Ok, I know I said that I was supporting Clark. But I still appreciate good outreach, and this is, as far as I know, the first Video message to go out in the Ward 1 race. And I like it! I wish more candidates did these, they really get personality through.
Thursday, March 26, 2009
Monday, March 16, 2009
Doron Clark for Ward 1
Having finally spoken to all of the candidates, I have made a decision to support Doron Clark for city council, and will be voting for him on the first ballot. Although I was a huge fan of Jose Velez, I believe in the end that Doron has an energy, an enthusiasm and a determination that puts him just ahead of Jose and through that one my support.
It was a very difficult decision to come to. Frankly, after meeting Jose for coffee a few weeks ago I was ready not just to vote for him, but to ask him for a job as well. His vision for the community was compelling and I wanted to be a part of it.
But I feel both men are equally qualified. Endorsements began to matter more to me, and then intangibles became a bigger and bigger factor.
Friday morning, I found a note in my door that Doron had stopped by door knocking the night before. Saturday, I found him at my door again. I was letting in a group of women for a bachelorette party I was hosting and he was on my doorstep. I offered him an anatomically correct cookie, and he pointed out to the women entering that he was, in fact, not the stripper for the party. I introduced him to one woman and said "She's in your district, too."
"I'm Doron Clark and I'm running for City Council," he said, offering his hand to shake.
Not many people can wander into a situation like that and be completely unphased. If he has that kind of calm and humor in the face of the unexpected, I think he will do wonderfully handling big personalities, budget crises and other calamities in the office.
So today, I am happy to announce myself as a supporter, and hope you will consider supporting him as well.
It was a very difficult decision to come to. Frankly, after meeting Jose for coffee a few weeks ago I was ready not just to vote for him, but to ask him for a job as well. His vision for the community was compelling and I wanted to be a part of it.
But I feel both men are equally qualified. Endorsements began to matter more to me, and then intangibles became a bigger and bigger factor.
Friday morning, I found a note in my door that Doron had stopped by door knocking the night before. Saturday, I found him at my door again. I was letting in a group of women for a bachelorette party I was hosting and he was on my doorstep. I offered him an anatomically correct cookie, and he pointed out to the women entering that he was, in fact, not the stripper for the party. I introduced him to one woman and said "She's in your district, too."
"I'm Doron Clark and I'm running for City Council," he said, offering his hand to shake.
Not many people can wander into a situation like that and be completely unphased. If he has that kind of calm and humor in the face of the unexpected, I think he will do wonderfully handling big personalities, budget crises and other calamities in the office.
So today, I am happy to announce myself as a supporter, and hope you will consider supporting him as well.
Thursday, March 12, 2009
Ward 1 update
Sorry about the low posting, but it's been surprisingly quiet since caucus. I've had no contact from the Clark campaign. Reich has friended me on facebook and sent me a list of upcoming house parties. In fact, the only one who's done any real outreach to me so far has been the Velez campaign, with Jose calling two days ago and Rosemary calling tonight. I think I will be making a houseparty on the 25th, and I will try to hit a Reich coffee at Audubon this Sunday, assuming my bachelorette party isn't too rambunctious the night before.
More council thoughts after those, I think.
More council thoughts after those, I think.
Thursday, March 05, 2009
Reversing the economic downturn -- Solution 1
I've been thinking a lot about the economy lately, like most people no doubt. So periodically over the next few days I'll be putting out alternate 'bailout' ideas. This first one came today via email:
I think it would work, but then again, I just really want to sell my house and get something bigger.
The main problem right now is that we're in a constant downward spiral of decreasing spending -> job losses -> foreclosures -> repeat. Right? If we could break that cycle we could at least bottom out the market and then start working our way back up. So....
The government should pay to the banks the value of 25% of all mortgages originated or refinanced from late 2001 to late 2007 (or whatever the bubble years were). In return for this money, the banks agree to reduce all of these mortgages by 25%. That's it.
