SaintPaulicy.com 2008-08-28T09:49:31Z http://saintpaulicy.com/atom.aspx Quick Blog Don't Bond Angry tag:saintpaulicy.com,2008-04-08:c7db8ebf-f887-4c0d-90e7-84acf3cf433f Saint Paulicy 2008-04-09T07:45:24Z 2008-04-08T16:04:00Z SPicy obtained a forwarded email from Saint Paul’s Chief Lobbyist Wendy Underwood.  In it she alludes to a strategy how the City of Saint Paul will paint notions that the failure to obtain $70 Million in capital bonding were “political, they were not about the merits of the project.” See the email below:

  Wendy Underwood 4/7/2008 5:51 PM

As you may have heard by now, Governor Tim Pawlenty officially line-item vetoed over $200 million in (SPicy asks: in what Wendy?) this year.  All Saint Paul projects were vetoed.  Central Corridor and all other east metro transit projects, including Union Depot, were vetoed.  Most other projects vetoed were from the metro area.

Attached is a spreadsheet of the vetoed projects.

I can't speak to next steps yet.  Line-item vetoes may be overridden one at a time; this may be a tactic with Central Corridor, but it will be challenging to get 90 votes on the House Floor.  The bill sits at $716m, leaving just over $100m to fit under the State's 3% bonding cap; this would allow the House and Senate to put together a second bonding bill.  Again, it would be very difficult to pass a second bill off the House floor.

You will hear in coming days that these vetoes were political, they were not about the merits of the projects.  It is important to me that the bonding project teams know this and that all of your very hard work resulted in being in the final bill.  We did everything we could, and we did it really well.  Thank you.

I'm still pretty shocked by all this (but smoothly entering the stage of anger).  Please call with questions.

All the best,

Wendy

Back to SPicy:

It is clear the Mayors Office was immediately prepared to introduce the excuse that the motivation behind Governor Pawlenty’s veto was based on politics. Mayor Coleman, so quick to jump to conclusions should be asking himself is; are all of Saint Paul’s budgetary issues are so entrenched in loss of increased payments in Local Government Aid. Some soul searching will point closer to the fact the City of Saint Paul has lost its way and is focused on obtuse priorities.

SPicy believes that if the City and the Saint Paul Delegation, instead of blasting the Governor, immediately responded to the veto calling on the merits of the Central Corridor Light Rail Line, that the political rhetoric floating around today would be more civil and may lead to a higher level of discourse.

SPicy has read from afar in the past months about tasers and ensuring visible locations for protesters.  Suggestions from City Council Member Dave Thune that bar patrons in town during the convention will be puking Republican lobbyists, and in other emails also from Mr. Thune that those same people are traitorous and anti-American.

SPicy would much rather see a better exchange of ideas from the Governor and our delegation, Mayor and Council. SPicy will ask that all Saint Paul residents and light rail advocates recall what it means to make difficult choices and react in a manner that does not apply unmitigated blame on those who you rely upon.

When the Mayor’s staff moves beyond anger and denial, acceptance of the power structure in today’s political climate might make you realize that you have to work with the powers that be.  The Mayor and Council should be reminded that their rhetoric when attacking the Governor is sound and smart. Yet when he returns the “favor” the DFL reaction is that he is just being mean.

Mayor Coleman has been taking his share of rhetorical shots at the Governor.  If the Mayor intends on using his Mayoral pulpit to run for Governor, do so now. Your incessant blame game is getting very old.

]]> An Unfriendly Bond tag:saintpaulicy.com,2008-04-07:530d0fb1-b6df-45ca-beed-257cc70950b7 Saint Paulicy 2008-04-07T15:38:49Z 2008-04-07T15:17:00Z Governor Pawlenty today shook the monkey off his back and taught Mayor Chris Coleman a lesson about politics. It’s a little unfair for SPicy to level all the blame on the Mayor.  Placing all your hopes and dreams in the Saint Paul Legislative Delegation for something positive to happen in your city is a concept doomed for failure.

SPicy’s been busy and a little disconnected with things on the political scene over the past few months.  One thing for sure, SPicy is smart enough to know that when you keep blaming the guy with the red pen for all your ills, you’re likely to pay for it in the end.

No doubt local officials have made great strides in getting the Central Corridor planning to mutual agreement, but from the looks of things, the Governor just pulled the emergency brakes.  DFL legislators have done yeomen’s work in taxing Minnesota residents to the edge this year.  County officials have done their part too, all in the name of transit.

SPicy has to wonder how much sense it made for the City of Saint Paul to enter into the legislative session with a novice lobbyist.  SPicy also wonders how the City proposed such a broad list of bonding priorities if Central Corridor was the number 1 priority, why they did not focus on a core issue like Central Corridor.

SPicy believes that all of the eastern metropolitan area was dealt a significant setback when losing the $70 Million for the Central Corridor.  A train down University Avenue would have been something of a moral victory for Saint Paul.  SPicy hopes that this $70 Million can somehow be reinstated and fast.  If not, look for SPicy and SPousy on the train to Eden Prairie.

One final note SPicy got an email from a member f the Highland Business Association.  Even this group is hearkening to days gone by.  Mayor Chris Coleman participated at a luncheon the other day. Too bad the agenda listed that the group would have Mayor Norm Coleman as their guest.

]]> If you can't be with the one you love, tax the one you're with! tag:saintpaulicy.com,2008-02-05:8f3f8859-818b-4fba-8d24-4319cea1ef55 Saint Paulicy 2008-02-05T13:28:11Z 2008-02-05T13:01:00Z (With apologies to Stephen Stills, SPicy wonders if this might be the new theme song coming out of City Hall.)


SPicy is sorry to be taxing you readers today, but feast your eyes on this: 

Word came across SPicy's tipline last week that artfully crafts a new revenue stream for Saint Paul. SPicy is not shocked for it is the culture of this administration, more taxes.  The plan feels like a classic rock song – something you've heard before.  It wasn't really great then, sounds even worse now.

