viewpoints

St. Paul elections: DFL is trying to put a thumb on the scales

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Opinion editor’s note: This article was submitted by David Durenberger, Shirley Erstad, John Mannillo and the other members of the steering committee of Saint Paul STRONG, which describes itself as “a nonpartisan, community-led organization dedicated to improving open and representative government.”­ Durenberger is a former U.S. senator from Minnesota. Erstad is a former candidate for the …

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Saint Paul Officials Bend the Rules at the Risk of Losing the Public Trust

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St. Paul STRONG is a nonpartisan organization dedicated to improving accessible and representative government in St. Paul. We do not take positions on issues, but support inclusive, transparent and accountable public processes. Public trust is the key to a stronger St. Paul. Only when everyone in the city is treated equally and public officials are …

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Judge the Ford site process by openness and accountability, not just by number of meetings

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Saint Paul STRONG has observed the Ford Site decision-making process playing out contentiously in our city. A recitation of this process was recently the subject of an opinion piece by Council Member Chris Tolbert in the St. Paul Pioneer Press. What has not been addressed are the reasons why this is increasingly the subject of …

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Planning Commission jumps the gun on Corridor Critical Area issue

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Strong Blog Picture this:  a row of buildings along the northerly Mississippi River bluff in Saint Paul from the confluence of the Minnesota and Mississippi Rivers near Fort Snelling to downtown.  Not just any buildings, but 65’+ buildings that stand well above the 40’ or so tree line.  How do you feel about that? Has …

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Parks Commission does disservice In Grand Round and Corridor Critical Area discussions

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Did you hear about the public hearing for the Grand Round?   About the one concerning the rules governing resource protection and development around our Mighty Mississippi? Public hearings are part of our governmental system.  They are supposed to be just that, “public” “hearings” in which our policy makers can hear from you and me.  The …

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St. Paul thwarts citizen participation in public policy

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The good news is that St. Paul invites citizens to serve on a variety of boards and commissions. The bad news is that information about these opportunities is inconsistent and confusing, and the appointment process lacks openness, transparency and accountability. The city’s website states: “The city of St. Paul has over 30 boards and commissions …

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