Mn-prog-events Mailing List: Progressive Calendar 08.23.06

[David Shove (shove001]

             P R O G R E S S I V E   C A L E N D A R    08.23.06

1. Unlearn racism     8.23 7:30am Mankato MN
2. Cancel debt        8.23 8am
3. Vs alley ordinance 8.23 1:30pm
4. Military v Norm    8.23 4:30pm
5. Peace bridge vigil 8.23 5pm
6. Justice for Maria  8.23 6pm

7. Rights/fair        8.24-9.04 9am
8. AltEnergy/fair     8.24-9.04
9. MN organic farms   8.24 11am
10. Labor demo        8.24 1:30pm
11. New Hope vigil    8.24 4pm
12. Eagan peace vigil 8.24 4:30pm
13. Northtown vigil   8.24 5pm
14. 5D candidates     8.24 5pm
15. Animals' world    8.24 7pm
16. Corrupt govt/CTV  8.24 8:30pm

17. Danene Provencher - Stadium tax testimonial
18. Green Party       - Green Party job
19. Anne Carroll      - School Board advisory committee openings
20. Craig Murray      - The timing is political
21. ed                - Devolution proved (poem)

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From: erin [at] mnwomen.org
Subject: Unlearn racism 8.23 7:30am Mankato MN

More on August 23: YWCA Mankato Unlearning Racism Continuing the
Conversation. 7:30-9am. For more info or to RSVP contact Debbie Matzke at
507/345-4629 ext. 21 or Debbie [at] ywcamankato.org. www.ywcamankato.org.


--------2 of 21--------

From: humanrts [at] umn.edu
Subject: Cancel debt 8.23 8am

August 23 - Debt Cancellation and the ONE Campaign.  8-9:30am.
St Martin's Table, 2001 Riverside Ave, Minneapolis

Bread for the World regional organizer Tammy Walhof speaks on "Debt
Cancellation and the ONE Campaign."
FFI: www.justview.org or 763-784-6177.


--------3 of 21--------

From: Michelle Gross <mgresist [at] minn.net>
Subject: Vs alley ordinance 8.23 1:30pm

PUBLIC HEARING ON ALLEY ORDINANCE

Minneapolis City Council's Public Safety and Regulatory Services committee
will hold a hearing on a proposed ordinance to control access to alleyways
by pedestrians.  If passed, this ordinance would turn alleyways into
protected zones where anyone using them would have to prove they belonged
there.  This is akin to the pass system blacks were subjected to by whites
during apartheid in the Republic of South Africa and sets up a situation
that is ripe for abuse and selective enforcement.

This editor spoke to the originator of the proposed alleyway ordinance,
councilman Robert Lilligren, and he stated that he had experienced various
petty crimes behind his home.  Granted, no one wants crimes to happen
around their home but the point is these things were crimes whether they
happened in the alley behind his house or on the sidewalk in front of his
house.  Police can act on the crimes without this oppressive alleyway
ordinance.  If the cops fail to deal with the crimes, that's another issue
and this ordinance would not help.

Public Hearing on Proposed Alleyway Ordinance
Wednesday, August 23
1:30pm
City Hall, Room 317
350 S 5th Street, Minneapolis

We encourage you to attend and lend your voice to defeating this
oppressive, unnecessary proposed ordinance.  To get a look at the wording
of the ordinance, go to
http://www.ci.minneapolis.mn.us/council/2006-meetings/20060901/PSRS20060823agenda.asp#TopOfPage
and scroll down to item #5.

--
From: "Garwood, Robin D." <robin.garwood [at] ci.minneapolis.mn.us>

The proposed ordinance banning "non-resident" pedestrians in alleys is
coming up for a public hearing this Wednesday, August 23rd at 1:30pm.
See the agenda here:
http://www.ci.minneapolis.mn.us/council/2006-meetings/20060901/PSRS20060
823agenda.asp.  It's item 5.