The plan is apparently to increase the food and/or drink tax during the time of the RNC convention.  While Mayor Coleman's heart will be in Denver – he realizes there will be a lot of fat cats and big wallets right here in the Capitol City when the RNC rolls into town.

As the city looks at a tight budget, SPicy can imagine how this idea emerged.

"We really don't like the RNC – but there are plenty of rich Republicans.  Like us Democrats, they like to drink too.  They like to eat, albeit better than we do.  And since there is not a lot in the way of an expanded tax base in Saint Paul – the city really needs to find some more money."

Bingo

St. Paul raises the drink and food tax just for the week of the convention.  When the evil Republicans leave – things go back to normal.  What's left behind is free money.  It's clean and easy.  No one gets hurt – and the GOP won't miss the extra ½ percent.

Fans of SPicy will remember that this is not the first time the Mayor wanted us all to pay more for a beer and a hamburger.  Last year the administration tried to sneak this through using shifty political tricks.  State Senator Mee Moua pushed the idea through a legislative committee way past bar time.  She was able to get it approved by an un-recorded voice vote only to have State Senator Tom Bakk take it out on the floor of the Senate at the last minute.

The plan that time was to raise the tax on all bars and restaurants.  This time – the focus seems to be only on the convention.  Yet as the tip line continues to buzz with emails about this bad idea, SPicy has a few questions:

- Will Senator Moua again wait until after bars close (2AM) to push through another new tax idea – or will she do this when people are actually paying attention?

- Will the tax be only on bars and restaurants in the core downtown area?  If so, does the Mayor's office really think RNC delegates are going to spend time at the Gopher Bar?

- Is it fair to make downtown bars who won't get an increase in convention business pay an added tax while places like Dixies, O'Gara's, and other bars who might get some convention business don't have to pay?

- If the tax is for the entire city, does the Mayor really think that The Cherry Pit, Tiffany's, Skinners, Tin Cups, or any other neighborhood bar will see any more business because of the RNC?

- Should regular citizens have to pay more for a beer because the Mayor wants to fleece people he has ideological issues with?

- Will the city compensate bars and restaurants for the costs of updating cash register computers for the changed tax?

- How will the city enforce the tax and what is the penalty for not complying?

- Can the administration come up with another way to raise money that does not include taxing bars and restaurants?

- Will the city actually turn the new tax off after the RNC leaves town?

Count on SPicy to stay on the case.  If the Mayor, Senator Moua, any other Council Member or Saint Paul Legislative Delegation Member would like to weigh in, SPicy will gladly keep a tally of your position as an addendum to this post.

Who wants to be first? tipline@saintpaulicy.com awaits.

]]> Politics is Politics tag:saintpaulicy.com,2008-02-05:356f069e-4160-40c6-8f45-9b42d6b12c40 Saint Paulicy 2008-02-05T12:49:52Z 2008-02-05T10:10:00Z There has been some chatter about the reappointment of North-ender Sue McCall not being granted another term on the City’s Planning Commission.  It's SPicy’s opinion that Ms. McCall should wear this denial as a badge of honor.  She dutifully supported the election of David Haas and lost.  She stood her ground, picked the long shot and thought what she was doing was right for the city.

It will not be long before Council Member Lee Helgen starts claiming credit for the many efforts that have been spearheaded by Ms. McCall. SPicy has been no great defender of Lee Helgen, but politics is, well politics.

It cannot be said that Mayors don’t pick their allies to serve on different City Boards and Commissions. It is also within the power of the council to deny the appointments.

Its been happening for years.  In the last decade Mayor Norm Coleman was trying to appoint Rich Wolfgramm and Hal Fotsch to the Heritage Preservation Commission after the St.Paul Cos. Expansion effort was tubed to preserve the Coney Island Grill, mmm.  SPicy remembers going there as a teenager.

(Side note to the Arvanitis’ –it was written in the Pioneer Press that the Coney Island is one of the top prospects for reopening in Saint Paul, SPicy and SPousy would love to bring the grand-kids!)

Then Council Member Jay Benanav’s secretary was one Ella Thayer.  Her opposition was so convincing to her boss that the appointments were held up for a long time, and Rich Wolfgramm, an architect nonetheless, was removed from consideration.  The result, St. Paul Cos. is now Traveler’s and their presence in Saint Paul is always under threat of disappearing.  Despite committing to re-opening once the MN Wild had their first game at the Xcel Energy Center in 2000, the number of days that the Coney Island has been opened since, Zero.

When Mayor Coleman took over from Randy Kelly, one of the first issues that Coleman had to display leadership on was the Holman Field Levy.  The Planning Commission had the chance to be the final vote on the matter, if the plan was denied neither the Council or the Mayor would have to deal with it.  The Mayor and his staff members lobbied hard against the flood wall.  Several Planning Commissioners were up for reappointment, after the Mayors efforts were defeated, four of the members up for reappointment were replaced.  According to City Hall Scoop they were Christine Lonetti, Matt Anfang, Dan Scott and Matt Mejia.  They were replaced by several members who are so anti development, the Mayor had to extend considerable effort for them to vote in favor for something as simple as a Trader Joe’s.  Another result, despite the Mayor’s office efforts to kill the Flood wall, the Mayor’s Mid-term Report cites the building of the very same wall as one of his major accomplishments.

Another political move happened about a month ago.  The CIB committee, which has been run under Chair Unger for years, was poised for re-election as chair on at a Monday meeting.  Unger, a Kelly appointee had just enough votes to retain his chairmanship, and the Mayor’s Office knew it.  New CIB appointees were due for ratification by the Council on the Wednesday meeting after Unger’s re-election attempt on the CIB.  In a more unprecedented move, the Mayor’s Office pushed the council to bring in new CIB appointments under suspension 1 week early.  The result, Coleman’s appointees now control the CIB Committee and process.

