1821 University Avenue W, Suite S-137
Saint Paul, Minnesota 55104
Tel: (651) 641-6199 Fax: (651) 645-1311
www.TakeActionMinnesota.org
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 27, 2009
For Information Contact:
Greta Bergstrom
(c) 651-336-6722; (o) 651-379-0765
Greta@takeactionminnesota.org
TakeAction Minnesota To Hold 2009 Candidate Screenings
For Minneapolis City Council Races
(St. Paul, MN) February 26, 2009 – In early March, TakeAction Minnesota will be holding candidate screenings for endorsement in four competitive Minneapolis City Council contests. All current members, as well as individuals wishing to become members of TakeAction Minnesota, are invited to attend and participate in the endorsement selection process.
In 2005, the last year the Minneapolis City Council was on the ballot, TakeAction Minnesota had a perfect record of endorsements. All council candidates that had been endorsed by the organization (called Progressive Minnesota at the time) went on to win their respective races – including highly competitive contests in Ward 8 (Elizabeth Glidden), Ward 10 (Ralph Remington), and Ward 13 (Betsy Hodges).
TakeAction Minnesota strives to create deep, accountable democracy within our organization and with elected officials. Candidates screenings are an integral part of that process. Members hear from City Council candidates about their vision for social, racial, and economic justice in Minneapolis and vote on which candidates TakeAction Minnesota should endorse.
This year, TakeAction Minnesota’s PAC Board has made the decision to endorse in four council races that are considered to be hotly contested. These include the races in Ward 1 and Ward 10, in which council-members have decided to step down (Paul Ostrow and Ralph Remington, respectively) and which have created open seats. They also include Ward 5 (Don Samuels, incumbent) and Ward 2 (Cam Gordon, incumbent) which are also expected to be competitive. TakeAction Minnesota will also be endorsing later in Ward 6, Ward 8, Ward 11 and Ward 13.
Screenings will take place on two separate Monday evenings in March, as follows:
Wards 5 (North Mpls) and Ward 10 (Uptown)
When: Monday, March 9th, 6:00pm-8:30pm
Where: Harrison Recreation Center
503 Irving Avenue North, Minneapolis
(same bldg as Harrison Education Center—park in back—enter Rec Center
on park side of bldg)
*Deadline for member registration, to vote, is 5pm Monday, March 2
Wards 1 (Northeast) and Ward 2 (Seward, Cedar-Riverside, Prospect Park)
When: Thursday, March 19th, 6:00pm-8:30pm
Where: Logan Park Recreation Center
690 13th Avenue NE, Minneapolis
* Deadline for member registration, to vote, is 5pm Thursday, March 12
The candidate screenings are open to anyone joining TakeAction Minnesota by 5:00 PM on the day one week before the screening date – 5:00PM Monday, March 2 for Ward 5 and Ward 10, and 5:00pm Thursday, March 12 for Ward 1 and Ward 2. Every member joining by the previous week deadline can vote on candidate endorsements in any Ward, regardless of where the member lives.
To RSVP for one or both dates, or to obtain more information -- including complete screening rules – please visit TakeActionMinnesota.org. For additional questions related to the screening process, please contact Ryan Greenwood at 651-379-0742 or by email at Ryan@takeactionminnesota.org
Friday, February 27, 2009
Lastest Clark Email
4 Days Until Caucuses at Northeast Middle School
Turning Heads in Ward 1
Community Support
Doron Clark logo
In this week's Northeaster newspaper, Northeast resident Roberta Lundorff explained why she plans to support Doron Clark for Ward 1 City Council at the March 3rd caucuses.
"On March 3rd DFL members will convene the 2009 precinct caucuses. One particularly important race is the City Council race in Ward 1. As I go to caucus I am looking for a candidate who will create an atmosphere for new job growth and economic expansion; these are critical to the future stability of our City.
After spending considerable time canvassing the websites of the announced candidates I have come to discover that only Doron Clark has brought these issues to the forefront of his campaign. Not only has Doron Clark identified these needs; he has also taken the next step and provided a vision to accomplish this goal." - Roberta Lundorff, Northeast Minneapolis
Neighborhood Leaders Support
The presidents of Waite Park, Logan Park, and Southeast Como all endorse Doron Clark for Ward 1. They work closely with Doron and know that Doron will build on his work in Windom Park by fighting for our neighborhoods.
Labor Support
AFSCME, Minnesota's second largest union, agrees that Doron Clark is the best pick for Ward 1. As AFSCME's endorsed candidate, AFSCME knows that Doron's plans for Minneapolis support working families and help small businesses.
Click here to learn more about caucuses
including what to do if you cannot attend
You Can Help!
Doron's needs your help to win!
* Phone Bank Sunday afternoon: email Volunteer@DoronClark.com or call 612.987.8142 to help
* Caucus for Clark on March 3rd at Northeast Middle School (7:00 pm)
* Become a volunteer! If you have 30 minutes, you can help. Email volunteer@DoronClark.com to help.
*
Facebook Fan Page
* Donate! Doron is almost to his $1000 February goal. Can you put him over the top today with a gift of $30, $60, or $100?
www.DoronClark.com
Prepared & Paid for by Neighbors for Doron Clark; Dean DeGroot, Treasurer
1914 Ulysses St. NE
Minneapolis, MN 55418
Turning Heads in Ward 1
Community Support
Doron Clark logo
In this week's Northeaster newspaper, Northeast resident Roberta Lundorff explained why she plans to support Doron Clark for Ward 1 City Council at the March 3rd caucuses.
"On March 3rd DFL members will convene the 2009 precinct caucuses. One particularly important race is the City Council race in Ward 1. As I go to caucus I am looking for a candidate who will create an atmosphere for new job growth and economic expansion; these are critical to the future stability of our City.
After spending considerable time canvassing the websites of the announced candidates I have come to discover that only Doron Clark has brought these issues to the forefront of his campaign. Not only has Doron Clark identified these needs; he has also taken the next step and provided a vision to accomplish this goal." - Roberta Lundorff, Northeast Minneapolis
Neighborhood Leaders Support
The presidents of Waite Park, Logan Park, and Southeast Como all endorse Doron Clark for Ward 1. They work closely with Doron and know that Doron will build on his work in Windom Park by fighting for our neighborhoods.
Labor Support
AFSCME, Minnesota's second largest union, agrees that Doron Clark is the best pick for Ward 1. As AFSCME's endorsed candidate, AFSCME knows that Doron's plans for Minneapolis support working families and help small businesses.
Click here to learn more about caucuses
including what to do if you cannot attend
You Can Help!
Doron's needs your help to win!
* Phone Bank Sunday afternoon: email Volunteer@DoronClark.com or call 612.987.8142 to help
* Caucus for Clark on March 3rd at Northeast Middle School (7:00 pm)
* Become a volunteer! If you have 30 minutes, you can help. Email volunteer@DoronClark.com to help.