The conservatives are happy because the government takes no ownership stake in the banks or the mortgages or anything else. Other than this one action they stay out of the market. The liberals are happy because this gives direct benefit to the middle class. The banks get a bunch of capital to pad their bottom line and extend credit. Most importantly, homeowners get relief in the form of lowered mortgages payments so fewer of them go into foreclosure and those who weren't near foreclosure get a little extra money each month to spend or save as they see fit. Also, this puts the value of houses a little closer to their true value which helps to stabilize the housing market a bit and also allows at least some current homeowners the chance to unload their current properties and buy a new house without taking a major loss.
The only major downsides I can see are that it would cost a ton of money and it would end up rewarding some bad behavior from people who took out loans they couldn't afford, but both of those downsides are inevitable parts of every equation. The reason my solution is different is that it's forward thinking-instead of just giving money to banks to offset toxic asset write offs (due to foreclosure) it stabilizes the banks *and* the homeowners so that foreclosures stop happening and then banks don't need to continue writing off toxic assets.
So, brilliant or simplistic? What do you think?
I think it would work, but then again, I just really want to sell my house and get something bigger.
Suffering for beauty
The theory is being tossed out that VP candidate Sarah Palin was handicapped by her beauty, as there are no smart and beautiful women. Personally, I assume people questioned her intelligence because of media interviews, but that's just me.
So, are all sexy women considered less intelligent? Are there no smart hotties in government?
I think if we look around a little we can find some...
So, are all sexy women considered less intelligent? Are there no smart hotties in government?
I think if we look around a little we can find some...
Standing on the corner, waiting for the bus...
I have a weird car phobia. I'm not sure why, but I utterly hate the idea of driving. Maybe it's because I know I have a habit of distractability, or maybe it's the fact that I really don't like things that go fast (I hated skiing, I use my brakes biking down hills, and I'm a poke on gocarts). So far, I've managed to avoid a drivers license thanks to decent public transportation. And being a one car household is nice, especially when that car is paid for and under warranty for another 5 years.
So needless to say, when I was told that because of the plans to pull down the railyard bridge in Columbia Park the #11 was going to be in trouble, I worried quite a bit.
For those who don't know the neighborhood, we're sandwiched in between University and the railyard. We're about 5 blocks wide and 5 blocks long. We have a lovely park at one end, and the other end is the Minneapolis boarder. Because we are so cut off, we have little through traffic, and mostly quite streets. And, for a transit lover like me, the #11 comes through it fairly regularly, stopping a block from my house, and goes downtown where you can hook up with pretty much any bus you need. It's not a frequent bus, like you can get on the big routes, but if you plan right it's usually mostly convenient, running every 20 minutes during rush hour and half hour off rush, Monday through Friday. It gets harder on the weekend, when it's only every hour. And, as I discovered one Saturday night, it doesn't go all the way home after 11pm, dropping me about two miles from my house at 12am after girl's night.
Still, it does the job, and really, it's all we have unless you count an express bus that runs 6 times a day M-F, three times in the morning and three times at night.
It didn't occur to me when they were making plans for the bridge that the bus would no longer be able to run. Luckily, someone who went to the meeting emailed me, and I was able to contact Jack Yuzna, who today sent me an email assuring me that the route, although it will be moved, will continue running.
This is a huge relief not just to me, but to many in my neighborhood. Many people here have more people than cars, or are trying to keep their costs down in ways that make the bus a good choice for them. And frequently the bus is taken by the elderly in my neighborhood, who would not have the ability to walk the 3/4ths of a mile it would take to get to Central, the next nearest route.
I'm told that there will be a public discussion about the detour, and I will continue to make sure that details of the meeting get out into the public. At this point, the most logical choice would be to reroute onto University, making a stop at 37th, then turn, perhaps on Lowry, although that still leaves out a lot of people on the other side of the bridge.
If you have rerouting suggestions, I would love to compile them to have to present once a public meeting is set. Ensuring buss access to our neighborhood is a huge priority to me.
However, just in case, I suppose I should work on getting over this car phobia and getting my license.
So needless to say, when I was told that because of the plans to pull down the railyard bridge in Columbia Park the #11 was going to be in trouble, I worried quite a bit.
