most knowledgeable in City Hall, to state that she doesn't know how the administrative process works is incredulous at best. If this is true and she doesn't know how the system works after six years in office, as well as having a mother who held the seat for 22 years before her, perhaps it's time to find someone who will learn at a quicker pace. At the very least, maybe it's time for someone who will represent ALL the areas of the fourth ward equally. Yes, I've been in the convenience stores and mom-and-pop grocery establishments Ms. Johnson wishes to place a moratorium upon. Yes, many aren't very pretty, or safe for that matter. However, our elected representatives should understand that many of these stores are the only source most lower-income neighborhoods have to purchase their milk, bread and infant supplies. Rather than focusing on banning new convenience stores maybe we need to work on bringing a Kowalski's, Cub, or Rainbow to the areas south of Dowling. And, if crime is the factor, perhaps Ms. Johnson can request the police to step up their patrols of problem spots instead of laying the blame at the feet of small business ow ners. Mr. Al-Mosawy is a man who worked hard and played by the rules that were told to him, only to find the rules were changed without his knowledge. What a wonderful civics lesson for this new citizen. Alan Hooker Victory Neighborhood Concerned that messages may bounce because your Hotmail account has exceeded its 2MB storage limit? Get Hotmail Extra Storage! REMINDERS: 1. Think a member has violated the rules? Email the list manager at [EMAIL PROTECTED] before continuing it on the list. 2. Don't feed the troll! Ignore obvious flame-bait. For state and national discussions see: http://e-democracy.org/discuss.html For external forums, see: http://e-democracy.org/mninteract Minneapolis Issues Forum - A City-focused Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Subscribe, Un-subscribe, etc. at: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
Re: [Mpls] Chino billboards come down. Thanks, List members.
First of all, hats off to Lynnell Mickelsen and others on this list who so believe in the power of the comsumer, as well as the power of citizens, to let their voices be agents of change. Whether it's through this List or through the ballot box, one or two voices can truly make a difference. Keep up the good work. That being said, although I support the right of List members to protest what they felt was Chino Latino's unfortunate advertising message, I hope we accept the apology of Chino Latino management and not try to punish them financially in the name of political correctness. I must confess I have seen Chino's billboards in question and didn't think about the implications until I was educated by the opinions of List members. Yet, I am still one of the people who finds humor in their previous ads that rely on a clever turn of a phrase or bizarre imagery even though some may find them too bawdy or un-PC. Where can the line be drawn? Eminem's music denigrates gays and other minorties, but I don't see anyone calling for his CD's to be removed from Minneapolis stores. Strips clubs and adult shops operating a block from City Hall portray women as sex objects, but I don't see the protests. In this tough economic climate many restaurants are hurting. Witness Dish. This fine establishment located in what is touted as the vibrant theater district, surrounded by city dwellers and just a stone's throw from office buildings, has announced it must close. Let us hope another establishment will soon take residence in its place, but I fear that may not be the case as astorefront one block north (at the base of the upscale Laurel Village) has remained empty for nearly a year. The Skyway Theaters. The vacant Musicland store. And how long did the Pantages sit vacant and decaying? If this can happen downtown, it certainly can replicate itself Uptown. No business wants to lose customers. Therefore, I am curious when Ms. Mickelsen wrote: I then called Chino Latino, asked if the billboards were really up (they were) and explained to the executive chef that I had lived in Southeast Asia, been in Bangkok and there were a whole lot of kids, barely 12 years old and even younger, working in those brothels. I had seen it with my own eyes. So SE Asia brothels really weren't these hilarious, yuck-it-up kind of situations that make for fun advertising. The chef was polite, but unimpressed. My reply: How, especially via a telephone call, does Ms. Mickelsen know the chef was unimpressed? Having been a customer service manager for a retail chain many years