*
Facebook Fan Page
* Donate! Doron is almost to his $1000 February goal. Can you put him over the top today with a gift of $30, $60, or $100?
www.DoronClark.com
Prepared & Paid for by Neighbors for Doron Clark; Dean DeGroot, Treasurer
1914 Ulysses St. NE
Minneapolis, MN 55418
Thursday, February 26, 2009
More Facebook--Kevin Reich
If you're at all computer dependent, facebook is probably one of the best ways to keep up with the candidates:
I Like Reich For Northeast
To link the community and build the coalition to elect neighborhood organizer Kevin Reich to the Minneapolis City Council, Ward 1, for Northeast’s greater overall public benefit.
Positions:
1. Progressive
2. Community Empowerment
3. Vision & Experience
4. Neighborhood Revitalization
5. www.reich4ne.com
Category:
Political Campaigns
Description:
Kevin Reich has spent the last 20 years dedicated to neighborhood and community development. He is an organizer and advocate of citizen outreach and participation, education and youth service programs, with an impassioned emphasis for NE Minneapolis.
The First Ward is a vibrant and diverse City Council ward in Minneapolis with a very active commercial corridor along Central Avenue, where many ethnic restaurants and emerging businesses line the street, showing how a new influx of people to NE Minneapolis are reshaping the neighborhood. Ward 1 includes the neighborhoods of Columbia Park, Waite Park, Marshall Terrace, Audubon Park, Holland, Windom Park, Logan Park, Northeast Park, Mid-City Industrial, and a small part of the northern Como neighborhood.
There could be no better fit for such a diverse ward than Kevin Reich who has committed his public life to community organization and neighborhood advocacy. Kevin’s adult life has been spent bringing people together – whether it is advocating for a better business climate or building bridges through consensus and dialog, he has ensured that all voices are heard. His philosophy is one of a holistic and integrated approach to governance and community partnerships, resulting in resource efficiency and greater overall public benefit.
Born and raised in the working class neighborhoods of NE Minneapolis, Kevin Reich graduated from Edison Senior High School and then St. Olaf College in 1994 with a Bachelor of Arts in both Philosophy and Asian Studies. He spent several years in Asia as a teacher, trainer, and writer of educational materials, and then moved to back to Minnesota to attend graduate school for Public Administration at Hamline University in St. Paul. He and his partner Cindy, the Director of Marketing for the Minnesota Orchestra, have since made NE Minneapolis their home where they are raising Kevin’s daughter, Oshana.
Upon returning to his origins in NE Minneapolis, Kevin has spent the last eight years as the Project Director of Holland Neighborhood Improvement Association, where he has gained extensive experience in strategic planning, budget and contract oversight, and project direction. He became a strong advocate for neighborhood participation, and was an Eastside Food Co-op founding Board Member and Site Planning Project Chair. Every day Kevin works with all levels of local government (County, City, School and Park Boards) to direct resources, programming and projects for the betterment of NE Minneapolis.
Kevin announced his intentions to seek the open Ward 1 City Council seat as a natural extension of his proven service to the communities of NE Minneapolis. He has quickly established himself as a formidable candidate and is seeking the DFL party endorsement on March 3rd in a multi-candidate field.
For many years, Kevin Reich served the Windom Park Neighborhood Association as their Board of Directors Co-chair, and currently serves as their Community Land Use & Planning Committee Chair. He is also a PEACE Foundation Co-founder and Vice President where his efforts have focused on youth involvement and crime prevention. Kevin Reich also currently serves on the Edison Community and Sports Foundation Board of Directors.
Find Kevin on Facebook here: http://www.facebook.com/profile....
I Like Reich For Northeast
To link the community and build the coalition to elect neighborhood organizer Kevin Reich to the Minneapolis City Council, Ward 1, for Northeast’s greater overall public benefit.
Positions:
1. Progressive
2. Community Empowerment
3. Vision & Experience
4. Neighborhood Revitalization
5. www.reich4ne.com
Category:
Political Campaigns
Description:
Kevin Reich has spent the last 20 years dedicated to neighborhood and community development. He is an organizer and advocate of citizen outreach and participation, education and youth service programs, with an impassioned emphasis for NE Minneapolis.
The First Ward is a vibrant and diverse City Council ward in Minneapolis with a very active commercial corridor along Central Avenue, where many ethnic restaurants and emerging businesses line the street, showing how a new influx of people to NE Minneapolis are reshaping the neighborhood. Ward 1 includes the neighborhoods of Columbia Park, Waite Park, Marshall Terrace, Audubon Park, Holland, Windom Park, Logan Park, Northeast Park, Mid-City Industrial, and a small part of the northern Como neighborhood.
There could be no better fit for such a diverse ward than Kevin Reich who has committed his public life to community organization and neighborhood advocacy. Kevin’s adult life has been spent bringing people together – whether it is advocating for a better business climate or building bridges through consensus and dialog, he has ensured that all voices are heard. His philosophy is one of a holistic and integrated approach to governance and community partnerships, resulting in resource efficiency and greater overall public benefit.
Born and raised in the working class neighborhoods of NE Minneapolis, Kevin Reich graduated from Edison Senior High School and then St. Olaf College in 1994 with a Bachelor of Arts in both Philosophy and Asian Studies. He spent several years in Asia as a teacher, trainer, and writer of educational materials, and then moved to back to Minnesota to attend graduate school for Public Administration at Hamline University in St. Paul. He and his partner Cindy, the Director of Marketing for the Minnesota Orchestra, have since made NE Minneapolis their home where they are raising Kevin’s daughter, Oshana.
Upon returning to his origins in NE Minneapolis, Kevin has spent the last eight years as the Project Director of Holland Neighborhood Improvement Association, where he has gained extensive experience in strategic planning, budget and contract oversight, and project direction. He became a strong advocate for neighborhood participation, and was an Eastside Food Co-op founding Board Member and Site Planning Project Chair. Every day Kevin works with all levels of local government (County, City, School and Park Boards) to direct resources, programming and projects for the betterment of NE Minneapolis.
Kevin announced his intentions to seek the open Ward 1 City Council seat as a natural extension of his proven service to the communities of NE Minneapolis. He has quickly established himself as a formidable candidate and is seeking the DFL party endorsement on March 3rd in a multi-candidate field.
For many years, Kevin Reich served the Windom Park Neighborhood Association as their Board of Directors Co-chair, and currently serves as their Community Land Use & Planning Committee Chair. He is also a PEACE Foundation Co-founder and Vice President where his efforts have focused on youth involvement and crime prevention. Kevin Reich also currently serves on the Edison Community and Sports Foundation Board of Directors.
Find Kevin on Facebook here: http://www.facebook.com/profile....