For those who don't know the neighborhood, we're sandwiched in between University and the railyard. We're about 5 blocks wide and 5 blocks long. We have a lovely park at one end, and the other end is the Minneapolis boarder. Because we are so cut off, we have little through traffic, and mostly quite streets. And, for a transit lover like me, the #11 comes through it fairly regularly, stopping a block from my house, and goes downtown where you can hook up with pretty much any bus you need. It's not a frequent bus, like you can get on the big routes, but if you plan right it's usually mostly convenient, running every 20 minutes during rush hour and half hour off rush, Monday through Friday. It gets harder on the weekend, when it's only every hour. And, as I discovered one Saturday night, it doesn't go all the way home after 11pm, dropping me about two miles from my house at 12am after girl's night.
Still, it does the job, and really, it's all we have unless you count an express bus that runs 6 times a day M-F, three times in the morning and three times at night.
It didn't occur to me when they were making plans for the bridge that the bus would no longer be able to run. Luckily, someone who went to the meeting emailed me, and I was able to contact Jack Yuzna, who today sent me an email assuring me that the route, although it will be moved, will continue running.
This is a huge relief not just to me, but to many in my neighborhood. Many people here have more people than cars, or are trying to keep their costs down in ways that make the bus a good choice for them. And frequently the bus is taken by the elderly in my neighborhood, who would not have the ability to walk the 3/4ths of a mile it would take to get to Central, the next nearest route.
I'm told that there will be a public discussion about the detour, and I will continue to make sure that details of the meeting get out into the public. At this point, the most logical choice would be to reroute onto University, making a stop at 37th, then turn, perhaps on Lowry, although that still leaves out a lot of people on the other side of the bridge.
If you have rerouting suggestions, I would love to compile them to have to present once a public meeting is set. Ensuring buss access to our neighborhood is a huge priority to me.
However, just in case, I suppose I should work on getting over this car phobia and getting my license.
Wednesday, March 04, 2009
Post caucus wrap up
So I was surprised, delighted and a little upset honestly to find out that we had more people/letters than spots to the ward convention in our precinct (upset because as an assistant precinct captain, that makes things harder). We managed to work everything out due to a whole lot of MN nice, and avoided having to subcaucus. I wonder how much of democracy is really about drawing names out of hats...
I'm glad we didn't have to subcaucus because frankly, after seeing all 4 candidates speak, I'm more torn. I liked Kevin Reich as a speaker a great deal. I'm hoping to get to talk to him one on one before the convention. Velez came off as the most uncomfortable speaker, although I think he started in our room so maybe he warmed up as he went. Clark was poised and well versed in his stump.
I was annoyed by Susan Howitz Hanna. Please don't come into a room of neighborhood activists who met to participate in their government and say that you are there to represent the people who don't like to show up or get involved. It's one thing to work to represent everyone in your community. But emphasizing that you want to represent the other folks isn't going to win over the active participants.
I think there were a lot of Reich supporters in my room. I saw a lot of buttons.
So, still decisions to be made, but I feel like there is still enough time to make it well informed.
I'm glad we didn't have to subcaucus because frankly, after seeing all 4 candidates speak, I'm more torn. I liked Kevin Reich as a speaker a great deal. I'm hoping to get to talk to him one on one before the convention. Velez came off as the most uncomfortable speaker, although I think he started in our room so maybe he warmed up as he went. Clark was poised and well versed in his stump.
I was annoyed by Susan Howitz Hanna. Please don't come into a room of neighborhood activists who met to participate in their government and say that you are there to represent the people who don't like to show up or get involved. It's one thing to work to represent everyone in your community. But emphasizing that you want to represent the other folks isn't going to win over the active participants.
I think there were a lot of Reich supporters in my room. I saw a lot of buttons.
So, still decisions to be made, but I feel like there is still enough time to make it well informed.
Monday, March 02, 2009
Ward 1 Final Thoughts
It's the night before caucus, and the endorsements appear to be flying left and right. Clark just recently received Stonewall DFL and ACORN, and Velez's endorsement by the Minneapolis Building and Construction Trades Council. It seems like mow is the time for reflecting, and so I have been.
