[Mpls] RE: Park Board Groups

[Jason C Stone]

While I don't agree with Michael's plan for the Park Board, I am a proponent of increasing
collaboration among Independent Boards and with City Hall.  

For example, the City is nearly ready to roll out the 311 system as a single point of entry to
city services.  I hope the Park Board is watching this development closely, with an early
expectation of joining the system to provide a single point of entry to what the average citizen
sees as "city services".  

There is no reason why a citizen should have to know whether a burned out street lamp is managed
by the Park Board or Public Works.  And they shouldn't have to have to make more than one phone
call about it.

Web sites are another point of entry to city services, growing in importance daily.  I envision a
'portal' site which help streamline the presentation of services to citizens, abstracting the
bureaucratic underpinnings.  

We have an opportunity this year to begin improving upon the instutional, territorial mentality on
the Park Board.  

Regards,
Jason Stone
Diamond lake
Candidate for Park Board, District 5

Fun Facts : 

* State Representative Jean Wagenius and Council Member Scott Benson endorsed Jason Stone for Park
District 5.

* Our campaign is 100% funded by individual contributions.  The average contribution is ~$45.  The
vast majority of contributions are $25 - $30.

* We have placed nearly 350 yard signs throughout Park District 5.   



--- Michael Atherton <athe0007 at umn.edu> wrote:

> Confusion benefits the incumbents.  The only chance the
> (real?) reformers have is by clearly identifying alternatives.
> 
> Personally, I don't see the reformers as being much better
> than the incumbents.  Just what is it they're trying to reform?
> Dirty politics?  They seem just as political.  The REAL reform
> would be to eliminate the Park Board and create a Parks &
> Recreation Department.  It'd be one small step towards making 
> the mayor something more than a cheerleader.  The current lack
> of interest, knowledge, and confusion surrounding the Park
> Board only benefits the existing DFL's backroom.