I would love to see all Minneapolis Greens doing all we can to oppose this
particular piece of ill-conceived public policy.  Cam will be opposing it.
It takes Minneapolis in exactly the wrong direction in a number of
important ways: discouraging pedestrianism, adding to the (already far too
long!) list of "tools" for selective enforcement, effectively privatizing
public space, criminalizing victimless behavior, criminalizing
homelessness and poverty, etc, etc.

Show up at the public hearing and testify against this terrible idea. Call
your Council Member and ask her/him to oppose it.  Write an email to your
Council Member asking her/him to vote it down, and CC the rest of the
Council.  Write an email to our office so that we can enter it into the
public record.  Write a letter to the editor.  Organize a protest in your
alley and invite as many "strangers" as you can.

Let the Council know that there are plenty of people out there who want
to keep public space public, who think Minneapolis police officers have
quite enough discretion already, who think that we should be investing
in people rather than criminalizing them, who think that we should be
offering *incentives* to get around our neighborhoods on foot.

Let them hear from you.

Robin Garwood
Council Aide,
Second Ward Council Member Cam Gordon
612.673.3654 (office)
651.338.7699 (cell)
http://secondward.blogspot.com


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From: Charles Underwood <charleyunderwood [at] hotmail.com>
Subject: Military v Norm 8.23 4:30pm

Wednesday, 8/23 (and every Wednesday), 4:30 to 5:30 pm, Military Families
Speak Out sponsors vigil in front of Sen. Norm Coleman's office, University
Ave just west of Hwy 280, St. Paul.  annie [at] fireman.net1


--------5 of 21--------

From: wamm <wamm [at] mtn.org>
Subject: Peace bridge vigil 8.23 5pm

Peace Bridge Vigil: End the Occupation of Iraq!

Wednesday, August 23, 5-6pm. (Note: this is an ongoing vigil that takes
place every Wednesday.) Lake Street/Marshall Avenue bridge over the
Mississippi River. Join us for a weekly peace vigil to end the occupation
of Iraq. FFI: Call WAMM at 612-827-5364 or Twin Cities Peace Campaign at
612-522-1861.


--------6 of 21--------

From: Peter Brown <peterb3121 [at] hotmail.com>
Subject: Justice for Maria 8.23 6pm

Campaign for Justice
Next Meeting - Proxima Reunion
Miercoles - Wednesday
Augusto 23 - - - August 23
6pm
1304 East Lake Street Room 203 Minneapolis, MN 55407

AGENDA
1. Review of Campaign to date.
2. Update on the investigation.
3. News coverage of August 15 News Conference.
4. Plans for September 4 March & Rally for Immigrant Rights.
5. Outreach for the Maria Inamagua Campaign for Justice.
6. Planning for next Acountability News Conference/Action.


--------7 of 21--------

From: humanrts [at] umn.edu
Subject: Rights/fair 8.24-9.04 9am

August 24 - Minnesota Advocates for Human Rights at the 2006 State Fair!.
9am-9pm each day.

The 2006 Minnesota State Fair runs Thursday, August 24 - Monday, September
4. Minnesota Advocates will be staffing an organizational booth from
9am-9pm each of the 12 days. We will be at booth #224 in the Upper
Grandstand.


--------8 of 21--------

From: Lydia Howell <lhowell [at] visi.com>
Subject: AltEnergy/fair 8.24-9.04

*Minnesota** Biofuels Exhibit at the Minnesota State Fair*_
August 24- September 4, 2006
Minnesota State Fair, Progress Center

The "Eco-Experience" at the Minnesota State Fair is a new presentation
this year. It is sponsored by the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency
(MPCA) and will showcase environmentally friendly, sustainable services
and products in an atmosphere that is innovative, interactive and
educational.

The Eco-Experience will be located in the Progress Center (formerly
housing the Wonders of Technology). The "Minnesota Biofuels" exhibit is
part of the Eco-Experience. It will show the process by which plants and
trees (corn, soybeans, prairie grasses, hybrid poplar) are converted to
ethanol and other bio-based fuels. It will include examples of energy
plants grown in Minnesota, a simulated research lab, a model or simulated
biofuel processing plant, a mock E85 pump and a flex-fuel vehicle in the
display.