ago, my staff was trained to be polite, listen carefully, take notes, and pass the message along to management/owners a.s.a.p. At no time were they to get into a debate or present a "thanks for your opinion, but we're right" attitude. It seems in this instance the chef may have been impressed by Ms. Mikelsen after all. It seems her message, and those of this List, was taken seriously and acted upon. As someone who has at one time or another worn the hats of activist and business person, union organizer and corporate board member, I ask that we show Chino Latino our thanks by being patrons. And, if you are not a fan of their unique cuisine, then visit another fine Minneapolis restaurant. These businesses attract customers who may in turn spend money at nearby shops or theaters. Perhaps they'll spark the entreprenurial imagination of someone who wants to start a business of their own. Let's not drive away revenue sources our city sorely needs based on one stupid billboard. Alan Hooker Victory _ Tired of spam? Get advanced junk mail protection with MSN 8. http://join.msn.com/?page=features/junkmail TEMPORARY REMINDER: 1. Send all posts in plain-text format. 2. Cut as much of the post you're responding to as possible. Minneapolis Issues Forum - A City-focused Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Subscribe, Unsubscribe, Digest, and more: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
Re: [Mpls] What makes a good council member
Jonathan Palmer writes: "Yesterday, I got a real pleasant surprise when my Councilmember, Barb Johnson, called me to say she'd seen the post I thought it was not only a nice thing but a very positive thing to get a call from her out the blue to answer one of my concerns. So thanks Barb, good accessibility and reaching out to residents is one of the top things that makes a good public servant and specifically a good Councilmember." As someone who lives just a few doors south of Mr. Palmer, I too am please to know that Councilmember Johnson is concerned the middle-of-the-night happenings on our street and is willing to take the time to respond to those constituents who use this internet venue. Therefore, I hope Mr. Palmer will join me in asking Ms. Johnson to address a concern that her constituents, and the city as a whole, may find more disturbing than city employees picking up trash at 2:30 a.m. On Dec. 13, the Minneapolis City Council voted 8-4 to approve a requirement that contractors performing more than $100,000 worth of work, while they employ more than 21 employees during 20 weeks of a calendar year, provide same-sex domestic benefits. In explaining her no vote,Skyway News reported that "while calling (the proposal) 'the right thing to do', Councilmember Barb Johnson noted that the move would anger conservative Republicans who gained power in the 2002 election. 'It will harm us in our relationship with the legislature if we do this today,' she said." If Ms. Johnson happens to see this post it would be nice to know if the quotes attributed to her are accurate. If they are, can she explain whether she supports the Affirmative Action requirements the city currently has on the books that contractors performing only $50,000 worth of work to not only to file AA plans, but the AA plans must "afford business enterprises owned and controlled by women and minorities the maximum feasible opportunity to participate in the performance of this contract and resulting subcontracts." Ordinance 139.50 continues: "the term 'business enterprise owned and controlled by women and minorities' means a business, at least fifty-one (51) per cent of which is owned and controlled by minority group members or women. For the purposes of this definition, 'minority group members' are Black, Hispanic, Asian-Americans, and American Indians and Alaskan natives." I trust Ms. Johnson is not saying it's o.k. to look out for the economic needs of Blacks, Hispanics, Asian-Americans, and American Indians, but not members of the GLBT community. I hope that if she did say she didn't want to anger conservative Republicans that it was only in jest. I want someone representing me who's not afraid to speak his or her mind; someone who will take the risk of angering right wingers if it means doing the right thing. This is about civil rights. Aren't civil rights "the right thing to do"? Mr. Palmer says the mark of a good councilmember is one who reaches out to her/his constituents. I agree. But I think one mark that ranks even higher are elected officials who listen to constituents, asks them for their opinions, examines the heart of their convictions, and votes their conscience for the good of everyone. Alan Hooker Victory _ Protect your PC - get McAfee.com VirusScan Online http://clinic.mcafee.com/clinic/ibuy/campaign.asp?cid=3963 ___ Minneapolis Issues Forum - A City-focused Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Subscribe, Unsubscribe, Digest, and more: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