Via Facebook -- Meet Doron Clark
Host:
Neighbors for Doron Clark
Type:
Meetings - Informational Meeting
Network:
Global
Date:
Friday, February 27, 2009
Time:
7:00pm - 9:00pm
Location:
Como Student Community Cooperative (U of M Family & Partnered Housing) - Community Room (2nd Floor)
Street:
1024 27th Avenue SE
City/Town:
Minneapolis, MN
:
View Map
Google
MapQuest
Microsoft
Yahoo
Phone:
6129878142
Email:
events@DoronClark.com
Neighbors for Doron Clark
Type:
Meetings - Informational Meeting
Network:
Global
Date:
Friday, February 27, 2009
Time:
7:00pm - 9:00pm
Location:
Como Student Community Cooperative (U of M Family & Partnered Housing) - Community Room (2nd Floor)
Street:
1024 27th Avenue SE
City/Town:
Minneapolis, MN
:
View Map
MapQuest
Microsoft
Yahoo
Phone:
6129878142
Email:
events@DoronClark.com
Latest Velez Email
Moving Northeast Forward
Jose Velez receives endorsements from the
Operating Engineers local 49 and the DFL Latino Caucus.
To find out more, visit our website www.josevelez.org or click here to read the Northeastbeat article.
Please join me to caucus at 7:00 p.m. on March 3rd at Northeast Middle School, 2955 Hayes St NE, and together, we can keep Northeast Minneapolis moving forward.
Prepared and paid for by Citizens for Velez. Chris Gams, Treasurer, www.josevelez.org.
Jose Velez receives endorsements from the
Operating Engineers local 49 and the DFL Latino Caucus.
To find out more, visit our website www.josevelez.org or click here to read the Northeastbeat article.
Please join me to caucus at 7:00 p.m. on March 3rd at Northeast Middle School, 2955 Hayes St NE, and together, we can keep Northeast Minneapolis moving forward.
Prepared and paid for by Citizens for Velez. Chris Gams, Treasurer, www.josevelez.org.
Caucus Info
Minneapolis DFL Party Precinct Caucuses Set for March 3
Neighborhood gatherings begin endorsement process for city council, mayor and park board
MINNEAPOLIS, Feb. 9, 2009 - Minneapolis residents will gather Tuesday, March 3, for precinct caucuses throughout the city that mark the start of the DFL Party's endorsing process for all city council and park board seats and for mayor.
Precinct caucuses serve as the official kick-off for getting involved in the Minneapolis DFL political process for 2009. All 13 city council seats, all 9 park board positions, 2 Board of Estimate and Taxation seats, and the mayor's office are up for election this November.
Caucuses, which will take place for all 131 of the city's precincts, begin at 7 p.m. at area schools, parks and other accessible neighborhood sites. All those who live in the precinct, who agree to support the DFL party's principles, and who will be of voting age by Election Day on Nov. 3, 2009, are eligible to attend their neighborhood caucus and vie for delegate positions.
Delegates and alternates elected at the precinct caucuses will attend Ward Conventions, to be held from March 14 through April 28. A total of 4,770 delegates will be selected. The 13 separate ward conventions will endorse DFL candidates for their respective city council seats.
In addition, a second set of 1,244 delegates will be elected at the March 3 precinct caucuses to attend the City Convention Saturday, May 16, at 10 a.m. The purpose of that convention, to be held at Washburn High School (201 W. 49th St.), is to endorse DFL candidates for mayor, park board and Board of Estimate and Taxation.
A complete list of precinct caucus and ward convention locations can be found at http://minneapolis.dflers.org. Those unable to attend the March 3 precinct caucuses who still wish to be considered for a delegate position may provide a letter to their precinct caucus. A sample letter is available at http://minneapolis.dflers.org.
Caucus and convention business also includes seeking volunteers for Minneapolis DFL
committees and party officer positions.
Neighborhood gatherings begin endorsement process for city council, mayor and park board
MINNEAPOLIS, Feb. 9, 2009 - Minneapolis residents will gather Tuesday, March 3, for precinct caucuses throughout the city that mark the start of the DFL Party's endorsing process for all city council and park board seats and for mayor.
Precinct caucuses serve as the official kick-off for getting involved in the Minneapolis DFL political process for 2009. All 13 city council seats, all 9 park board positions, 2 Board of Estimate and Taxation seats, and the mayor's office are up for election this November.
Caucuses, which will take place for all 131 of the city's precincts, begin at 7 p.m. at area schools, parks and other accessible neighborhood sites. All those who live in the precinct, who agree to support the DFL party's principles, and who will be of voting age by Election Day on Nov. 3, 2009, are eligible to attend their neighborhood caucus and vie for delegate positions.
Delegates and alternates elected at the precinct caucuses will attend Ward Conventions, to be held from March 14 through April 28. A total of 4,770 delegates will be selected. The 13 separate ward conventions will endorse DFL candidates for their respective city council seats.
In addition, a second set of 1,244 delegates will be elected at the March 3 precinct caucuses to attend the City Convention Saturday, May 16, at 10 a.m. The purpose of that convention, to be held at Washburn High School (201 W. 49th St.), is to endorse DFL candidates for mayor, park board and Board of Estimate and Taxation.
A complete list of precinct caucus and ward convention locations can be found at http://minneapolis.dflers.org. Those unable to attend the March 3 precinct caucuses who still wish to be considered for a delegate position may provide a letter to their precinct caucus. A sample letter is available at http://minneapolis.dflers.org.
Caucus and convention business also includes seeking volunteers for Minneapolis DFL
committees and party officer positions.
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
Mpls City Council Ward 1 -- Susan Howitz Hanna - 1st impressions
Susan Howitz Hanna was actually at a bit of a disadvantage. Due to a scheduling problem I was unable to meet her face to face, and we had to talk by phone. However, she already had a distinct advantage with me, as I love female candidates. I found the choice between Clinton and Obama difficult to make for a very long time. And when I hit the section on a ballot that contains judges, comptrollers and water supervisory and the like, I'll admit that if I'm at a loss I'll look for the women.
She was harder for me to wrap my head around than the previous two candidates. I like to go into my talks knowing key issues, background info and the likes. I adore candidate websites. I consider them a glimspe into the candidates' souls.
With Howitz Hanna I had to fly blind. She told me she had only decided this weekend to run, after receiving numerous phonecalls and emails from supporters asking her to throw her hat in the ring. Probably because of this late entry she seemed much less prepared to me to discuss what she was ready to focus on in the neighborhood. When I asked her about the pressing "quick hit" proposal she'd enact right off if elected, she said she'd focus on making sure none of the city services we've come to rely on are cut in the wake of budget cutbacks.
But her enthusiasm for the ward was obvious. As a native Nordeasterner, she wanted to be sure the communities were livable and the housing inventory beginning to build up locally is seen and sold. She discussed neighborhood programs like those in North that involve small businesses and realtors promoting their neighborhoods, doing tours and the like.
