SPicy looks forward to this holiday.  The food. The fun. The gathering of family and friends - and finding out who the Star Tribune's Patrick Reusse has picked for the Turkey of the Year.

Well - SPicy has been thinking.  In a world of media getting more and more interested in community news, it might be time to take Patrick Reusse's turkey - and make it mean more to Saint Paul.

Introducing the first-ever SPiced Turkey of the year awards.

The Biggest Feather Award
John "Mr. Saint Paul" Labosky
Gotta hand it to a guy who can use a magazine that most people have never read or heard about - and get yourself on the cover.  "Mr. Saint Paul" used the opportunity to rewrite history.  Who knew he was the driving force behind the Minnesota Wild, the Xcel Energy Center, Lawson Software, the amazing renaissance. Not only did John help with this story, he made sure every board member of the Capital City Partnership got a copy in the mail.
SPicy was not surprised that John did not take credit for the Millard Fillmore Dinner.  (there is apparently still honor among thieves)

The Les Nessman - Turkeys can't fly award
Mr Lee Helgen. The ink was not dry on the election certificate before the newly re-elected 5th Ward representative tried to take over as chair of the Housing Redevelopment Authority (HRA) and make an even bigger mark on this community. But, just as fast as Arthur Carlson (played by Gordon Jump realized, some turkeys can't fly.  Lee's ambitions landed like a frozen foul crashing through the windshield of a parked car. Someone else will get the prized seat.  As Les Nessman said it best: " Oh, the humanity!"

The Community Turkey award
SPicy has been impressed by the energy and passion of council member-elect Melvin Carter.  Impressed enough to honor him and his amazing ability to use the word community during a media interview.  SPicy tried to count how many times Melvin could use the word "community" in an interview on the November 9th episode of Almanac. (Yes, SPicy does need a hobby) It was like there was a special prize if he could get to 20.  SPicy stopped counting somewhere after 15 - and encourages everyone to visit tpt.org - to check out the archived versions of the show.  Truly amazing - because it is all about community.

The only building a turkey can jump over award
This special recognition goes to Bob Spaulding. Long a SPicy-favorite, Bob has earned this special award by continuing to speak proudly of a "community process" that resulted in a project that has produced great expectations and a nice sales center.  The great process Bob is so proud of delayed the project enough to make sure sales started as the housing market collapse was in full swing. Bob is so proud of this approach that he has been advocating it for other important opportunities for Saint Paul.  Way to go Bob.  This award is meant for you.  The Penfield will remain the one housing project even a turkey can jump over - progress truly empowered by the community.

The Gobble Award 
As in: gobbling up as many tax dollars as possible.  The winner is Victoria Park.  Congratulations on a project that has cost taxpayers millions of dollars with no possibility of a positive ROI.  The touted success of Shalom Home is even more ridicules.  The "community" gains 800 residents that will have nothing to do with the community.  I shutter to think of the early bird special rush at J.R. Macs.  Do they serve Jello?

The RDF turkey award
Co-winners Anne Hunt, District Energy, and the Port Authority. This dynamic three-some thought that using the "legislative process" and the fear of losing 500 jobs to get taxpayers to pay for a bio-mass rdf "garbage burner" on University Ave. Little did they know that Anne's ex-husband (tom welna) and his supporters were not pleased. This award is thankfully land-fill friendly.

SPicy wishes everybody a very Happy Thanksgiving and is thankful we live in a place that allows us to do this.