Re: [Mpls] Re: Multi-Party endorsement
It's no more bewildering than candidates in New York state securing the endorsements of multiple parties. For example, Pataki sought the endorsements of the Republican Party and NY Conservative Party. Andrew Cuomo (for Governor) and Eliot Spitzer (for Attorney General) received the endorsement of NY's Liberal Party, while seeking the blessing of the Democratic Party. Thus, what is so strange about someone being endorsed by the DFL (itself a fusion of 3 political groups circa 1940's) and the Green Party simultaneously? Alan Hooker Victory Neighborhood From: "David Brauer" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subject: Re: [Mpls] Re: Multi-Party endorsement Date: Tue, 17 Dec 2002 13:58:51 -0600 Greg A., esq. writes: > As interpreted by the city, a candidate cannot use the 3 words to > identify more than one political party. "DFL/Republican" is out of > bounds - a candidate can list only one party, DFL or Republican. Hmm...it appears fushion IS prohibited, by bureaucratic fiat if not actual law. Can someone on the city side explain the rational/legal basis for such an interpretation? I think it's just fine if someone (bewilderingly) wants to list themselves as DFL/Republican, or DFL/Green, though certain partisans may not think so. David Brauer King Field ___ Minneapolis Issues Forum - A City-focused Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Subscribe, Unsubscribe, Digest, and more: http://e-democracy.org/mpls _ Protect your PC - get McAfee.com VirusScan Online http://clinic.mcafee.com/clinic/ibuy/campaign.asp?cid=3963 ___ Minneapolis Issues Forum - A City-focused Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Subscribe, Unsubscribe, Digest, and more: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
Re: [Mpls] Pay cap affects candidate pool
Ann Berget writes: "The arbitrary salary cap, which does not exist in most other states makes it difficult for Minnesota to attract candidates from other areas of the country where salaries are MUCH higher. While I agree that salary alone does not insure top performance, the cap does endure that the pool of qualified candidates we attract is smaller than it would be otherwise." My response: As an Employment Administrator for a national non-profit organization, and someone who has been in the exempt and non-exempt recruitment field since the early '90's, I can tell you from first hand experience that the only part of Ms. Berget's statement that rings true is that salary does not insure top performance. Often I have found that those individuals truly passionate and committed to their careers rank money lower on the ol' job happiness scale. Money is fleeting, and study after study shows that throwing money at salaries just to pacify someone unhappy in their profession only means that you are only prolonging the inevitable. Eventually they will attempt to hold you financially hostage by threatening to walk. I for one am tired of school superintendants and others crying how hard it is to live on six figure salaries, or how other cities offer much more financially. To that mentality, I offer the following: 1. Look around. This is Minneapolis. This isn't New York, Chicago, LA, or even Raleigh/Durham. Granted, our cost of living is higher than many other mid-size cities, but we still are more affordable than Seattle, Detroit, Boston, D.C. and Atlanta. We have no sales tax on clothing and most food, an average sales tax on other goods, and we have some of the top wages in the nation. 2. The economy has changed. Thousands of highly qualified people are looking for work. One ad produces more responses than I can handle. You mean that in such an atmosphere taxpayers should be digging into their pockets and offering up more money as a begging bribe? Maybe as a signing bonus if they agree to a multi-year, ironclad contract that forgoes salary increases for first couple of years. Bottom line -- if such job seekers, or current job holders, don't like what the public can afford at this time (or what the public is willing to provide until tangible positive results are produced), then I have a message for them: Don't let the door bang you on your rear on your way out. Alan Hooker Victory Neighborhood