Combined with her focus on trying to get businesses to move back into the vacant industrial buildings in the neighborhoods, Howitz Hanna described a plan she hopes will bring more residents back into the area, bringing people closer to their jobs. She said she believes that communities are trending smaller and people will want to live where they can ride or walk to work.
I asked her what she thought would be her biggest strength as a candidate, and she explained that it would be her ability to see and represent the overall picture -- that she would represent not just the people who go to websites for information and attend all of the neighborhood meetings, but also the people who just work and pay their taxes, but need to have a voice, too. She said she would work hard to make sure that all groups have an equal voice.
It was obvious that her campaign was only a few days old, and yet to find its footing. But Susan Howitz Hanna was engaging to speak with and again, I'm always drawn to a female candidate.
Friday I will be talking with Kevin Reich, and I intend to make a decision sometime this weekend.
She was harder for me to wrap my head around than the previous two candidates. I like to go into my talks knowing key issues, background info and the likes. I adore candidate websites. I consider them a glimspe into the candidates' souls.
With Howitz Hanna I had to fly blind. She told me she had only decided this weekend to run, after receiving numerous phonecalls and emails from supporters asking her to throw her hat in the ring. Probably because of this late entry she seemed much less prepared to me to discuss what she was ready to focus on in the neighborhood. When I asked her about the pressing "quick hit" proposal she'd enact right off if elected, she said she'd focus on making sure none of the city services we've come to rely on are cut in the wake of budget cutbacks.
But her enthusiasm for the ward was obvious. As a native Nordeasterner, she wanted to be sure the communities were livable and the housing inventory beginning to build up locally is seen and sold. She discussed neighborhood programs like those in North that involve small businesses and realtors promoting their neighborhoods, doing tours and the like.
Combined with her focus on trying to get businesses to move back into the vacant industrial buildings in the neighborhoods, Howitz Hanna described a plan she hopes will bring more residents back into the area, bringing people closer to their jobs. She said she believes that communities are trending smaller and people will want to live where they can ride or walk to work.
I asked her what she thought would be her biggest strength as a candidate, and she explained that it would be her ability to see and represent the overall picture -- that she would represent not just the people who go to websites for information and attend all of the neighborhood meetings, but also the people who just work and pay their taxes, but need to have a voice, too. She said she would work hard to make sure that all groups have an equal voice.
It was obvious that her campaign was only a few days old, and yet to find its footing. But Susan Howitz Hanna was engaging to speak with and again, I'm always drawn to a female candidate.
Friday I will be talking with Kevin Reich, and I intend to make a decision sometime this weekend.
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
Mpls City Council Ward 1 -- Jose Velez- 1st impressions
Today I had a chance to sit down with Jose Velez and ask him about his run for the Ward 1 DFL endorsement.
In many ways, Jose was much luckier than Doron Clark, as he got my undivided attention rather than a half-distracted baby wrangler. But he didn't get to talk to Smartie, so perhaps it balanced out.
The two candidates have a lot in common. Both have obvious pride in their city and their neighborhood. Both have a dedication to bike paths as part of their transit plans that still quite honestly befuddles me (can we please get the #11 to come more frequently, first?). But there were genuine differences between the two as well.
Velez was highly focused on the best ways to keep the neighborhood strong in the face of the plummeting real estate market. His ideas on rehabilitating troubled properties with more green and energy efficient materials combined with a possible apprentice program with children of color to learn to provide the labor seemed like a reasonable solution to deal with the two tier issue of blight properties and job creation. And I learned quite a bit about projects around the city that I had no idea were occurring, like the JAC Flats initiative.
But then there's the streetcars. I understand the appeal. I played on them in San Francisco. But I just don't know if I feel that streetcars can work here. A streetcar going up Central would be great for slowing folks down enough to see the wide array of businesses we have. But I sort of think of it like the bus on Nicollet Mall. People ride it to connect to other buses, they seldom just ride up and down to go to the shops themselves. I would like to see a light rail go from University and hook downtown. I feel that it would be much more useful.
Both candidates have definite strengths, and I think would make excellent city council members for their own reasons. I will go further what those are on Monday.
Tomorrow, I meet Susan Howitz Hanna, and Friday, Kevin Reich. So, more first impressions tomorrow.
In many ways, Jose was much luckier than Doron Clark, as he got my undivided attention rather than a half-distracted baby wrangler. But he didn't get to talk to Smartie, so perhaps it balanced out.
The two candidates have a lot in common. Both have obvious pride in their city and their neighborhood. Both have a dedication to bike paths as part of their transit plans that still quite honestly befuddles me (can we please get the #11 to come more frequently, first?). But there were genuine differences between the two as well.
Velez was highly focused on the best ways to keep the neighborhood strong in the face of the plummeting real estate market. His ideas on rehabilitating troubled properties with more green and energy efficient materials combined with a possible apprentice program with children of color to learn to provide the labor seemed like a reasonable solution to deal with the two tier issue of blight properties and job creation. And I learned quite a bit about projects around the city that I had no idea were occurring, like the JAC Flats initiative.
But then there's the streetcars. I understand the appeal. I played on them in San Francisco. But I just don't know if I feel that streetcars can work here. A streetcar going up Central would be great for slowing folks down enough to see the wide array of businesses we have. But I sort of think of it like the bus on Nicollet Mall. People ride it to connect to other buses, they seldom just ride up and down to go to the shops themselves. I would like to see a light rail go from University and hook downtown. I feel that it would be much more useful.
Both candidates have definite strengths, and I think would make excellent city council members for their own reasons. I will go further what those are on Monday.
Tomorrow, I meet Susan Howitz Hanna, and Friday, Kevin Reich. So, more first impressions tomorrow.
Local 49 endores Velez
release here
Adam E. Duininck
Legislative & Political Director
Int'l Union of Operating Engineers Local 49
(612) 877-3736 (D)
(612) 788-1936 (F)
aduininck@local49.org
www.local49.org
Operating Engineers Endorse Jose Velez for Ward 1 Minneapolis City Council Seat
Minneapolis – St Paul, Minnesota (February 24, 2009) The International Union of Operating Engineers Local 49 is proud to announce our endorsement of Jose Velez for Ward 1 Minneapolis City Council.
Our endorsement committee, comprised of both members and staff, voted unanimously to endorse Mr. Velez. Ultimately, the committee was swayed by Mr. Velez's deep-rooted passion and personal experience in the fight to advance the cause of working-class families.
Mr. Velez has personally experienced the issues facing working people in his community. He led the fight to organize his staff union in Chicago to change his deteriorating working conditions and was later elected president of that union.
He grew up in a union household, and he intimately understands the benefits to a family that a stable, well-paying job can provide. Mr. Velez's working-class background is just the kind of voice that we need now more than ever.