Finally the Sue McCall flap. 

While it will always be debatable whether those on any commission or board actually represent the best and brightest the city has to offer, it's politics, get over it.  If any of you reading this were in Mr. Helgen’s position, you would have done the same thing. If you want to be in that position, run for office.

]]> Yeah, SPicy's still here tag:saintpaulicy.com,2008-02-05:55a2fbe0-25f2-437d-a025-c65462699635 Saint Paulicy 2008-02-05T08:30:20Z 2008-02-05T07:14:00Z
Chris Coleman passed out the largest tax increase in city history, all the while complaining about LGA.  Then "fires" his head lobbyist because Chris is told that going to the legislature with a message akin to standing on a freeway off-ramp will doom all other legislative priorities of the City. 

Yawnnnnnnnnnnnn.  This type of leadership is getting really old.

Yeah, SPicy was on top of the HDC ouster of Bill Poulos as well but does it really matter?  Too much politics and too little neighborhood work.  He was suprised but should have seen it coming.  It even took one or two of the new members of the HDC to vote in support of removing Poulos.  Don't think Georgia Deitz is far behind, she's been seen at the Human Rights Department regarding her ill fated attempt at becoming the new community organizer, SPicy hopes she wouldn't plan to sue anyone.  So much for the Republi "can't"  revolution in Highland Park.

SPicy is still hearing rumblings about the next Mayors race.  Coleman, Entenza, Finney, and ........................yep, Fletcher's name has been bantered about, especially at last nights annual Mancini's Fundraiser.  It should be interesting. 

SPicy is still dialed in, don't worry.  As a matter of fact, after some fact-finding SPicy will be weighing in later today with somewhat of a resurrection of a past issue.
]]> LGA Update tag:saintpaulicy.com,2008-01-08:cdaa5674-f5bb-4437-a70f-dbe973ba109d Saint Paulicy 2008-01-08T21:13:09Z 2008-01-08T15:38:00Z An update from the LGA - getting caught on the wrong course at the wrong time.


SPicy joined many others last year watching as Mayor Coleman, Mayor Rybak and others who are trying to earn their card on the ongoing LGA (Longshot Gubernatorial Ambition) tour.  This is the place where ambition is tested, skills are needed, and smart play moves one up on the big leader board. Based on some events from earlier this week - SPicy thought it might be time for an update.


While last year Mayor Coleman was making a strong move to the  top- it appears the new year finds our potential gubernatorial candidate in some pretty deep rough.


The LGA is a not for week of heart or timid self-esteem.  For one to succeed on the tour - a player needs to know when to putt, drive, or even stay at home on the practice tee.


Case in point - Tuesday's headline the Star Tribune. 3M will sell entire East Side campus

After months of planning, 3M Co. will begin marketing its entire 40-acre East Side St. Paul campus today to a few select parties, company officials said yesterday. How did the Mayor's Office not see this coming, or at least hear about it?  For months the City has led an effort for the redevelopment of the Ford Plant, here they are left with no contingency whatsoever.


While 3M was making this important annoucement, Mayor Coleman brought his clubs to Minnesota's 8th Congressional District - to watch a  new friend take the oath of office as Mayor of Duluth.


Story at WDIO

St. Paul Mayor Chris Coleman was also in the crowd, to show his support. "We mayors need to stick together. Mayors are the economic engines of cities, and if the cities are strong, Minnesota is strong.


What's has the sound of amazing irony is that while SPicy agrees that "Mayors are the economic engines of cities" - it may have been better if Saint Paul's economic engine was actually running when 3M made the announcement.  SPicy has learned that city officials were taken by surprise by both the timing of the announcement and the fact that the company was going to sell the entire site. Someone should check for service bulletins, recalls and whether this engine is still under warranty.

Officials from city departments and the Port Authority scrambled to a hastily called meeting in city hall to talk about what to do.  The urgency was enough that Lori Louder apparently cancelled a meeting related to the ongoing issues involving Rock-Tenn (another ticking economic development issue that will have a significant impact on the city budget).

SPicy has spent the past two days reading about downtown and the state of affairs for restaurants and night life.  While it is good that there is signs of life and activity, SPicy was suprised that Mayor Coleman was not part of either story.  The bully pulpit of the Mayor's office is a valuable resource that has been used to sell and promote the city in the past.

And on a day when a massive section of the city's economic development future goes on the market - SPicy would have hoped that the Mayor would have been on hand to manage the situation.

Duluth is a great place to visit.  SPicy and SPousy love Fitgers.  But we love strong leadership even more.

When we look at the updated LGA leader board - it now looks like Bagger Vance (R. T. Rybak) has moved into a two shot lead.  Mayor Coleman lost a shot yesterday and another when he endorsed what looked like another sure thing - Hillary Clinton.

SPicy will continue to watch the leader board and provide updates.  And SPicy also suggests that Mayor Coleman givessomeone  in Hartford Conn. a call before he is met with some bad news on the Travelers front.  Maybe he'll read about them in the paper too.  Put your faith in SPicy, SaintPaulicy is on the case.

]]> SPicy's NIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS tag:saintpaulicy.com,2007-12-20:f44cf52e-2cd9-446c-83e8-58a613f3e957 Saint Paulicy 2007-12-20T19:42:35Z 2007-12-20T16:15:00Z SPousy said this will not be a suitable version for the grand-kids. Too scary.


SPicy's NIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS
By SPicy, with sincere apologies to Clement Clarke Moore.

'Twas the night before Christmas, when all through our city,
politicians are stirring, maybe even Bill Finney.

Expectations left hanging by Coleman for Mayor,
His mid term report astoundingly bare.

District councils nestled in community beds,
Endless STAR funds danced in their heads.