From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: [EMAIL PROTECTED], [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subject: Re: [Mpls] Pay cap affects candidate pool Date: Thu, 17 Oct 2002 10:34:07 -0400 I don't defend or criticize the Library Board's situation, but I want to point out that this is a significant issue for other jurisdictions as well. , This is not necessarily a good thing. The cap also provides a powerful incentive for jurisdictions to seek devious but legal ways to enhance the non-competitive salaries they offer through perks that can strike the citizenry as more noxious than a higher salary might be. This has been a significant issue in the selection of school superintendents for a long time. It doesn't surprise me that it's come up in the Library search. Ann Berget Kingfield ___ Minneapolis Issues Forum - A City-focused Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: mailto:mpls@;mnforum.org Subscribe, Unsubscribe, Digest, and more: http://e-democracy.org/mpls _ Choose an Internet access plan right for you -- try MSN! http://resourcecenter.msn.com/access/plans/default.asp ___ Minneapolis Issues Forum - A City-focused Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: mailto:mpls@;mnforum.org Subscribe, Unsubscribe, Digest, and more: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
Re: [Mpls] Roche v. Dibble
Jer Hanson writes: >Scott Dibble has been running an honest, grassroots, >issue-based campaign. Scott Dibble will make a great >MN Senator and I hope he is elected to represent me. >As a SD60 resident, I am outraged at Roche's behavior >and hope all my neighbors will get involved and help >Scott Dibble win this primary election. I, too, am a supporter of Scott Dibble, doing whatever/whenever I can to help his State Senate campaign... and I don't even live in his district. Why? Because I believe in supporting good candidates who can make the difference and fight the good fight. I believe the State Senate needs a voice like Scott Dibble's. The Scott Dibble I am honored to know is hard working, dedicated, and detailed-oriented policy wonk (but a fun policy wonk) who knows the inner workings or MINNESOTA state government. Scott can point to a proud record of accomplishment as a State Represenative. I am excited about the prospect of Scott using his talents and relationships honed in the House as a legislator in the Senate to carry on the proud tradition forged by Allan Spear and Myron Orfield. It is sad when people who wish to serve their communities and who want to talk about the issues, people like Scott Dibble, are subjected at the 11th hour by vicious innuendoes and distortions of their records. But, I guess when the only personal record Mr. Roche can point for himself is a brief stint as a legislator in Massachusetts back in the '70s, well then I guess that's when tons of money and mud slinging is employed. Then again, maybe that's the way you win elections back in the Bay State. Alan Hooker Victory Neighborhood Minneapolis _ MSN Photos is the easiest way to share and print your photos: http://photos.msn.com/support/worldwide.aspx ___ Minneapolis Issues Forum - A Civil City Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subscribe, Unsubscribe, Digest option, and more: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
Re: [Mpls] Park Board overrides mayor's veto
I agree with only one thing Mark Snyder wrote in his post. It was as follows: >John Erwin was one of the more vocal supporters of the >purchase in this Forum and quite frankly gave some very compelling reasons >to support it. I sure hope he'll be able to post an explanation as to why >he changed his mind. I, too, am interested in why Mr. Erwin flip flopped on this issue. Don't get me wrong...I'm glad he did vote along with his courageous colleague, Vivian Mason, to sustain Mayor Rybak's veto. However, I wonder whether Mr. Erwin, who is a list member, may have seen the future electoral handwriting on the wall via the list's postings yesterday, or whether he finally realized that in the accounting world 2 + 2 does actually equal 4. In other words, maybe this freshman park board member has discovered that you can't spend more than you have, and what little you do have should be allocated to necessities (i.e., neglected playgrounds and parks) before being spent on luxuries. Having lived in Detroit, Seattle and Chicago, I have been amused at the concept that the Parks and Recreation board is elected in Minnepolis. These other cities, all with excellent parks and recreation systems, have boards appointed by their mayors and councils. Officials in Seattle and Chicago told