“Jose really demonstrated enthusiasm and a commitment to working people when he screened with us,” said Local 49 Political Director Adam Duininck. “He really connected with our members, and Jose left an impression that he is passionate, experienced, and running to fight for us.”
ABOUT LOCAL 49
Local 49 represents more than 13,000 Operating Engineers in Minnesota, South Dakota and North Dakota. This includes employees who work for the city of Minneapolis and the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board that repair our streets and bridges, plow our roads, and perform the duties required to maintain a good and safe city.
Adam E. Duininck
Legislative & Political Director
Int'l Union of Operating Engineers Local 49
(612) 877-3736 (D)
(612) 788-1936 (F)
aduininck@local49.org
www.local49.org
Operating Engineers Endorse Jose Velez for Ward 1 Minneapolis City Council Seat
Minneapolis – St Paul, Minnesota (February 24, 2009) The International Union of Operating Engineers Local 49 is proud to announce our endorsement of Jose Velez for Ward 1 Minneapolis City Council.
Our endorsement committee, comprised of both members and staff, voted unanimously to endorse Mr. Velez. Ultimately, the committee was swayed by Mr. Velez's deep-rooted passion and personal experience in the fight to advance the cause of working-class families.
Mr. Velez has personally experienced the issues facing working people in his community. He led the fight to organize his staff union in Chicago to change his deteriorating working conditions and was later elected president of that union.
He grew up in a union household, and he intimately understands the benefits to a family that a stable, well-paying job can provide. Mr. Velez's working-class background is just the kind of voice that we need now more than ever.
“Jose really demonstrated enthusiasm and a commitment to working people when he screened with us,” said Local 49 Political Director Adam Duininck. “He really connected with our members, and Jose left an impression that he is passionate, experienced, and running to fight for us.”
ABOUT LOCAL 49
Local 49 represents more than 13,000 Operating Engineers in Minnesota, South Dakota and North Dakota. This includes employees who work for the city of Minneapolis and the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board that repair our streets and bridges, plow our roads, and perform the duties required to maintain a good and safe city.
Susan Howitz Hanna confirmed in race
I'll be having coffee with her tomorrow. If you have questions, please leave a comment, send an email, or tweet me @robinmarty.
Late entry into Ward 1 endorsement race
I've just heard that Susan Howitz Hanna decided this weekend to jump into the race. I know nothing about her but what I found here.
I'll try to contact her and see what else I can learn.
Also, I still have not heard back from Kevin Reich.
Updated: She was also Ostrow's campaign treasurer.
Susan Howitz Hanna
Age: 49
Resume: Account manager for Qwest, former Ostrow campaign Treasurer, Minneapolis Civil Rights Commissioner.
Notes/Sites: Again is a potential candidate and doesn't have a site but has a strong resume. She says she'd like to see a strong female candidate and as the only rumored female candidate that could be her and could give her an edge.
I'll try to contact her and see what else I can learn.
Also, I still have not heard back from Kevin Reich.
Updated: She was also Ostrow's campaign treasurer.
Doron Clark latest email
(I'll have a post up about my coffee with Jose Velez later today, but for now, the latest email from the Clark campaign)
Neighbors for Doron Clark
Strong Neighborhoods
Quality Jobs
Responsive Leadership
Caucus for Clark on March 3rd
Doron Clark logo
Caucuses are coming!
On Tuesday March 3rd at 7:00 pm, neighbors in Ward 1 will gather at the Northeast Middle School (2955 Hayes St. NE) to select delegates to the April 4 Ward 1 Convention. The delegates will determine who earns the DFL endorsement in the race for Ward 1 City Council.
Doron needs you to Caucus for Clark on March 3rd to become a Delegate for Doron at the Ward 1 Convention.
How do I become a delegate?
In most precincts, you will simply need to volunteer by raising your hand. Occasionally, you will be asked to introduce yourself by sharing your name and how you are involved in the neighborhood. These folks are your neighbors, let them know who you are!
If you can't attend on March 3rd, call 612.987.8142 or email volunteer@DoronClark.com and a volunteer supporting Doron Clark will provide an absentee form for you to support Doron despite your absence.
After I become a delegate, what happens next ?
Mark your calendar for April 4th. The Ward 1 endorsing convention will meet at 10:00 on April 4th and delegates will select the DFL endorsed candidate for Ward 1.
Never been to a caucus?
Caucuses last about an hour and are a great way to meet your neighbors.
Caucus training occurs Thursday February 26th at 7:30 pm at Windom Park (2251 Hayes St. NE). Learn the easy way to caucus and support Doron Clark.
You Can Help!
Doron has a very competitive race and needs your help to win!
* Caucus for Clark on March 3rd at Northeast Middle School (7:00 pm)
* Become a volunteer! If you have 30 minutes, you can help. Email volunteer@DoronClark.com to help.
*
Facebook Group
* Donate! Doron is halfway to his $1000 February goal. Can you help today?
www.DoronClark.com
Prepared & Paid for by Neighbors for Doron Clark; Dean DeGroot, Treasurer
1914 Ulysses St. NE
Minneapolis, MN 55418
Neighbors for Doron Clark
Strong Neighborhoods
Quality Jobs
Responsive Leadership
Caucus for Clark on March 3rd
Doron Clark logo
Caucuses are coming!
On Tuesday March 3rd at 7:00 pm, neighbors in Ward 1 will gather at the Northeast Middle School (2955 Hayes St. NE) to select delegates to the April 4 Ward 1 Convention. The delegates will determine who earns the DFL endorsement in the race for Ward 1 City Council.
Doron needs you to Caucus for Clark on March 3rd to become a Delegate for Doron at the Ward 1 Convention.
How do I become a delegate?
In most precincts, you will simply need to volunteer by raising your hand. Occasionally, you will be asked to introduce yourself by sharing your name and how you are involved in the neighborhood. These folks are your neighbors, let them know who you are!
If you can't attend on March 3rd, call 612.987.8142 or email volunteer@DoronClark.com and a volunteer supporting Doron Clark will provide an absentee form for you to support Doron despite your absence.
After I become a delegate, what happens next ?
Mark your calendar for April 4th. The Ward 1 endorsing convention will meet at 10:00 on April 4th and delegates will select the DFL endorsed candidate for Ward 1.
Never been to a caucus?
Caucuses last about an hour and are a great way to meet your neighbors.
Caucus training occurs Thursday February 26th at 7:30 pm at Windom Park (2251 Hayes St. NE). Learn the easy way to caucus and support Doron Clark.
You Can Help!
Doron has a very competitive race and needs your help to win!
* Caucus for Clark on March 3rd at Northeast Middle School (7:00 pm)
* Become a volunteer! If you have 30 minutes, you can help. Email volunteer@DoronClark.com to help.