SPicy in pajamas, SPousy cuddled close by,
we’d just settled in for a night of shut-eye.

When out on the blogosphere an upload caused chatter,
SPicy sprang from the bed to see what was the matter.

SPicy wearily opened the internet browser,
”Yes dear I must, even at this late hour.”

New fallen content shined with political ambition,
It looks like progressives may have a new mission.

When, what to my wondering eyes should appear,
a former state lawmaker, his wife’s checkbook right near.

With his refined hair, quick wit and stanza,
could it be? It is, it’s St. Matt Entenza.

More rapid than transit the beckons they came,
He whistled, and shouted, and called them by name;

"On, Como! On Highland! On Merriam Park!”,
”On, East Side and West Side, you too Mr. Stark!”
”On Grand! On Payne Ave! Where’s Victoria Park?”

” I’ve organized all you progressives behind me!
TO CITY HALL, room number 390!”

Like the hopes and dreams before an election they fly,
St. Matt Entenza ascends to the sky.

So up above the water tower they flew,
A sleigh full of ambition, St. Matt with them too.

In gazing fear, I read on his website,
scary Ideas from a tank, thinking their right.

My heart racing faster, the room’s only sound,
On mn2020 - St. Matt can be found.
Policies, photos and progressive ideas abound.

A bundle of aspirations far flung in his sack,
a politician longing just to get back.

His eyes -- how they twinkled!
The soundbites so merry!
Policies so progressive, more so than John Kerry!

His think tank fired up like he’s ready to blow,
Intentions for this city he must want to show.

He had a red face from aspirations gone by,
and a big fat checkbook that will never run dry.

Will ambition take shape for the former lawmaker?
Will the DFL again play king-maker?

I trembled in fear at my property tax statement;
His agenda will send St. Paul to the basement.

He’s now in my house assessing the bounty,
Oh my dear God, he’ll take more than the county!

Soon taxpayers will have loss of shelter to dread;
His agenda will take all, maybe even my bed.

He spoke not a word and went further left with his work,
He took all the stockings, and my life’s work.

Up the chimney he left with his hopeful desire;
One last waft, he’s extinguished the fire!

He exclaimed from his hybrid unlike a thief in the night;

My names Matt Entenza, I know what’s right for ya’
Please, just one more chance to tax-n-spenz ya!

MERRY CHRISTMAS and HAPPY NEW YEAR, See you in 2008 - SPicy]]> SaintPaulicy.com 2007 Person of the Year tag:saintpaulicy.com,2007-12-19:491bcd96-2f49-4147-b4f9-b14cb4444717 Saint Paulicy 2007-12-19T09:53:00Z 2007-12-19T09:53:00Z
Saint Paulites really do not understand the doggedness that our person has displayed to keep our elected officials on their toes. Our person has a reputation of searching out the breaking story and making sure that our electeds are doing their jobs responsibly.  He may even have held back a few times.  Through daily articles, and supplemental information broken on a blog. SPicy asks everyone to gaze in admiration of the Saint Paulicy.com Person of the Year, Pioneer Press City Hall Correspondent, Tim Nelson. 

Tim has been an inspiration to SPicy.  His blog is what made SPicy aspire to create SaintPaulicy.com.  Between CityHallScoop and his real job, Tim has tirelessly dedicated himself to ensuring that Saint Paul Residents know some of the behind the scenes activity at City Hall.  Tim's election analysis, campaign watching and stellar sense of humor brought all of us news in an enjoyable format. 

From all accounts SPicy is aware, Tim is an inteprid reporter that delivers a message free of political bias. SPicy has always appreciated his work.  He has set a new standard for reporting the news of Saint Paul.  The announcement is coming today because Tim is celebrating his departure from the Pioneer Press to take on a new role as a reporter at Minnesota Public Radio.  This is truly a loss for Saint Paul, but a huge gain for MPR listeners.  For the record, SPicy is a dues paying member of MPR and might even consider stepping up the membership to get that free "How to talk Minnesotan" CD. 

Tim, SPicy will see you this evening at Matty B's at 5:30 with SPicy's very own $5.00 in hand. 

SPicy will not be presenting Mr. Nelson with any formal award, for this is one that he cannot actually accept, give back or acknowledge if you he so desires.  You will be missed at City Hall, but please keep coming around just to keep people on their toes, feel free to catch them on their heels once in awhile too. SPicy will see you there.

Hats off to Tim Nelson, SaintPaulicy.com's 2007 Person of the Year.]]> SaintPaulicy's upcoming person of the year tag:saintpaulicy.com,2007-12-17:e0639ea0-9a0e-4b19-92f7-936ca8c81ea6 Saint Paulicy 2007-12-17T14:37:13Z 2007-12-17T09:41:00Z Wow, has it really been over a month since SPicy had something to say?

As all you readers can imagine, election season provided a little more fodder. All Saint Paulites pretty well knew that their taxes were going to be raised.  One of the few times SPicy was able to step away from working this past month was to go to Arlington H.S. for the TIT hearing. 

SPicy was encouraged by the speakers common sense attitude of the non-elected attendees.  Coleman and the rest of our electeds, in the spirit of the season, "Do You Hear What I hear?"

SPicy has been encouraged that the political foibles of the Coleman Adminstration have become fewer and further between.  SPicy hopes that Coleman is aware that he is never alone, and Saint Paulites will know when the screws are being put to them.

Like SPicy said, its been awhile, SPicy even had to go to the file cabinet to recover the password to the website.

For now, SPicy has decided to name a SaintPaulicy.com 2007 Person of the Year.

Assuming SPicy is not forced to take another break, the post will before the new year.  SPicy is pretty sure who the person will be, but if you have any ideas send the name and reason to tipline@saintpaulicy.com

By the way, during SPicy's month off, several (more than two but less than a dozen) emails came in about a person possibly eyeing up a Mayoral bid against Coleman.  He's a former legislator who ran for, or at least tried to run for Attorney General.  Anyone else hear someting like that?

