[Mpls] Can we get our $35 back?

[Jason C Stone]

It's worth noting that I was never asked if I had a permit for distributing literature.  

Why? 

It has become apparent, through the accounts of several individuals including Barry Clegg and Dan
Dobson, that there was no known procedure for issuing a permit to an individual wishing to
distribute non-commercial literature.  

The "need for a permit" is something that did not come to light until it came time to explain the
exagerated response to me handing out campaign lit (parenthetically, the 911 transcript is on my
website jasonforparks.com).
  
In the future, policies dealing with regulating behavior need to be approved by legal counsel.  It
seems obvious, but apparently it needs to be stated.  The procedures to manage the impact of
policies should be in place before enforcing the policy.  I'll work to remove the veil of secrecy
surrounding all of the Park Board's policies, procedures, projects, actions and finances.  The
MPRB website is the perfect vehicle for sharing information.  

I'm glad to see the Park Board heading in the right direction.  The ACLU plans to present to the
Board at the July 6 meeting.  I will be there as an observer and would enjoy meeting list members.
 Now, without fear of arrest, I will be proudly displaying my 'Stone for Park Board' name tag.  I
want to say thanks to everyone that called, e-mailed and offered to spend time in the hoosgow with
me.

There is much important work to be done to sustain and improve our parks and I hate to see
valuable time & energy squandered by MPRB trying to regulate behavior (especially protected
speech).  This falls into the category of what I have been calling the Park Board's mistaken
priorities.

The future success of our park system will depend upon leadership that is interested in open
process and cultivating a positive working relationship between the Park Board and the community,
City Hall, other independent Boards and the legislature.  I'm truly optimistic about the outlook
for a collaborative Park Board.

Jason Stone
Diamond Lake
Candidate for Minneapolis Park & Recreation Board, District 5
http://jasonforparks.com

--- bfclegg at visi.com wrote:

> 
> When folks trying to save Grove Street on Nicollet Island wanted to gather
> signatures of support at the Stonearch Art Festival, we asked the Park Staff if
> we needed a permit.  They said yes, although they couldn't figure out what form
> to use or what box to check - we suggested a new box for "protected first
> amendment activites" - staff was not amused.  The neighbor who finally got the
> permit paid $35, posted a $150 "damage deposit" and even had to have her
> homeowner's insurance add a rider naming the Park Board as an additional
> insured!  But - she did it, and gathered hundreds of signatures (Nicollet
> Island is still there, normal wear and tear excepted, - so she should get the
> damage deposit back).  Is the Park Board going to refund the fee?
> 
> Interestingly, Park Staff has confirmed, pursuant to a Data Practices Act
> request, that when DeLaSalle held a rally (complete with a band) on Park
> property in front of Park Board headquarters prior to the last Park Board
> meeting for the purpose of lobbying FOR the closure of Grove Street, no permit
> was pulled and no citations were issued.  Hmmm...