*
Facebook Group
* Donate! Doron is halfway to his $1000 February goal. Can you help today?
www.DoronClark.com
Prepared & Paid for by Neighbors for Doron Clark; Dean DeGroot, Treasurer
1914 Ulysses St. NE
Minneapolis, MN 55418
Monday, February 23, 2009
Northeast Beat on the Ward 1 candidates
Dan Haugen has a nice little wrap up of outreach strategy for the Ward 1 candidates over at Northeast Beat. I hadn't noticed that Reich had meetings on his website, and, unfortunately, the only one left before the date of the caucus is during a birthday party we already committed to. I sent an email last night to Reich asking for a chance to talk before next Tuesday, so hopefully I will get a response.
New Velez email Feb 23
(ed note -- I am extremely happy to see that there was both a subject line and a live link to the website. Great improvements! And yes, this is the same text as the letter from Friday. I'm a little slow.)
------------
Moving Northeast Forward
This is a tough time for the City of Minneapolis. Continuing cuts to local government aid and a national recession mean dwindling resources for this great City.
At the same time, Northeast Minneapolis finds itself at a crossroad, when two long-time elected officials step down next January, Northeast will lose significant experience and influence in both the City Council and the Park Board.
Now is the time to be strategic about positioning Northeast Minneapolis so that we emerge from these difficult economic times not just intact, but even better than before. To achieve that, we need a City Council Member who can hit the ground running and ensure that our history of strong representation does not experience any lapse whatsoever during the upcoming transition of leadership.
It is because of this challenging situation that after much thought and consultation with my family, I am running for your endorsement as a Ward 1 City Council candidate.
For four years I have worked as the Policy Aide to 5th Ward City Council Member Don Samuels. During that time I have learned how City Hall works and how resources get allocated. I have formed strong relationships with the staff that keep this City functioning, and I have learned how to get things done.
The constituents of the 5th Ward will tell you that I am their toughest advocate. They will tell you that I take the challenges of their Ward seriously, and that I deliver solutions, which evolve from the relationships that I have with City staff. As a long-time resident of Northeast Minneapolis and the father of two school-aged children, I want to bring that hard-fought experience to our part of the City.
I love Northeast Minneapolis and as your council member I intend to make sure that Northeast is at the forefront of the Council’s agenda as we negotiate the upcoming budget and form an economic development plan. In Northeast Minneapolis we understand that public safety and living wage jobs are inextricably linked. I will work tirelessly to bring increased livability, economic opportunity and safety to this part of the City. I hope you will caucus for me on at 7:00 PM March 3rd at Northeast Middle School, 2955 Hayes St NE as I run for the DFL endorsement.
To learn more about my background and vision for the First Ward, please visit my website at www.josevelez.org. I hope to meet you in person very soon. Join me, and together, we can keep Northeast Minneapolis moving forward.
Best regards,
Jose Velez
P.S. Please contact me by return email or by phone at 612.708.1496 with your ideas to keep Northeast moving forward.
Prepared and paid for by Citizens for Velez. Chris Gams, Treasurer, www.josevelez.org.
------------
Moving Northeast Forward
This is a tough time for the City of Minneapolis. Continuing cuts to local government aid and a national recession mean dwindling resources for this great City.
At the same time, Northeast Minneapolis finds itself at a crossroad, when two long-time elected officials step down next January, Northeast will lose significant experience and influence in both the City Council and the Park Board.
Now is the time to be strategic about positioning Northeast Minneapolis so that we emerge from these difficult economic times not just intact, but even better than before. To achieve that, we need a City Council Member who can hit the ground running and ensure that our history of strong representation does not experience any lapse whatsoever during the upcoming transition of leadership.
It is because of this challenging situation that after much thought and consultation with my family, I am running for your endorsement as a Ward 1 City Council candidate.
For four years I have worked as the Policy Aide to 5th Ward City Council Member Don Samuels. During that time I have learned how City Hall works and how resources get allocated. I have formed strong relationships with the staff that keep this City functioning, and I have learned how to get things done.
The constituents of the 5th Ward will tell you that I am their toughest advocate. They will tell you that I take the challenges of their Ward seriously, and that I deliver solutions, which evolve from the relationships that I have with City staff. As a long-time resident of Northeast Minneapolis and the father of two school-aged children, I want to bring that hard-fought experience to our part of the City.
I love Northeast Minneapolis and as your council member I intend to make sure that Northeast is at the forefront of the Council’s agenda as we negotiate the upcoming budget and form an economic development plan. In Northeast Minneapolis we understand that public safety and living wage jobs are inextricably linked. I will work tirelessly to bring increased livability, economic opportunity and safety to this part of the City. I hope you will caucus for me on at 7:00 PM March 3rd at Northeast Middle School, 2955 Hayes St NE as I run for the DFL endorsement.
To learn more about my background and vision for the First Ward, please visit my website at www.josevelez.org. I hope to meet you in person very soon. Join me, and together, we can keep Northeast Minneapolis moving forward.
Best regards,
Jose Velez
P.S. Please contact me by return email or by phone at 612.708.1496 with your ideas to keep Northeast moving forward.
Prepared and paid for by Citizens for Velez. Chris Gams, Treasurer, www.josevelez.org.
Sunday, February 22, 2009
Mpls City Council Ward 1 next meeting Tues
I've just arranged for coffee with Jose Velez Tuesday morning. Once again, if you have any questions please drop them in the comments, via email or by twitter. Thanks!
Mpls City Council Ward 1 -- Doron Clark - 1st impressions
Saturday Smartie and I had the chance to meet Doron Clark for coffee. I was greatly impressed by his willingness to talk about any aspect of his campaign, from issues to background to who is on his staff. His knowledge of the issues affecting the area was comprehensive, and his frankness on admitting that there are issues he won't be an expert on and will need to turn to others for input regarding was refreshing.
Smartie and I had to do some tag-team questioning, as the Munch wasn't in a sitting-at-the-table kind of mood (possibly because we did not get her an apple fritter beforehand like we promised, although we addressed that situation shortly thereafter). One of the things I was surprised about was that when asked what he'd begin working on, his list wasn't the vast, sweeping generalities that I'm used to from many candidates. Instead it included reasonable, bite-sized to dos that, well, honestly, could actually get done. His initial quick hit idea on creating a center to work with small businesses, much as you have a department that works with the unemployed during layoffs, was especially interesting to me, as it's something I have thought the city has needed for awhile
I missed the discussion he had with Smartie about addressing the overtime costs of the Minneapolis police department by redoing their shifts, something I wish I had gotten to hear just because I know how large of a chunk of the city budget overtime can be when we were looking at it once at the Minnesota Monitor/Independent. That Clark understands that a police endorsement is both unlikely and not in his best interest as it could put pressure on him is quite telling.
I was also impressed by the Clark's interest in what issues affected us the most. He took notes as we talked. I love when the candidates do that, as it makes me feel as though my opinions are really being weighed.