me their systems were designed as such to avoid turning the boards into political stepping stones. Politicos with their eyes on higher office who would use the park system as a political pawn. Please understand me...I am not in the least claiming that this is the case in Minneapolis. However, let us hope the remaining commissioners will take a long, hard look at the title of the board upon which they were elected by us to serve upon. It reads "Minneapolis Parks and Recreation Board". Perhaps the actual parks and recreational facilities of this city should be the paramount concern during these tough financial times. Alan Hooker Victory Neighborhood Minneapolis _ Send and receive Hotmail on your mobile device: http://mobile.msn.com ___ Minneapolis Issues Forum - A Civil City Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subscribe, Unsubscribe, Digest option, and more: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
Re: [Mpls] "Social engineering ahead" signs
I agree with Bruce Gaarder when he writes: "...so it's not limited to lrt waste." There's such a sign right outside my office window on University Avenue half a block west of Hwy. 280, quite a distance from any "social engineering" -- or any decent road engineering for that matter. Maybe members of the Tax Payers League wouldn't bemoan how little money they have to pay for taxes if they didn't spend so much on all their billboards. Just an amusing random thought. Alan Hooker Victory Neighborhood Minneapolis _ Join the worlds largest e-mail service with MSN Hotmail. http://www.hotmail.com ___ Minneapolis Issues Forum - A Civil City Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subscribe, Unsubscribe, Digest option, and more: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
Re: [Mpls] Curiouser and Curiouser
Perhaps if Eva Young would refer to the article in the June 5 edition of "City Pages" entitled "Sacred Cow Tipping", she would discover why Lavender is not serious about true, honest political reporting. If they had no problem with me attacking the hypocrisy of her political hero, Tim Pawlenty, on the state domestic partner issue, then Lavender shouldn't have feared printing my final column for them exposing their own political shenanigans. As for trying to make an issue out of who was chair of Stonewall DFL when and for how long, puh-lease! Is this the best Ms. Young and the Log Cabin Republicans can come up with when there are so many serious political issues to discuss? During a May phone conversation she and I had about what I felt was Lavender's less-than-honest attempts to alter political reporting (by attempting to say Stonewall DFL was in disarray when it was not the case), I explained that it was correct that Tim Petlock was at that time acting chair of Stonewall DFL. Megan Thomas had stepped down for personal reasons, but has now returned. Petlock voluntarily turned the gavel back over to Thomas -- no fuss, no muss. Doesn't sound like any infighting or major sinister scandals afoot, does it? I agree with Eva that the Minneapolis area GLBT press lags far behind other metropolitan GLBT publications in the arena of political reporting. Check out Chicago, Seattle, even Orlando! Yes, as Eva points out, it requires a concerted effort to develop good political reporters. It also requires publishers who understand the true meaning of "freedom of speech" and not envision themselves as Charles Foster Kane. Alan Hooker (speaking solely for myself) Victory Neighborhood Minneapolis >From: Eva Young <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> >To: [EMAIL PROTECTED], [EMAIL PROTECTED] >Subject: Re: [Mpls] Curiouser and Curiouser >Date: Tue, 11 Jun 2002 21:15:39 -0500 > >Brandon Lacy Campos writes: > >Tim Petlock was the acting Stonewall DFL Chair for a brief period. >Is he still the Chair? The Stonewall DFL website lists Tim Petlock as >Vice-Chair and Acting Chair -- and lists Megan Thomas as a director. I >recall Petlock posted to this list last year criticizing list member, and >Stonewall member Lee Schneider for posting his opinions and sharing >information about Stonewall's process with regard to the Lilligren/Brock >race. > > >No member of the Stonewall DFL Board engaged in any sort of campaign to >silence anyone with regards to the Catherine Shreeves campaign (of whom I >know). > >= >Well personally, I wish these women would go on record on this. It's >fairly straightforward to guess who they might be considering Rainbow >Families was mentioned. Still, since I remember well the fallout I got >from Stonewall folks when I supported Arne Carlson for Governor, this story >is