The goals of the exhibit are to show how bio-based fuels can be grown
right here in Minnesota and to present research into the next generation
of bio-based fuels.  For more information, please contact Ann Mayhew,
amayhew [at] umn.edu <mailto:amayhew [at] umn.edu>, 612-624-6566.


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From: karen redleaf <vegan14ever [at] yahoo.com>
Subject: MN organic farms 8.24 11am

[This schedule will be printed ONCE. You may want to SAVE it -ed]

Hearings to Protect Minnesota's Organic Farms!

Q. What's at stake?

The Minnesota Pipe Line Company wants to run a crude oil pipeline across
Minnesota to bring oil from Canada to the Koch refinery in Rosemount.

In order to avoid suburban areas, the Company's preferred pipeline route
would cross 149 miles of farmland and five organic farms, including
Gardens of Eagan Farm, putting the survival of all these certified organic
farms at risk.

Q. Why isn't the state acting to protect organic farms from oil pipelines?

It may do just that. But the Minnesota Pipe Line Company's proposed plan
to reduce harm to farmland -- the Agricultural Impact Mitigation Plan
(AIMP) - currently takes no additional precautions to protect organic
farms which are especially vulnerable to:
 soil and ecosystem losses
 chemical contamination
 risk of lower production as a result of pipeline construction, pipeline
maintenance and
 the possibility of crude oil spills

The Minnesota Department of Agriculture, however, is considering changes
to the AIMP that would protect organic farms as unique and sensitive land
use in Minnesota.

Q. How can I encourage the state to implement changes to the AIMP for
organic farms?

Below you will find a list of public hearings held in counties located
along the proposed MPL pipeline route. Your testimony is absolutely
critical to protect Minnesota's organic farms.

Organic consumers, organic farmers, and alternative health practitioners
must speak up in favor of protecting organic farms. These views can
influence not only the route of the MPL pipeline, but state policy on
whether organic farms should be protected in the future.

  Notice of Public Meetings and Public Hearings
  Minnesota Pipe Line Company Crude Oil Pipeline

  Date                  County  City Location

  August 24, 2006 11 AM Clearwater Bagley County Courthouse
  August 24, 2006 6 PM Hubbard Park Rapids Park Rapids High School
  August 25, 2006 10 AM Wadena Menahga Woodside Manor Assisted Living
   Center
  August 28, 2006 3PM Todd Staples Staples-Motley High Cafeteria
  August 29, 2006 1 PM & 6 PM Morrison Little Falls Falls Ballroom
  August 30, 2006 1 PM & 7 PM Stearns Melrose American Legion
  Sept. 5, 2006 4 PM Dakota Farmington High School Commons
  Sept. 7, 2006 4 PM Scott New Prague High School Cafeteria
  Sept. 8, 2006 4 PM Rice Lonsdale Crusader Civic Center
  Sept. 11, 2006 11 AM Wright Cokato City Hall Auditorium
  Sept. 11, 2006 5 PM Meeker Litchfield Cty Courthouse Rm. A and B
  Sept. 13, 2006 4 PM McLeod Glencoe Lincoln Junior High Gymnasium
  Sept. 14, 2006 11 AM Sibley Arlington Community Center
  Sept. 14, 2006 5 PM Carver Hamburg Hamburg City Hall

*You do not have to live in a given county in order to give testimony
there.