But it wasn't all positive. When I wanted to talk more about public transit, he seemed much more focused on bike paths than I would have liked. I want more frequent buses, and routes that don't shut off at 11pm on a Saturday. I understand that bike paths, as opposed to the bus system, have the benefit of being all upfront cost, with little down the road in maintenance and labor. However, if it's -10 degrees and the baby needs a checkup, I'm not going to strap her into the bike trailer and take her to the doctor's office that way, I'm going to grab a bus. To me, bike paths as a commuter option is for people with cars to have a choice, where as buses are for people without cars to actually be able to get from point a to point b.
All in all, I found my overall impression to be favorable at this point. Doron Clark is obviously a strategic thinker who is taking this campaign very seriously. I would have no misgivings at this point with him winning the endorsement, but will not be picking who I will caucus for until I have had a chance to speak with the other two as well.
Saturday, February 21, 2009
More Ward 1 News -- Velez letter
A copy of introduction letter being sent out to caucus goers, for those who are interested in that sort of thing.
Coffee with Doron Clark
A little late, but Smartie and I are attending Doron Clark's Saturday coffee session in about 2 hours (8:30 to 9:30 am at the Audubon in Northeast). If you have questions, please send them to me, either via comments on this post, email at rewatpowerliberalATgmailDOTcom, or via twitter at robinmarty. You can send questions until 9 am.
Friday, February 20, 2009
Free Tech Friday -- Mpls City Council Ward 1 edition
I'm trying to wrap my head around the city council candidates for Ward 1 this week. I was hoping to make the meet and greet with Jose Velez last night, but the baby wasn't up for anything outside of throwing food and going to bed at 6. We're planning on going to Audubon to meet Doron Clark tomorrow morning, and still need to find a way to interact with Kevin Reich.
However, when all you have to go one is online presence, a few things stand out. Here is what I've gathered so far.
Jose Velez
Please take charge of your email campaign. Sending out emails without sending one to yourself to see how it appears is criminally negligent. Here are the issues you desperately need to fix asap:
Write a proper email subject -- I have now received two emails from you, both with the subject line "Email Subject." How this has not gotten caught in my spam filter I will never know, but I nearly deleted the first assuming it was spam (and may have deleted some, I have no idea).
Logo -- Be sure to understand that most people receive their emails without display. I get no logo, just a word "logo" up top. When I hit "display image" I still do not get a logo. Try to make your email as simple as you can if you cannot be sure your images are going through; test your rendering a few times in a few different email clients, especially the most common ones like gmail and outlook.
Live links, or at least text -- There is no live link to your campaign website. Even worse, I tried to copy and paste the url into a browser and it appears to be picture rather than text and would not copy. You need to make getting to your web site much easier, or I'm not going to try.
Get your domain, or get something far from it -- Since I could not copy/paste your url, I flipped open a new browser page and typed it in. But I mistyped and did josevelez.com versus josevelez.org, like your email said. I don't pay a ton of attention to detail, which is why I don't run for office myself. The .com is a landing page. Since you obviously can't get that (unless you want to see what they are asking to buy it) I would recommend buying a .com url very different from it in order to park your site. I'm sure I'm not the only one who automatically puts in .com, so a www.citizensforvelez.com would stick in my head more easily than josevelez.org (and, as you can see, it's still open if you want it). Pay someone a few dollars and they'll sit down and talk useful urls with you.
Kevin Reich
Dear Mr. Reich -- you need serious SEO help. The fact that I just put kevin reich+city council into google and can't find your website on the first page does not bode well. At the very least, may I suggest google ads so you show up when people type in your name? Or Minneapolis City council? And, while you are in there, your opponents' names?
Luckily, someone sent me the address last week, so I can go back to my email to find it.
Ok, now that we have established that it's near impossible to find your site without insider info, let's look at the other big problem: please, please EDIT YOUR TEXT! There is absolutely no excuse for you to have a website that has bad characters in it. How can you expect me to trust you with my city budget if you can't even do a second glance at your web copy?
Doron Clark
Your website is pretty, your url is easy, your calendar is full of events, your facebook is overflowing, your issues and endorsements go on and on, and your media includes both new media and old. I'm running out of things to advise. Do I chide you for not trying to friend me yet? Scold your lack of twittering? Suggest a message board for your website so non-facebook people can interact with you more directly? I'm stumped. Hopefully I can come up with something before your coffee time tomorrow morning.
Will any of this help out Ward 1 candidates? I guess it all depends on who's savvy enough to set up google alerts...
Updated to add: Doron Clark has now friended me, so I guess that answers that question.
However, when all you have to go one is online presence, a few things stand out. Here is what I've gathered so far.
Jose Velez
Please take charge of your email campaign. Sending out emails without sending one to yourself to see how it appears is criminally negligent. Here are the issues you desperately need to fix asap:
Write a proper email subject -- I have now received two emails from you, both with the subject line "Email Subject." How this has not gotten caught in my spam filter I will never know, but I nearly deleted the first assuming it was spam (and may have deleted some, I have no idea).
Logo -- Be sure to understand that most people receive their emails without display. I get no logo, just a word "logo" up top. When I hit "display image" I still do not get a logo. Try to make your email as simple as you can if you cannot be sure your images are going through; test your rendering a few times in a few different email clients, especially the most common ones like gmail and outlook.
Live links, or at least text -- There is no live link to your campaign website. Even worse, I tried to copy and paste the url into a browser and it appears to be picture rather than text and would not copy. You need to make getting to your web site much easier, or I'm not going to try.
Get your domain, or get something far from it -- Since I could not copy/paste your url, I flipped open a new browser page and typed it in. But I mistyped and did josevelez.com versus josevelez.org, like your email said. I don't pay a ton of attention to detail, which is why I don't run for office myself. The .com is a landing page. Since you obviously can't get that (unless you want to see what they are asking to buy it) I would recommend buying a .com url very different from it in order to park your site. I'm sure I'm not the only one who automatically puts in .com, so a www.citizensforvelez.com would stick in my head more easily than josevelez.org (and, as you can see, it's still open if you want it). Pay someone a few dollars and they'll sit down and talk useful urls with you.
Kevin Reich
Dear Mr. Reich -- you need serious SEO help. The fact that I just put kevin reich+city council into google and can't find your website on the first page does not bode well. At the very least, may I suggest google ads so you show up when people type in your name? Or Minneapolis City council? And, while you are in there, your opponents' names?
Luckily, someone sent me the address last week, so I can go back to my email to find it.
Ok, now that we have established that it's near impossible to find your site without insider info, let's look at the other big problem: please, please EDIT YOUR TEXT! There is absolutely no excuse for you to have a website that has bad characters in it. How can you expect me to trust you with my city budget if you can't even do a second glance at your web copy?