At any rate, watch for SPicy's 2007 Person of the Year and have a Happy Chrismahanakwansmadan (SP?). Can some GL'er please correct SPicy.

SPicy will work hard to get a couple more posts out to recognize the departure of Jay Benanav and his aide Jane Prince from City Hall, just in case SPicy gets sidetracked. Bye.]]> SPiced Turkey Awards tag:saintpaulicy.com,2007-11-21:39c2bb13-2679-43ee-be48-4de74d8b1e0d Saint Paulicy 2007-11-21T16:04:07Z 2007-11-21T15:49:00Z 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.

]]> Cleveland "circling" tag:saintpaulicy.com,2007-11-10:5a108efb-4ac0-4a34-9780-92298d31f799 Saint Paulicy 2007-11-10T10:29:16Z 2007-11-10T10:26:00Z

SPicy is back in town and back on the beat – and spending a lot of time reviewing analysis of the elections on cityhallscoop.com. It was nice that someone took the time to write-in SPicy for a spot on the city council. It certainly does give one something to think about.

(SPicy will leave it to you to figure out the details)

But what has SPicy's mind really spinning is what seems to be the dwindling hopes that something will ever be built on the site that is known to many as Cleveland Circle. Others just know it as the big, empty space across the street from the Xcel Energy Center that is owned by the city.

In July of this year, City Center Retail, LLC was given tentative developer status by the St. Paul Housing and Redevelopment Authority to move forward with plans for the project. The Mayor even released a statement to highlight the significance of the agreement.

For Immediate Release

July 25, 2007

Mayor Coleman Releases Statement on Tentative Developer Status for Seven Corners Gateway Site

(Saint Paul) – Saint Paul Mayor Chris Coleman released the following statement today on the designation of City Center Retail, LLC as the tentative developer for the Seven Corners Gateway Site downtown.

"The Seven Corners Gateway Site is one of the prime development opportunities in Saint Paul. As the Penfield and the Farmers Market Flats projects continue to show the promise of bringing new residents to downtown Saint Paul, we are committed to bringing development to Cleveland Circle that will expand the West 7th entertainment corridor into the heart of downtown. The designation of a tentative developer for this site is a great step forward in our development agenda and our efforts to make Saint Paul the Most Livable City in America."

SPicy is now hearing that this "great step forward" may actually be more of a massive stubbing of the "development toe." The developers were supposed to have submitted by October 31 more information related to the development plan for the site. Halloween came and went without anything happening.

A skating rink for the Minnesota Wild had been rumored to be part of the project but SPicy has heard the team is no longer part of the project. Other buzz in the development "community" is that City Center was looking for other retail partners for the project – after original reports that City Center Retail planed a Niketown-like sporting goods store and a boutique hotel for the site.

While some think SPicy has an issue with current leadership in Saint Paul, the reality is SPicy and fans of this site want this city to succeed. Saint Paul needs a big project to break ground to re-establish the energy and positive momentum downtown. Cleveland Circle is the best place for this to happen.

The first Mayor Coleman and Mayor Kelly were not able make anything happen. This Coleman has a chance to be the one that can finally move something beyond "tentative" and "plans include" to "reality." But the time for leadership and action is now.

SPicy is concerned that another opportunity is about to "circle" down the drain – at a time when it's arguably more important to the city's economic future that ever before. What is of even greater concerns is that, according to a July 19th Pioneer Press article, that said that "a team of local design experts (Tim Griffin) and downtown's CapitolRiver Council created a design checklist for potential builders."

This same group claims credit for the surging downtown momentum generated by The Penfield and Fitzgerald Park. And now we are looking at what could be a downtown, community focused, "non-development trifecta."

SPicy hopes this is unfounded alarm. Yet it's never a good sign when deadlines pass and potential partners in a project move on to other ideas. The city wanted to break ground immediately after the RNC convention next year – a goal that appears to be in jeopardy.

The good news is there may be something we can celebrate next year.

SPicy is hearing that the Capital City Partnership has an exciting idea to build on the energy from the RNC convention. John "Mr. St. Paul" Labosky is apparently getting ready to roll-out a program to sell and decorate elephant statues next summer.

Until next time -

]]> Predictions and Predicaments tag:saintpaulicy.com,2007-11-05:03e93196-6d8d-4c57-ab62-b10866c88355 Saint Paulicy 2007-11-05T21:03:26Z 2007-11-05T20:03:00Z SPicy hoped to get predictions out a little earlier but was called out of town on business and was forced to write this from an uncomfortable hotel chair.  SPicy was lucky to squeeze in a visit to Ramsey County to cast a ballot before the plane left from Not Lee Helgen Field.

SPicy would like to extend a thank you to KFAI radio for the invitation to participate on an election night panel. For obvious reasons SPicy will not be able to attend.  KFAI should be left to wonder if SPicy had not already been invited under another capacity. Isn't that the station Driscoll is on?

Unlike election season the predictions are going to be short and sweet. SPicy's opinion of the biggest losers of this election will follow.

Ward 1:
Debbie Montgomery has a past of being a history maker in Saint Paul.  She is the first African-American female police officer, City Councilor and holder of other notable successes.  What Debbie will now be is the first African American woman to be re-elected to City Hall.  SPicy congratulates Melvin on a well-run race. Too bad the closest he'll get to set policy at City Hall in the next four years will be on the Senior Citizen Advisory Board.  He's going to be reeling for a while about the advocacy calls that Bao Vang is making on behalf of Ms. Montgomery.

Ward 2:
The battle of the gallery(ies). Hosko? SPicy does not think so.  Since the primary election Hosko probably worked harder than any other candidate in the city.  He door knocked and did everything he could to get his message out.  His ad in the paper rivaled any professionally done piece SPicy has seen in decades. It was clear about why he was taking on the incumbent, however his lack of a real campaign team and volunteer base will cost him in the end and Thune will return to take the hospitality industry to task.
 