Tips on Public Testimony to Protect Organic Farms

1) Put your testimony in writing and bring a copy to give to the hearing
judge and the court reporter.
2) Summarize your testimony - speak no more than 3 to 5 minutes.
3) Explain who you are and your experience with organic farming.
4) To the extent that you feel comfortable, speak about these key ideas:

o o Organic food is vital for many people's health as well as to serve the
market for customers in the Midwest. Minnesota can't afford to lose its
organic farms to pipeline construction.

o o Organic farms are vulnerable to loss of certification, soil
destruction and ecosystem damage. Pipelines should avoid organic farms if
there are feasible alternatives.

o o If there are no feasible alternatives, specific precautions should be
used in pipeline construction and maintenance on or near organic farms to
protect soils from contamination and erosion and to rebuild and restore
any organic soils which are disturbed.

o o Where it is not possible to avoid an organic farm, pipeline companies
should be required to take precautions to reduce and repair damage to
organic farms. Compensation for damage or destruction of organic resources
won't protect our farms.

o o This isn't about saving just one farm. This is about preserving a
robust, sustainable form of agriculture in organics, keeping the local
economy vital, and securing a healthy food source for Minnesotans.

If you cannot attend a public hearing you may send written testimony to:

  RE: Minnesota Pipe Line Company Crude Oil Pipeline 15-2500-17136-2
  Administrative Law Judge Beverly Heydinger
  Office of Administrative Hearings
  Suite 1700, 100 Washington Square
  Minneapolis, MN 55401                                                         
                Beverly.Heydinger [at] state.mn.us
  Fax: 612-349-2665

  And:

  Gene Hugoson
  Office of Administrative Hearings
  Commissioner of Agriculture
  Suite 1700, 100 Washington Square
  625 N, Robert St.
  St. Paul, MN. 55155
  gene.hugoson [at] state.mn.us
  651-201-6219

Written comments from the public concerning the route shall be received at
the Office of Administrative Hearings by September 22, 2006, and the
hearing record will close on that date. A final decision is due from the
Public Utilities Commission by November 15, 2006


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From: stpaulunions.org <llwright [at] stpaulunions.org>
Subject: Labor demo 8.24 1:30pm

DEMONSTRATION
Members of Laborers' Local 132 working at Anchor Block in North

St Paul are under attack!

Negotiations have begun and Anchor Block is proposing to cut wages and
benefits. This is unacceptable! Join Labor, Faith and Community in a
demonstration for a fair contract.

Thursday, August 24
1:30-2:30pm
Anchor Block - Hwy 36 and McKnight Rd - North St Paul

Wear your heardhats and union colors to show support for the workers and
let's show Anchor Block that they need to negotiate a fair contract!


--------11 of 21--------

From: NW Neighbors for Peace, Carole Rydberg, carydberg [at] comcast.net
Subject: New Hope vigil 8.24 4pm

Thursday August 24, 4-6pm
There will be a demonstration at the corner of Winnetka and 42nd Avenue
(County Rd. 9) in New Hope. Signs are available; feel free to join us at
any time between 4 and 6.


--------12 of 21--------

From: Greg and Sue Skog <skograce [at] mtn.org>
Subject: Eagan peace vigil 8.24 4:30pm

CANDLELIGHT PEACE VIGIL EVERY THURSDAY from 4:30-5:30pm on the Northwest
corner of Pilot Knob Road and Yankee Doodle Road in Eagan. We have signs
and candles. Say "NO to war!" The weekly vigil is sponsored by: Friends
south of the river speaking out against war.


--------13 of 21--------

From: EKalamboki [at] aol.com
Subject: Northtown vigil 8.24 5pm

NORTHTOWN Peace Vigil every Thursday 5-6pm, at the intersection of Co. Hwy
10 and University Ave NE (SE corner across from Denny's), in Blaine.

Communities situated near the Northtown Mall include: Blaine, Mounds View,
New Brighton, Roseville, Shoreview, Arden Hills, Spring Lake Park, Fridley,
and Coon Rapids.  We'll have extra signs.

For more information people can contact Evangelos Kalambokidis by phone or
email: (763)574-9615, ekalamboki [at] aol.com.