In all honesty, it's been most likely a two person race in my head for a bit. Although I greatly enjoyed talking with Susan Howitz Hanna, and as much as I feel I should support a woman candidate, I just don't feel like she has put the thought and effort into her campaign that the others have. I know that she has only recently entered the race, but I don't get a strong grasp of what she is running for, other than because people have asked. Our ward and our city will be going through some very trying times. I need more from her than what I am seeing.
I still have not had a chance to talk to Reich. That's primarily my fault. Frankly, I was already having a very hard time deciding between Clark and Velez. I don't think I really wanted another person in the mix. Possibly that was what made me less open to Hanna as well, but I still feel pretty sure about my decision regarding her.
So that leaves two.
I have a list of pros and cons for both Velez and Clark. And I have been going back and forth for about a week now. I intended to list everything until I realized that my issue right now is that when I was done meeting with Clark I thought he was a person I'd like to sit down and discuss politics and the city's issues with. When I was done meeting with Velez, I was half tempted to ask him for a job.
I'm really enthused about both candidates. I think they would both make great city council members. But when it comes down to it, I can't make a decision yet, and I don't think I'm ready to. I need more time to see them campaign. And I want to see what Take Action Minnesota thinks. There are still a lot of people on the fence and I've decided I don't have to feel guilty about being one of them.
So I'm going to caucus undecided tomorrow. Hopefully I will see you all there.
In all honesty, it's been most likely a two person race in my head for a bit. Although I greatly enjoyed talking with Susan Howitz Hanna, and as much as I feel I should support a woman candidate, I just don't feel like she has put the thought and effort into her campaign that the others have. I know that she has only recently entered the race, but I don't get a strong grasp of what she is running for, other than because people have asked. Our ward and our city will be going through some very trying times. I need more from her than what I am seeing.
I still have not had a chance to talk to Reich. That's primarily my fault. Frankly, I was already having a very hard time deciding between Clark and Velez. I don't think I really wanted another person in the mix. Possibly that was what made me less open to Hanna as well, but I still feel pretty sure about my decision regarding her.
So that leaves two.
I have a list of pros and cons for both Velez and Clark. And I have been going back and forth for about a week now. I intended to list everything until I realized that my issue right now is that when I was done meeting with Clark I thought he was a person I'd like to sit down and discuss politics and the city's issues with. When I was done meeting with Velez, I was half tempted to ask him for a job.
I'm really enthused about both candidates. I think they would both make great city council members. But when it comes down to it, I can't make a decision yet, and I don't think I'm ready to. I need more time to see them campaign. And I want to see what Take Action Minnesota thinks. There are still a lot of people on the fence and I've decided I don't have to feel guilty about being one of them.
So I'm going to caucus undecided tomorrow. Hopefully I will see you all there.
Velez endorsed by Minneapolis Building and Construction Trades Council
For Immediate Release
Minneapolis Building Trades Announces Endorsements for Minneapolis City Offices
Minneapolis, Minnesota (March 2, 2009) The Minneapolis Building and Construction Trades Council is proud to announce the following endorsements for Minneapolis City Council, Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board, and Minneapolis Board of Estimate and Taxation.
Mayor
RT Rybak
City Council
Ward 1 Jose Velez
Ward 2 Cam Gordon
Ward 3 Diane Hofstede
Ward 4 Barb Johnson
Ward 6 Robert Lilligren
Ward 7 Lisa Goodman
Ward 8 Elizabeth Glidden
Ward 9 Gary Schiff
Ward 10 Lara Norkus-Crampton
Ward 11 John Quincy
Ward 12 Sandy Colvin-Roy
Ward 13 Betsy Hodges
Park Board
District 1 Michael Rainville
District 2 Jon Olson
District 3 Scott Vreeland
District 4 Tracy Nordstrom
District 5 Marty Demgen
District 6 Bob Fine
At-Large John Erwin
At-Large Tom Nordyke
At-Large Annie Young
Board of Estimate and Taxation
Carol Becker
Sean Broom
Our endorsement committee, comprised of representatives of our affiliated unions, voted unanimously to endorse this slate of current and future city leaders. We look forward to working with them to build a city that has a sustainable economy and infrastructure.