Ward 3:
Harris sold himself to the DFL and all this race will determine is how many people just either don't care or just don't like him.

Ward 4:
The only question here is will Jane Prince stay on or will Brian McMahon get a "Official Business Parking Pass" for meters around City Hall? Congratulations Russ. You've made this happen on your own, let it be your office.

Ward 5
SPicy would like to see Haas. Sorry.  SPicy saw Helgen and his team of deputies adorned in Finney for Sheriff shirts hit the streets last weekend and will make it over the top, albeit within 131 votes.

Ward 6:
People like Dan Bostrom and so does SPicy.  Saint Paulites need not fear multi-lingual "Do Not Litter" signs around the neighborhood.  Pakou Hang will be out of town disposing of countless muffin stumps this weekend.  Upon her return look for her to help Senator Mee Moua open a Congressional Campaign Office in retaliation of Representative McCollum's support of Bostrom. SPicy would like love to see that!

Ward 7:
Whatever.  SPicy loves Kathy.  She's got that way about her that just wants to make you leave her neighborhood.  Look for more of this to happen during the next four years. She's come to love being the president. Clear some space the crystal gavel on the bookcase.

Saint Paul School Board:
Carroll, Conlon, Kong-Thao, Hardy, in that order.

Just for fun, SPicy wants to make a prediction for Maplewood City Council.
Rossbach will win the first position by a large margin. Cave and Nephew will battle it out for the second spot. You'll know who the winner was if City Manager Greg Copeland comes to work on Wednesday morning.


The biggest losers:
The Mayor will be in hot water from returning incumbents Montgomery and Bostrom.  Deputy Chief of Staff Kris Fredson did all he could to unseat these community leaders.  The Mayor should have checked that email distribution list before sending his private advocacy emails before the election.  Or did he? SPicy wonders how soon Debbie and Dan head into his office and ask for Mr. Fredson's head.

Ramsey County Commissioner Toni Carter
Trying to be a power broker requires only one thing. Power. The Millard Fillmore Dinner does NOT count as a speaking engagement. Two mortgages, bummer. 

Director of Planning and Economic Development and HRA Director, Cecile Bedor.
Unfortunately this was a good experiment, gone bad. Once director of a now non-existent Minneapolis Library System; Bedor will be under significant pressure to do, well, anything.  The Mayor will not have a council in flux to hide behind, now it will be the establishment of his very own legacy.  With no realistic development projects or good news in the economic development arena, look for Ms. Bedor to read the audit of the Planning Department quietly to herself.  And you had nothing to do with the Ford Plant staying open either. SPicy wishes her well.

Saint Paul Bar owners:
See Ward 2

Finally, Hillary Clinton.
SPicy has no idea why, it just seemed like a good spot to put her name. Everyone else seems to be picking on her.

A possible irony of ironies.
If SPicy is 66 votes off and Haas unseats Helgen in Ward 5, the Mayor, despite being on the losing side of candidates he supported, will come out the winner in the long run.  With a Haas victory, the council majority will become more supportive of a development friendly atmosphere in Saint Paul. Two, (or three) years from now, Coleman just might have a council he did not support to thank for creating an environment that allowed him to succeed.  Under this scenario the biggest loser is Environmental Policy Director Anne Hunt.  Instead of routinely convincing the Mayor of the evil of growth and prosperity Coleman will have a monthly feature in Saint Paul Magazine cutting ribbon after ribbon. Crazy isn't it, a new Mr. Saint Paul!

SPicy will be forced to keep up with election returns online and all the election night festivities will be missed by SPicy for the first time in recent memory.  If you come up with some interesting information, or interesting stories, send them to SPicy at tipline@SaintPaulicy.com ]]> A Friend in Need tag:saintpaulicy.com,2007-11-02:0cf74afe-7458-4408-94cb-bc9111e70177 Saint Paulicy 2007-11-02T09:19:55Z 2007-11-02T08:52:00Z

SPicy urges you to read the email below and follow the directions.

From Erik Hare:

I’m very happy to announce that my humble blog is a finalist for the “Best
Literature Blog” in the annual Weblog Awards. I’m writing to ask for your
support in the voting process, which can be found here:

http://2007.weblogawards.org/polls/best-literature-blog-1.php

The voting process is a bit strange, for two reasons:
You can vote once a day, so this time you really can vote early and often!
It is one vote per computer, so if you have multiple computers you can
vote many times.

If you could, please vote for me as many times as you can between now and
November 8th as you can. No, it’s not cheating, it’s how the game is
played. Yes, it is strange.

Also, if you could forward this note on to anyone who you think might be
interested in helping, or post a notice in your blog, I’d really
appreciate it.

Thank you so much!

Erik


SPicy hopes Erik will be willing to recognize SaintPaulicy.com at the Awards Ceremony.
]]> Branning a campaign tag:saintpaulicy.com,2007-10-31:0dc34ba5-615b-4bf7-9878-d158977dc95c Saint Paulicy 2007-10-31T08:37:35Z 2007-10-31T10:00:00Z A few days back SPicy received a campaign update from Pakou Hang over in Ward 6.

For a mere fifty cents a day over what was then 10 days left, you could answer the call of the campaign to fund Pakou in her 10 day muffin eating marathon. The campaign sent out a plea for more money to help send Pakou "over the top."  The campaign missed a golden opportunity to call on supporters to help send Pakou over the "muffin top."

At first SPicy thought that Pakou had scored a major endorsement from Sally Struthers and the Feed the Children Foundation, instead Pakou is soliciting donations to feed herself.

Lets say 10 people answered the fifty cents a day call, and Pakou had a cup of coffee and a muffin for each one...
 