--------14 of 21--------

From: Dick Saunders <dicksaun [at] covad.net>
Subject: 5D candidates forum 8.24 5pm

SMAAC Forum Set Aug. 24
For Fifth District Candidates

[This forum includes Jay Pond, Green Party candidate for US House -ed]

All 9 candidates for Congress in Minnesota's Fifth District have been
invited to participate in a Candidates' Forum and Open House beginning at
5 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 24 at Burroughs Community School, 50th St. and James
Ave S., Minneapolis. The event is organized by the South Metro Airport
Action Council (SMAAC).

"This forum will focus on candidates' views of national aviation issues
impacting the Twin Cities," said Ron Lischeid, event co-ordinator. "It
promises to be a lively exchange, with important implications for the
intensely-contested DFL primary Sept 12 and the general election Nov. 7."

From 5 to 6:30 p.m, voters can meet candidates independently.  At 6:30,
the candidates will answer audience questions from the moderator and
audience.

Robert Moilanen, an attorney representing homeowners who have sued the
Metropolitan Airports Commission over failure to live up to noise
mitigation promises made in 1996, will also answer questions about the
suit's newly-declared class-action status.

Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport (MSP), the nation's tenth most
active, is projecting a 60% increase in passengers to 55 million by 2020.
A proposed $1-billion expansion program (on hold until 2008) would create
major air and ground traffic, safety and environmental problems in the
Fifth and Second Districts, SMAAC believes.

SMAAC has asked the candidates to provide a statement of their positions,
views or concerns for distribution to media and posting on the SMAAC
website (www.quiettheskies.org).  "If this event attracts the attention we
expect, the website could serve as a bulletin board for aviation positions
taken by Senate candidates and by those running for the House in other
congressional districts," according to Lischeid.


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From: Neil Sorensen <neil_sorensen [at] yahoo.com>
Subject: Animals' world 8.24 7pm

Temple Grandin to speak, the Pheromones to play, at Benefit for the
International Federation of Organic Agriculture Movements (IFOAM)

International livestock handling expert, Dr. Temple Grandin, will speak at
a benefit for the International Federation of Organic Agriculture
Movements (IFOAM), to be held on August 24th at 7:00 pm in the North Star
Ballroom of the St. Paul Student Center on the University of Minnesota's
St. Paul campus.

Temple Grandin is the author of several books, including Animals in
Translation and Thinking in Pictures. Dr. Grandin, an autistic woman who
understands how animals see the world and has designed humane livestock
handling systems, is a frequent guest on television and radio. Her talk is
titled "Animals in Translation - How Animals See the World."

Dr. Grandin will hold a book signing immediately following her speech.
Tickets for the event, which cost $25, can be ordered online at:
http://shop.ifoam.org/animals/product_info.php?cPath=29&products_id=75

Those who purchase tickets can pick them up at the door. Purchases will be
confirmed via email.

Dr. Grandin's speech will be followed by dancing, with live music
performed by The Pheromones! The Pheromones play up-tempo rock, blues, and
swing. They are perennial favorites at the Upper Midwest Organic Farming
Conference. Martin Diffley of the Gardens of Eagan, plays lead guitar.

The benefit is being held as part of the First IFOAM International
Conference on Animals in Organic Production, being held August 23-25 on
the St. Paul campus. For complete information on the conference, visit:
http://www.ifoam.org/events/ifoam_conferences/IFOAM_Animal_Production_Conference.html

IFOAM is the international umbrella organization of organic agriculture
movements worldwide, uniting more than 750 member organizations in 108
countries.

IFOAM's mission is leading, uniting and assisting the organic movement in
its full diversity. Our goal is the worldwide adoption of ecologically,
socially and economically sound systems that are based upon the Principles
of Organic Agriculture.


--------16 of 21---------

From: Eric Angell <eric-angell [at] riseup.net>
Subject: Govt corruption/CTV 8.24 8:30pm

SPNN Channel 15: "Altera Vista" at 8:30pm each Thursday.

- Aug. 24:  "Corruption in Government: A Crisis for Democracy," a reissue
of Michael Andregg's 1992 classic.