Doron Clark
Your website is pretty, your url is easy, your calendar is full of events, your facebook is overflowing, your issues and endorsements go on and on, and your media includes both new media and old. I'm running out of things to advise. Do I chide you for not trying to friend me yet? Scold your lack of twittering? Suggest a message board for your website so non-facebook people can interact with you more directly? I'm stumped. Hopefully I can come up with something before your coffee time tomorrow morning.
Will any of this help out Ward 1 candidates? I guess it all depends on who's savvy enough to set up google alerts...
Updated to add: Doron Clark has now friended me, so I guess that answers that question.
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
North Dakota gets a whole lot more "people"
The North Dakota state house has now passed a bill stating that a fertilized egg is now a "person".
When do they start passing the tax breaks for pregnant mothers? Do frozen embryos get to count as dependents?
When do they start passing the tax breaks for pregnant mothers? Do frozen embryos get to count as dependents?
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
The Big (Blog) Breakup
Well, I'm a day late, but here's the big news: We're separating websites. From now on, the Powerliberal will be back to its original roots as a politics blog, and the baby pictures will be in another spot. Smartie and I are both delegates to the Minneapolis Convention, so we will be doing more posts about the city council race, among other things, as well as some neighborhood coverage over changes around here, especially with the bridge over the railyard likely coming down. And, of course, the numerous things that will be coming about as we move (way too quickly) into the 2010 election.
So if you are one of the people who keeps waiting for the politics to show back up...congratulations, you outlasted me. And if you are here for baby pictures and the cute little stories that make being a parent fun, you can find that all over at the Marty Family Blog. Including a really bizarre bit about our grocery shopping experience with the baby last Sunday.
So, this post is for Mark. You can stop staring at the baby pictures now.
So if you are one of the people who keeps waiting for the politics to show back up...congratulations, you outlasted me. And if you are here for baby pictures and the cute little stories that make being a parent fun, you can find that all over at the Marty Family Blog. Including a really bizarre bit about our grocery shopping experience with the baby last Sunday.
So, this post is for Mark. You can stop staring at the baby pictures now.
Saturday, February 14, 2009
Munch's first Valentine
Last year, Munch was too small to really participate in Valentine's day.
This year, she got a package of goldfish crackers from a boy named Oliver, who apparently already knows the key to her heart. That was quick.
Luckily, he didn't give her monkeys like her dad and I did.
But her favorite gift was the refrigerator magnets her daddy got for me...
Happy Valentine's Day!
Edited to add: We will be at "Marty Party" in St Cloud this weekend, so no posts. However, we will have something new to share on monday. Something that I think will make many readers happy.
Edited again to add: No, very much not pregnant, thanks!
This year, she got a package of goldfish crackers from a boy named Oliver, who apparently already knows the key to her heart. That was quick.
Luckily, he didn't give her monkeys like her dad and I did.
But her favorite gift was the refrigerator magnets her daddy got for me...
Happy Valentine's Day!
Edited to add: We will be at "Marty Party" in St Cloud this weekend, so no posts. However, we will have something new to share on monday. Something that I think will make many readers happy.
Edited again to add: No, very much not pregnant, thanks!
Thursday, February 12, 2009
14 months old
It's nearly 3 pm, and Smartie and I just realized that Munch is 14 months old today. Much as a point passes where you realize you've stopped tracking your child's birthday in weeks, it appears we're getting to a place where the months aren't so big of a deal, either.Other than being a little skinny, which makes her look smaller than she is, you'd never know she's so young. She went from walking to running to now walking about on her tiptoes and walking backwards, her two new favorite tricks. She's picking up works and noises quickly -- she can mimic a monkey if you ask her to, and anything having to do with fish makes her make fish mouth at you, including pictures in a book and even goldfish crackers. She will show you her ears, her nose, and her belly button (although sometimes she misses) and your belly button as well. And she'll pick up a word after one or two tries if it appeals to her in some way, like her unfortunate realization that I have a tattoo.
She sings, she dances, she loves "Saucy" the snowman. And now I understand what you all meant when you said they grow up too fast.
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
Tuesday morning random thoughts
Have a seat, this will only take a few minutes.Smartie and I had a discussion a few days ago where we decided that Norm Coleman's legal team doesn't really believe that they can win, but are dragging this out as long as possible to keep Franken out of the seat. I had come up with the idea a while ago, as it would make Franken easier to defeat in 2014. But Smartie thinks it's now being perpetuated by the RNC to keep the democrats down one senator to make bills harder to pass. The stimulus package, he says, is an excellent example of why this matters to them.
But now I realize there's yet another complication. Why would Coleman's lawyers want anything BUT a molasses trial when he's made almost $190,000 since November? If i was getting paid over $60,000 a month I'd take my sweet time, too.
In other news, despite the lengthy and detailed recount process there are still no signs of voter fraud in Minnesota according to the GOP themselves. Of course, someone forgot to tell the MNGOP. Oddly enough, there was one case -- the felon who shouldn't have voted who voted for Coleman. Even though that's the exact same thing that happened in Florida, the GOP must have decided to leave it off their site for some reason. I wonder if it had to do with who the vote was cast for.
Finally, more men than women are being laid off during this recession. Is it because more traditionally male job categories are hurting, or because women make less? Bob Collins says the former, but retail has taken a huge nosedive, so I'm not as sure.
More thoughts tomorrow...
Monday, February 09, 2009
Getting back into the swing of things
Just a couple of links and some pics today.
My cousin in law is doing the 3 day walk for breast cancer again this year, and is fundraising at her site. Be sure to check out her pictures from last years walk and drop some money if you can.
Right before I left town I was in a Star Tribune article about the controversy over banning breastfeeding pictures on Facebook. I don't really feel like me quote was placed in the context it was meant -- I went through the banned pictures on facebook and a majority of them were of women who were breastfeeding and had the other breast exposed, and many of them were breastfeeding children that appeared to be two years old or older.
I'm fine with people breastfeeding in public, and I didn't feel like that was what these pictures were about. But the article, and the follow up point that both my negative comments and the other negative comments made were by women who couldn't breastfeed, made it clear that we were supposed to look like we were anti-breastfeeding because we weren't able to. So, thanks for once again bringing back my breastfeeding guilt, Strib.Finally, for a bit of politics, God wants Norm Coleman to win. But only when he's on conservative radio
Sunday, February 08, 2009
Where we've been
For those of you who read who are not family, last Friday, January 30th, my stepmother passed away after battling cancer. It was a very sudden passing -- she had been diagnosed only 6 weeks earlier and was about to undergo her second session of chemotheraphy when she died. The family has been in Omaha to support my father through this difficult time.You can read more about her, some of her work, and a memorial fund that has been set up here.
As my brother said best in her eulogy, she would never be considered the life of the party, but she was always so happy to be at it.
She was 51 years old.
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