You know readers, this is about the most juvenile tactic SPicy has encountered in all fifty years of SPicy's involvement. SPicy is sorry to have subjected you to reading this.

City Council Member Dan Bostrom should donate $500 in gift certificates for muffins and coffee for Pakou.  Then he can just sit back while Pakou does her campaigning in locally owned neighborhood coffee shop featuring organic gluten free muffins while she ponders what she is going to do after the election.

The DFL left her hanging weeks ago focusing their efforts on Wards 1 and 5.  Now she wants supporters to buy her muffins. If the voters of Ward 6 decide to send Pakou to City Hall, SPicy will eat a big old bran muffin, and you know what's next.

Stay tuned for SPicy's election day predictions and fallout analysis.  Election day will be busy as SPicy intends on doing some exit polling and keeping a close eye out for disenchanted voters.
]]> The winds of change. tag:saintpaulicy.com,2007-10-26:51afcf66-54cf-40d8-b488-ad6bd86dc67f Saint Paulicy 2007-10-26T18:21:03Z 2007-10-26T15:35:00Z

Ahh – nothing like the smell of politics in October. 

 The flapping of lit stuck in a screen door. 

The buzz of a volunteer phone bank staffed by volunteers. 

The clutter of cans of Red Bull in a campaign office as well-intentioned Camp Wellstone veterans work hard to keep this city moving in a progressive directions.

SPicy has been busy lately – walking along the campaign trail.  

But while many are focused on November 6 – SPicy has eyes on the big prize. 

City council races are important – but 390 City Hall trumps them all.  Mayor of Saint Paul.  

While campaign staffs in wards across the city work hard to get to Election Day – another race is quietly taking shape and there is already one candidate in the contest.

 SPicy has learned that a very prominent Saint Paul leader has apparently decided to be the first to challenge Chris Coleman. 

 No, fellow SPicy readers – it's not Tim Marx. It's none other than William "Corky" Finney.

 Finney has apparently made the decision to run for Mayor – before the "current occupant" hits the half way point.  

What would make a one-time-supporter of Chris Coleman break ranks?

 SPicy is on the case – and remember – you read it here first.

]]> Tales from Toronto – wide awake in Canada! tag:saintpaulicy.com,2007-10-16:40673390-b808-4711-a6b1-b430722dff4e Saint Paulicy 2007-10-16T12:38:41Z 2007-10-16T12:19:00Z

As has been written before, when more than two of you gathered, you will find that SPicy was among the many leaders from the Twin Cities who spent the last few days in Toronto as part of the InterCity Leadership program.

Monday was the first official day for the group to meet with local officials to discuss what works in Toronto, what Minnesota can learn, and what our region has in common with our friends from the great white north.

These visits bring together business leaders from across the Twin Cities together with elected officials to build relationships, discuss policies, and look at ways to help Minnesota's economy.

The official description:

InterCity Leadership Visit (ICLV) is an opportunity for Twin Cities' leaders to learn the "best practices" of other regions when it comes to such critical issues as transportation, planning, economic development, workforce, education, housing, and the environment.

The one challenge – people need to attend the meetings and pay attention. Especially when taxpayers pay for it – and we could use some Toronto-style energy in Saint Paul.

SPicy just returned from a trip yesterday and wishes that this could have been posted sooner.  During one of the first sessions for this year's trip, SPicy had received credible, very credible reports that Mayor Coleman was "not engaged" for most of the presentation and then left to go do some personal economic development - shopping - in the gift store across the hall from our conference room. He was apparently observed standing in a store reading a magazine.

SPicy wonders if the Mayor and his two staff members burned up too much energy last week advancing his own political agenda "rallying the troops" in Granite Falls, Benson, Montevideo, Marshall, and New Ulm. You know SPicy read that the trip was not of a political nature, but was related to Coleman's position on the Board of the League of Minnesota Cities. Not political?? The only time anyone tells you something is not political is when someone tells you that it is not. Why else would a Mayor of a City of the First Class be spending time in the minor leagues?

One could see why learning how Toronto has created thousands of housing units and millions of dollars of economic development in its core downtown would not be as exciting as discussing the "Minnesota Miracle" with Mayors Jim Curtiss of Montevideo and David Smiglewski of Granite Falls.

After all – people in Toronto don't get to vote for governor in a Minnesota election. They can only offer is ideas, insight and inspiration about how to lead a city.

The rest of the ICLV travelers are returning today, SPicy wonders if the Mayor will wear his blue jacket and pinkish / reddish shirt to the office again this week.

]]> Ahh, Benson tag:saintpaulicy.com,2007-10-12:57608ba1-ac52-4bb1-898b-fc04d52cb097 Saint Paulicy 2007-10-12T10:50:57Z 2007-10-12T10:11:00Z Blasted!

And if it weren't for those meddling rural newspapers I would have gotten away with it!

According to the West Central Tribune, Gubernatorial Candid..., er, Saint Paul Mayor Christopher Coleman visited West Central Minnesota to "rally the troops."  Someone should tell the Mayor that the Governor already called a special session and LGA was not on the agenda even though his party controls both the House and Senate.

And then he went to Benson, where he got to see the new Turkey Burner.  You may think it sounds like a replacement for a hot dog, but its a biomass facility that burns turkey poop.  Remember, Chris Coleman the City Council Member was very supportive of subjecting his constituents to being the focus of an experiment known as "America's First Urban Ethanol Plant."  Today is the real event, an invitation only ribbon cutting, to which Saint Paul's Mayor was apparently not invited.

Does Mayor Coleman have his sights set on bringing a biomass burner to Rock-Tenn?

SPicy says, not a chance.  There is no way that even Chris Coleman would be so stupid as to propose a dung burner as the solution for Rock-Tenn.  So all you NAB's that sent SPicy messages yesterday, don't sweat it, you've got nothing to worry about. Or do you?