credible to me. Heck, the best way to stop unpleasant email is to >expose it to the light of day. I have done that in the past -- and it >works amazingly well. > >Stonewall DFL has a response to the editorial in Lavender. But please do >not take my word > >for any of this as I am speaking in my capacity as a community member and >not > >for the Stonewall DFL. >Noted. I suppose Patrick Peterson's post is the official Stonewall >response. Looking forward to the Minnesota News Council complaint. > > >It is also naive to suggest that GLBT issues are a non-issue in the DFL. >I, > >as a member of the Stonewall DFL, do not believe that GLBT issues are a >non-issue > >in the DFL, nor do I believe that other Stonewall members believe that >GLBT > >issues are non-issues in the party. Quite to the contrary, we have some >pretty > >homophobic out-state members of the DFL. >Well heck, there were two metro area DFL legislators who voted to retain >the sodomy law the last time the topic came up -- former Sen. and current >St Paul Mayor, Randy Kelly and Sen. Dave Johnson of Bloomington. Senator >Wellstone's vote in favor of DOMA seems anti-gay to me. LCR/MN did a press >release condemning the Republicans on that Committee for their efforts to >make sure the sodomy law was still in place -- and I wrote to Stonewall >Board members at the time, challenging Stonewall to do the same with the >DFLers. Stonewall declined. > >I'd like to thank Mike, the Lavender employee for posting on this subject. >I would like to see better political coverage in Lavender. Other metro >area Gay newspapers have much better quality political reporting than does >Lavender currently. I hope that will change. It does require a concerted >effort to develop good political reporters. > > >Eva >Eva Young >Central Neighborhood >Minneapolis &
Re: [Mpls] Was Sharon Wasting Our Time?
Please accept my apologies in advance for the length of this but I rarely ever post and feel some facts are needed. I agree with the statement in Ameliuous Whyte's email that said we should "base our accusations on the facts". Therefore, as the person responsible for coordinating the Twin Cities Quorum debate, I will be glad to share the facts. I contacted the campaign managers for Mayor Sayles Belton and R.T. Rybak (as well as Jay Benenav and Randy Kelly) the last week of September to extend an invitation to debate and find out what dates would work best. During the next 6 days, it was phone tag sessions and pleasing campaign schedulers (although Mr. Kelly turned us down within 48 hours). By October 2, both Mr. Rybak's and Ms. Sayles Belton's campaigns agreed to debate Oct. 30, 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 at the Humphrey Insistute. The next day, Mr. Rybak's scheduler informed me of an error and asked if the start time could be 7:00 p.m. The mayor's manager, Jo Matson, agreed. All the details were then spelled out in an email to both campaigns as well as a hard copy letters mailed on Oct. 8. Mr. Rybak's campaign posted the debate info on their website sometime before Oct. 16 and the mayor's site displayed the info shortly thereafter. The morning of the debate, I got a call from Ms. Matson informing me of a scheduling conflict. She said the mayor's office had booked her to be elsewhere at 6:30 and asked if it would be possible to push back the start time. I said it would not be possible since the time had been advertised in email postings, appeared in news articles, and was printed upon flyers distributed throughout the city. I did tell Ms. Matson that opening remarks/introductions could take almost 10 minutes. That could buy the mayor some time if she could arrive by 7:15. Ms. Matson said she didn't know how this scheduling conflict happened, but they would get the mayor to the debate at Sabathani Community Center as quickly as possible. I had to remind Ms. Matson that the debate location was the HHH Institute, not Sabathani. About an hour later, I received a call from John Sugimura, the mayor's administrative assistant at city hall. He reiterated that somehow a scheduling mix-up had occurred. I told him what I told Ms. Matson. Mr. Sugimura said they mayor was scheduled to deliver brief remarks at 6:45, but if she kept the remarks to under five minutes, could get to the debate by the 7:10/7:15 mark. I began my opening remarks to the audience at 7:05. After introductions and explanation of the debate rules, it was 7:20. Unable to wait any longer, we began the debate at 7:25. Mr. Rybak's opening statement took us to 7:30, at which time the mayor arrived. I respectfully disagree with Amelious Whyte's other contention