[Mpls] Neiman Complex decisions before my time - info delivered toStone - apologies to List

Mon May 2 13:18:53 CDT 2005

Candidate Kummer wrote:  "I was not on the Park Board during the initiation
of the Ft. Snelling/Neiman Complex and so, although I have tried to supply
Mr. Stone with the information he seeks, I am unable to answer all questions
to his satisfaction.  So, I dropped a packet of documents at his home
this evening.  It contains a copy of the Tin Fish contract and copies of
MPRB meeting agendas for the time period that covers development of the
Fort Snelling/Neiman Complex (beginning in 1998 through April 2003.)"

My response is that this doesn't address the largest concerns.  I want to
know what the operating costs and annual debt service are for all of these
projects.  After all, as a resident I am in effect a stock holder in the
public enterprise, and I want to what the heck you're doing with my money.
Dropping a packet off at my office is not satisfactory.  This should be
public access on the net, and it is not.  

>From what I can tell, the Park Board has made some poor decisions, not
accounted for operating costs, has become obsessed with turning our parks
into revenue generating commercial concerns, and has run from accountability
by hiding the numbers.  

Can anyone out there post just what our debt liability and service are at
Fort Snelling for those fields that, as far as I can tell, don't serve the
people of Minneapolis?

I was at this crazy thing in Edina this weekend.  A huge indoor playground
for little kids.  I was told that there are several of these things in the
suburbs.  If Minneapolis wants to attract family's in the future, we'd
better get off our rears, stop building pay for use adult ball fields and
restaurants, and concern ourselves with pools, free for use fields that kids
will use, cleaning up the river so that it can lend another generation of
kids their Tom Sawyer fantasies, and maybe even compete with our suburbs and
build some indoor playgrounds.  

Minneapolis used to have a great park system.  Now the bathrooms are closed
and I have to pay fees for things that used to be free.  For those of you
who think we have a great system, good for you.  I just know that I used to
use the parks, and I don't so much anymore.

Jeremy Wieland
Circulation Director
Utne magazine
Northeast

-----Original Message-----
From: mpls-bounces at mnforum.org [mailto:mpls-bounces at mnforum.org] On Behalf
Of CAROL KUMMER
Sent: Friday, April 29, 2005 7:58 PM
To: mpls at mnforum.org
Subject: [Mpls] Neiman Complex decisions before my time - info delivered
toStone - apologies to List

List manager, readers and Jason:

Although the list rules do not seem to specifically prohibit campaigning
online, I have not seen any other candidates debating via this format.
Supporters have weighed in but none of those running have engaged in a
campaign dialogue here - with the exception of my opponent and me.  

I would like to apologize for allowing myself to get drawn into this
inappropriate exchange.  I will, however, continue to answer private
messages and have done my best to answer the questions posed so far.

I was not on the Park Board during the initiation of the Ft.
Snelling/Neiman Complex and so, although I have tried to supply Mr.
Stone with the information he seeks, I am unable to answer all questions
to his satisfaction.  So, I dropped a packet of documents at his home
this evening.  It contains a copy of the Tin Fish contract and copies of
MPRB meeting agendas for the time period that covers development of the
Fort Snelling/Neiman Complex (beginning in 1998 through April 2003.)  If
he will make a list of the committee actions that he is interested in
and then e-mail it to Superintendent Gurban, the Superintendent will
have the items copied and sent. This seems to be the best way for Mr.
Stone to get what he wants regarding the Complex. 

I also included a copy of the chapter "Revenue-Producing Activities and
Kindred Accommodations" from the book Minneapolis Park System 1883-1944
written by Theodore Wirth.  It provides the early history of "granting
the privilege to operate concessions", an exposition of the earlier
practices of providing services through private contracts.

For anyone interested in park issues, there will be an opportunity to
hear a discussion between Jason and me at the candidate forum on
Tuesday, May 10th at the CWA Hall, 35th Avenue South and East Lake
Street.  Library Board candidates are scheduled from 7-8 pm and Park
District 5 candidates from 8-9 pm.  Please attend for a face-to-face
airing of the issues. 

Lastly, the City Convention where park endorsements are conducted will
undoubtedly have a question and answer period before the voting.  If you
have a question for me before then, please don't hesitate to call me at
612-722-0370 or write to me at carolkummer at earthlink.net.

FYI - Jason:  This seems to be the best way for you to get what you want
regarding the Complex. 
Sorry I missed you tonight when I delivered this information to your
home.

Carol Kummer
Commissioner & candidate
Park District 5
NENA resident

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