ABOUT THE MINNEAPOLIS BUILDING AND CONSTRUCTION TRADES COUNCIL
The Minneapolis Building and Construction Trades Council and its affiliates represent nearly 30,000 union construction workers. Our affiliates represent construction workers as well as employees who work for the City of Minneapolis and the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board. Together, we are building better communities everyday!
###
Minneapolis Building Trades Announces Endorsements for Minneapolis City Offices
Minneapolis, Minnesota (March 2, 2009) The Minneapolis Building and Construction Trades Council is proud to announce the following endorsements for Minneapolis City Council, Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board, and Minneapolis Board of Estimate and Taxation.
Mayor
RT Rybak
City Council
Ward 1 Jose Velez
Ward 2 Cam Gordon
Ward 3 Diane Hofstede
Ward 4 Barb Johnson
Ward 6 Robert Lilligren
Ward 7 Lisa Goodman
Ward 8 Elizabeth Glidden
Ward 9 Gary Schiff
Ward 10 Lara Norkus-Crampton
Ward 11 John Quincy
Ward 12 Sandy Colvin-Roy
Ward 13 Betsy Hodges
Park Board
District 1 Michael Rainville
District 2 Jon Olson
District 3 Scott Vreeland
District 4 Tracy Nordstrom
District 5 Marty Demgen
District 6 Bob Fine
At-Large John Erwin
At-Large Tom Nordyke
At-Large Annie Young
Board of Estimate and Taxation
Carol Becker
Sean Broom
Our endorsement committee, comprised of representatives of our affiliated unions, voted unanimously to endorse this slate of current and future city leaders. We look forward to working with them to build a city that has a sustainable economy and infrastructure.
ABOUT THE MINNEAPOLIS BUILDING AND CONSTRUCTION TRADES COUNCIL
The Minneapolis Building and Construction Trades Council and its affiliates represent nearly 30,000 union construction workers. Our affiliates represent construction workers as well as employees who work for the City of Minneapolis and the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board. Together, we are building better communities everyday!
###
ACORN endorses Doron Clark
I hope to do my thoughts later tonight, but the baby is sick again so I'm having issues getting it done. In the meantime, another Clark endorsement---
For Immediate Release: March 2nd, 2009
Contacts: Sunday Alabi, APAC Chair 612.860.5520
A Nurack, Head Organizer 515.664.6691
Minnesota ACORN PAC Endorses Slate of Candidates
Minneapolis candidates commit to fight for working families
Minneapolis, Minn. - Members of Minnesota ACORN Political Action Committee endorsed a slate of candidates for Mayor and city council in Minneapolis. The endorsements come a day before the March 3rd precinct caucuses and sets the candidates on the path to win critical support from other organizations that work for social justice.
ACORN PAC's Endorsed Candidates:
Mayor: RT Rybak
City Council:
Ward 1 - Doron Clark
Ward 5 - Don Samuels
Ward 6 - Robert Lilligren
Ward 9 - Gary Schiff
Ward 10 - Matt Filner
Ward 11 - John Quincy
"These candidates are committed to fighting for working families," said Sunday Alabi, the Chair of ACORN's Political Action Committee. "From fighting predatory lenders and preventing foreclosures to creating living wage jobs and workplace dignity, these candidates have worked hard to help low and moderate income communities. We're proud to send them to City Hall."
Winning the endorsement of an organization that serves low- and moderate-income communities and addresses issues such as affordable housing, health care, and poverty may help the candidates gain the endorsement of the Democratic Farmer-Labor Party.
The ACORN Political Action Committee is a voluntary organization established by members of ACORN, a grassroots community organization of low and moderate income families. ACORN PAC organizes our communities to support candidates who will stand up for the interests of low and moderate income people.