---------17 of 21--------

From: Danene Provencher
Subject: Stadium Tax testimonial

Green Party candidates Ken Pentel (Gov), Papa John Kolstad (AG), Farheen
Hakeem (CoCom) and myself (LtGov) all testified tonight in the Hennepin
County Board Room against the exemption for the stadium tax.  I believe
Dave Berger (Aud) and Michael Cavlan (US Sen) will also testify within the
next two days.

Know that as candidates representing the Green Party we are voicing our
opposition towards social and economic injustices.  We will also all be
proud to represent the party and our values at the State Fair starting on
August 24th through Labor Day.

Below is a copy of my testimonial.  Ken and I will be doing a press
release on our positions regarding the stadium tax issue.  Call the four
male country commissioners and press them to change their vote over to
social and economic justice for the residents of Hennepin County.  Also,
more info can be found on _www.ccarl.com_ (http://www.ccarl.com)

Peter McLaughlin - 612-348-7884 or 612-348-3085
Mike Opat - 612-348-7882
Mark Stenglein - 612-348-7883
Randy Johnson - 612-348-7885

The hearing tonight will be televised on Friday evening at 8pm on Channel 6
covering the 7 county metro area.  I do not have info on when the hearings
from Wednesday and Thursday evenings will be televised.

TESTIMONY:

I am here tonight representing the value of social and economic justice,
to represent my constituents with my run as a Green Party endorsed
candidate for Lt. Governor and to serve as a voice for the economically
disadvantaged with my background in social work.

I went on your web site (_www.hennepin.us_ (http://www.hennepin.us/) ) and
would like to read your mission statement: "The mission of Hennepin County
is to enhance the health, safety and quality of life of our residents and
communities in a respectful, efficient and fiscally responsible way."

I do not believe it would be fiscally responsible for a vote in favor of
the stadium tax without a referendum, especially after reviewing the Human
Services budget from 2003 through 2006.  In regards to revenues, the
property taxes have increased over 15% in three years.  State revenues
have decreased by over 30% and Federal aid by 4%.

In the vision of Hennepin County, again from your web site it states: "We
envision a future where residents are healthy and successful and where our
communities are safe and vibrant.  We will strive to meet and exceed
expectations by engaging people and communities in developing innovative
solutions to challenges.  We will be a diverse, learning organization.
We will partner with others to enhance the quality of life in Hennepin
County and the region."

Within the Hennepin County Human Services budget alone, services have been
reduced by 21.8% totaling over $10 million in 3 years and public aid has
been cut by 12.3% or $39.8 million.  I ask how can any County Commissioner
justify imposing a tax on the citizens of Hennepin County for the benefit
of a billionaire worth $2.8 billion when millions of dollars are being cut
in services and public aid while imposing increased costs on our citizens
to generate revenue?

I would like to commend the County Commissioners who have fought for the
exemption and request that the four who have shown favor for the stadium
tax to take the facts above into account when making their decision.
Let's practice democracy by putting the voices back to we the people
instead of rifling through corporate welfare for a multi-billionaire who
can well afford to build his own stadium.

Danene Provencher
Green Party Endorsed Lt. Governor Candidate
Mound, Hennepin County, Dist 7


--------18 of 21--------

From: Green Party of Minnesota <Info [at] mngreens.org>
Subject: Green Party job

JOB POSTING:  Green Party of Minnesota
JOB TITLE:  Coordinated Campaign Associate 2
POSITION:  Part Time -- 30 hours per week.  Temporary, through Nov. 14.
Application Deadline:  Open until filled.

The Green Party of Minnesota (GPMN) is seeking an organized, enthusiastic
individual to help with the coordination of state Green Party electoral
campaigns from early September until election day.  This is a fun,
evolving, fast-paced job with a variety of duties.

JOB DUTIES:
Include assisting the present Coordinated Campaign Associate in organizing
volunteer efforts, fundraising, maintaining contact with Green Party
candidates and local party units, event planning, and media and
advertising coordination.  Hours are flexible but will include some nights
and weekends. Occasional travel outside the metropolitan area may be
needed.