that the mayor's tardiness had a valid reason. Yes, a fundraiser for a shelter is a very worthy cause, but so is allowing the GLBT community the chance to question the mayor and hear her views at the same time as her opponent. The format and time and location had been agreed upon well in advance. Maybe the mayor's office and her campaign team should compare calendars more frequently or, at the very least, read the campaign's own website. Being mayor and running for reelection is very difficult to do simulaneously. But such mistakes have dotted her second term and have lead to the "where's Sharon" complaints. Even the Strib in their primary endorsement pointed the finger at the ineptitude of some in her inner circle. So, who hired these folks (both on the city payroll and campaign payroll) and who holds them responsible? >From: Amelious Whyte <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> >To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] >Subject: [Mpls] Was Sharon Wasting Our Time? >Date: Thu, 1 Nov 2001 13:07:49 -0800 (PST) > >If the Mayor is going to be accused of poor scheduling >and time management skills because she was late for >Tuesday's debate, we should base our accusations on >the facts. The Mayor, in addition to running for >relection, is still the Mayor. As such I think its >understandable that she may have to appear at certain >events in that capacity. > >As the Mayor indicated when she arrived, she was at a >fundraiser for Project Pride for Living (I think this >was the name) to assist them to raise money for a new >shelter ( a worthy cause). According to her comments, >she has been involved with this organization for some >time and thus felt obligated to participate in the >fundraiser. This is sign of commitment, something >that is usually desirable in a leader. On several >occasions I have been at events that have run late, >but beyond my control. It is not always easy to just >leave, especially if you have a role to play. > >If people are not going to support the Mayor's bid for >reelection, they should do so based on her policies >and leadership, not because she was late to a debate >(with a valid reason). > >= >Amelious N. Whyte, Jr. > >___
[Mpls] Quroum Debate Reminder
Just a reminder that Twin Cities Quorum, the metro area's chamber of commerce for the Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender business community, and its' allies, will sponsor a mayoral debate Tuesday night (see information release below). We invite all metro area candidates listed on this November's ballot to attend so they may be introduced by name to the audience. For Immediate Release: Minneapolis mayoral candidates R.T. Rybak and Sharon Sayles Belton will participate in a debate hosted by Twin Cities Quorum, Tuesday, October 30, 7:00 p.m. 8:30 p.m. at the Humphrey Institute of Public Affairs Cowles Auditorium. The Humphrey Institute is located at 301 19th Avenue South, Minneapolis, on the University of Minnesotas West Bank. As with all Quorum events, it is free and open to all interested parties. Other candidates for office are invited to attend so they can be introduced to the audience. Both mayoral candidates may address the audience on any subject they wish during opening and closing statements, although they are encouraged to share their views for the economic development of Minneapolis and the role they envision for the gay/lesbian/bisexual/transgender (GLBT) community. Audience members will be given the opportunity to submit questions to the candidates with a moderator empowered to ask related follow-up questions. One of the most exciting aspects will be an actual head-to-head debate segment in which each candidate will be allowed to pose up to three questions to the other. Candidates will be allowed one minute to respond with a 30-second rebuttal reserved for the candidate who posed the question. Quorum is a Twin Cities metro chamber of commerce that unites GLBT and GLBT-allied businesses, professionals and organizations. Quorums mission is to foster economic activity and provide education, networking opportunities and information to members who wish to enhance their careers and/or businesses. Candidates and media representatives are encouraged to check out the Quorum website at www.twincitiesquorum.com or contact Alan Hooker, (612) 730-6041, [EMAIL PROTECTED] _ Get your FREE download of MSN Explorer at http://explorer.msn.com/intl.asp ___ Minneapolis Issues Forum - A Civil City Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subscribe, Unsubscribe, Digest option, and more: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