757 Raymond Ave., #200 St. Paul, MN 55114 -
(651) 642-9639 (651) 642-0060 fax -
mnacorn@acorn.org
For Immediate Release: March 2nd, 2009
Contacts: Sunday Alabi, APAC Chair 612.860.5520
A Nurack, Head Organizer 515.664.6691
Minnesota ACORN PAC Endorses Slate of Candidates
Minneapolis candidates commit to fight for working families
Minneapolis, Minn. - Members of Minnesota ACORN Political Action Committee endorsed a slate of candidates for Mayor and city council in Minneapolis. The endorsements come a day before the March 3rd precinct caucuses and sets the candidates on the path to win critical support from other organizations that work for social justice.
ACORN PAC's Endorsed Candidates:
Mayor: RT Rybak
City Council:
Ward 1 - Doron Clark
Ward 5 - Don Samuels
Ward 6 - Robert Lilligren
Ward 9 - Gary Schiff
Ward 10 - Matt Filner
Ward 11 - John Quincy
"These candidates are committed to fighting for working families," said Sunday Alabi, the Chair of ACORN's Political Action Committee. "From fighting predatory lenders and preventing foreclosures to creating living wage jobs and workplace dignity, these candidates have worked hard to help low and moderate income communities. We're proud to send them to City Hall."
Winning the endorsement of an organization that serves low- and moderate-income communities and addresses issues such as affordable housing, health care, and poverty may help the candidates gain the endorsement of the Democratic Farmer-Labor Party.
The ACORN Political Action Committee is a voluntary organization established by members of ACORN, a grassroots community organization of low and moderate income families. ACORN PAC organizes our communities to support candidates who will stand up for the interests of low and moderate income people.
757 Raymond Ave., #200 St. Paul, MN 55114 -
(651) 642-9639 (651) 642-0060 fax -
mnacorn@acorn.org
Doron Clark gets Stonewall Endorsement
Stonewall DFL Endorses Doron Clark
Clark Picking Up Steam Heading into March 3rd Caucuses
Today, Stonewall DFL announced its endorsement of Doron Clark. "I'm honored by Stonewall DFL's endorsement," Clark stated in accepting the group's endorsement. "I fundamentally believe that basic civil rights must be extended to all members of the GLBT community."
Clark's campaign manager, Nolan Pitlick added, "Stonewall DFL thoughtfully considers all candidates in a race. Their endorsement shows the depth of knowledge Doron holds on a diverse spectrum of topics."
The endorsement gives the Doron Clark campaign critical momentum heading into the March 3rd DFL caucuses.
Broad Support for Doron Clark
Stonewall DFL's endorsement joins the endorsement of AFSCME, Minnesota's second largest union; neighborhood presidents Jeffrey Kraker (Logan Park), Jeffrey Martin (Waite Park), and Wendy Menken (SE Como); and hundreds of supporters.
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!
* 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!Can you help today with a gift of $30, $60, or even $300?
www.DoronClark.com
Prepared & Paid for by Neighbors for Doron Clark; Dean DeGroot, Treasurer
1914 Ulysses St. NE
Minneapolis, MN 55418
Clark Picking Up Steam Heading into March 3rd Caucuses
Today, Stonewall DFL announced its endorsement of Doron Clark. "I'm honored by Stonewall DFL's endorsement," Clark stated in accepting the group's endorsement. "I fundamentally believe that basic civil rights must be extended to all members of the GLBT community."
Clark's campaign manager, Nolan Pitlick added, "Stonewall DFL thoughtfully considers all candidates in a race. Their endorsement shows the depth of knowledge Doron holds on a diverse spectrum of topics."
The endorsement gives the Doron Clark campaign critical momentum heading into the March 3rd DFL caucuses.
Broad Support for Doron Clark
Stonewall DFL's endorsement joins the endorsement of AFSCME, Minnesota's second largest union; neighborhood presidents Jeffrey Kraker (Logan Park), Jeffrey Martin (Waite Park), and Wendy Menken (SE Como); and hundreds of supporters.
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!
* 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!Can you help today with a gift of $30, $60, or even $300?
www.DoronClark.com
Prepared & Paid for by Neighbors for Doron Clark; Dean DeGroot, Treasurer
1914 Ulysses St. NE
Minneapolis, MN 55418
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