It is SPicy's conclusion that the Mayor is going to run for Governor, and he's trying to trick the rural Mayors into saying nice things about him.

Mayor Coleman please just announce and if you're using the City's car to make your campaign stops, quit it now.  After all, that Gaertner Campaign really seems to be picking up steam.]]> What's the poop?? tag:saintpaulicy.com,2007-10-11:b4cfaa57-540f-481f-b0b3-2cfe10e58589 Saint Paulicy 2007-10-11T10:55:54Z 2007-10-11T10:45:00Z

Today SPicy got a curious email from a Neighbors Against the Burner...

The rumor surrounds the possibility of the Mayor leaving his familiar strut zone for a site visit in a town sharing the name of one of TV's famous butlers.  The whole trip has a fowl stench that would likely get some people asking questions about the atmosphere in St. Paul.

SPicy is going to practice hunting calls to gobble up more information from the flock to try and get to the bottom of this.  It could leave some burning mad and creating some angst inside the biosphere.  SPicy has previously speculated on gubernatorial ambition, this might just be a decoy for things to come.

Wait patiently in the blind and stay tuned...

]]> Family Matters tag:saintpaulicy.com,2007-10-05:8cd0153f-6f7b-4c74-9c74-18f606e4aa19 Saint Paulicy 2007-10-05T13:00:08Z 2007-10-05T13:02:00Z SPicy would like to thank a supporter of Melvin Carter for sending SPicy a copy of his campaign update.

Taking a page out of the Camp Wellstone campaign handbook, Melvin is using email as an effective tool to distribute his message and generate volunteers.  To that SPicy tips the hat.

SPicy got the email from the supporter and the tone of the email was that of both anger and bemusement.

The update sent out with 32 days left before the election takes a premature step.

Melvin writes, "... I am reminded of when my family and I made the decision to represent you in City Hall..."

SPicy interjects - Hold on there Mr. Urkel

Unfortunately for you, you do not get to decide to represent the constituency. They do, typically on the second Tuesday of November.

Win or Lose, your family does not decide, is that clear?

If SPicy were you, I think you should take a couple of minutes on the email list and let the people know that what your family decided is that you would announce your candidacy. Go back upstairs and you'll find that even your Mom had to have the voters decide to give her a key to the door.

Melvin goes on to say:

      " The next few weeks are not going to be easy. I will be facing attacks from a conservative opponent."

SPicy thinks that at this point you've got it coming to you.  If this is the kind of passive-aggressive tactic that you would display at City Hall, your neighbors should be very afraid.

The sheer silliness of it all is your characterization of Debbie Montgomery as a conservative is totally, oh wait, totally off of page 26 of the Manual.  Pakou Hang used the line in Ward 6 too, how creative.

After all, when you get an endorsement from the extreme left wing of the DFL Party, and Take Action MN, its pretty hard to hide from being labeled most liberal, tax and spend candidate in the race, leaving all others to be deemed "conservative."

In your neighborhood, you must consider that "conservative" means having lived and raised a family in, served a long and distinguished career in the police department, and been elected to the city council as now being conservative.  You'd be surprised at how many people you've offended by taking a shot like this at Debbie Montgomery.  Obviously you have no respect for others.

And how are things going in Minneapolis?  A group called "Minneapolis United for Melvin Carter" will be holding a fundraiser in Minneapolis for Mr. Carter.  Rep. Keith Ellison will host the event.  SPicy is OK with Melvin chasing a little dough over in Minneapolis, but if these people are behind the current leaders of the City of Minneapolis, Saint Paulites should get a  little nervous. After all, we can see how things are going over there.  If Melvin gets elected, how soon afterward do you all think that circuses won't be allowed in Saint Paul, except for those at 390 City Hall.  Maybe this is the way to make sure Mayor Coleman will never have to be pictured riding an elephant.

If you listen to Debbie talk, you'd know that she does not need a fake civil rights leader like Ellison to host a fundraiser.  Debbie is a real life civil rights leader that marched in Selma, that has been making a difference for Saint Paul for her entire life.

]]> Hope for the leadership disinvested tag:saintpaulicy.com,2007-10-05:b6662c67-4f76-483a-93b8-b0af6736faa5 Saint Paulicy 2007-10-05T12:02:18Z 2007-10-05T11:58:00Z

SPicy was hoping to enjoy a quiet, rain-soaked day in Minnesota's Capitol city – basking in the glow from the Wild's shutout home victory.  The euphoric feelings of optimism were quickly shattered by an amazing item on cityhallscoop.

Invest St. Paul Gets New Staff

The first person to try to make the Mayor's "main revitalization effort" work – has decided it would be better to work somewhere else.  SPicy assumes it might be easier for Stacey Millett to help completely build new homes from scratch for needy families than it is to economically revitalize this once-great city.

What really got the needle to jump was the information about who was replacing Stacey and the message from "the current occupant" in city hall about her experience.

From cityhallscoop:

Coleman also said that his longest-serving staffer, policy director Nancy Homans (his aide during council days and tireless campaign volunteer) will take the reins for what's known as ISP. "She's got the experience and the passion for serving disinvested communities that will continue to build on this initiative's early success," Coleman wrote.

In February, the current occupant's news release said that "Invest Saint Paul" will be an innovative partnership to focus resources on areas of disinvestment." 

Saint Paul is now just about at the half-way point for the "current occupant's" first term.  Two years of listening, bringing people together, engaging the community in a thoughtful discussion to make this the most livable community.

Yet SPicy and many others are now scratching our collective heads when looking at all has been accomplished during this exciting time for our community.  Why so much has happened, one could safely reach the conclusion that the city might now actually be experiencing a leadership disinvestment.  Which would then make the entire city a disinvested community?

SPicy is pleased to know there is now someone within the administration that has "the experience and the passion for serving disinvested communities."  The entire city needs your help.

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