COMPENSATION:
This position pays $13 per hour for 30 hours each week.

Contractor will work under the supervision of the Politics Chair and the
Coordinated Campaign Committee.  Will attend CCC meetings as a part of
contracted hours, and monthly CC meetings (Sept. 9, Oct. 14, Nov. 11) to
report on progress, needs, and activities.  Contractor will work from the
GPMN office with the exception of time spent organizing and staffing at
event locations and other travel necessary to accomplish tasks.

QUALIFICATIONS:
Candidate should be organized, detail-oriented, and able to solve problems
and initiate tasks in a self-directed manner.  Must have a pleasant
telephone demeanor and be attentive to communication with Green Party
officers and electoral candidates.  Computer and internet proficiency
required.

Knowledge of the Green Partyıs values and platform is essential.
Candidate must be able to demonstrate such knowledge, as well as
familiarity with Minnesota electoral processes and procedures.
Fundraising experience is a plus.

The Green Party of Minnesota does not discriminate based on race, gender,
age, disability, religion, sexual preference or identity, or any other
identity factor.

CONTACT:
Rhoda Gilman and Becki Smith  -- ccc [at] mngreens.org or (612) 871-4585.

Green Party of Minnesota 612-871-4585 Info [at] MNGreens.org www.mngreens.org


--------19 of 21--------

From: Anne R. Carroll <carrfran [at] qwest.net>
Subject: School Board Advisory Committee openings

On behalf of the St. Paul Board of Education, please consider/pass on this
opportunity to apply to the 2006-07 Citizen's Budget and Finance Advisory
Committee (CBFAC) to provide the Board with guidance on the 07-08 budget
due in June 07. CBFAC members focus their work on strategic school
district issues with budgetary impact. Members are appointed each year by
the Board of Education. The committee will begin work in October and we
are now accepting applications for membership. The CBFAC application form
is here:

http://www.businessoffice.spps.org/CBFAC.html

Some of the links are still being updated today, but below is the charge
from the Board for this year (included on the application form). As you
can see, we're focusing on staffing and special education, so keep that in
mind when you're applying or letting others know about this opportunity.
We are NOT looking for financial experts, but rather people who are
committed to our mission of a "premier education for all," and an interest
in school finance. Feel free to contact me or other Board members (
http://www.spps.org/Board_of_Education.html) with any questions.

-- Anne Carroll, St. Paul Bd of Ed

CITIZENS' BUDGET AND FINANCE ADVISORY COMMITTEE (CBFAC)
Staff: Lois Rockney, John Lentz

Purpose:
The Citizens' Budget and Finance Advisory Committee (CBFAC) should be an
advisory committee which focuses its work on strategic school district
issues with budgetary impact as directed by the Board. The CBFAC shall
work in an advisory capacity and shall report directly to the Board of
Education for the Board's action on its recommendation. The CBFAC shall be
informed about the proposed next year budgets and have the opportunity to
discuss with the Board and Administration.

Applicants should have an interest in school finance as well as quality
education for all Saint Paul students. For 2006-07, applicants are being
sought who have an expertise or interest in:

Staffing Analysis: Staffing costs account for approximately 85% of the
expenses of the district. Analyze student to staff ratios with comparisons
to other schools in the district, other districts in the state and across
the nation. Probe some of the reasons for the differences. Analyze
administrative functions of the district and provide a comparison of staff
to similar departments in other school districts or businesses. Probe for
reasons why the differences occur and the impacts on performance of the
various departments. This topic would specifically exclude labor relations
and salary negotiations.

Special Education: Special education is a major portion of the district's
general fund budget. Charge CBFAC to perform a comprehensive study of the
special education program of the district and recommend funding
alternatives or further legislative action that needs to be pursued to
continue to offer a strong program for special education students.

Time Commitment: Typically meets monthly from 7:00-9:00 p.m., late
September through May. The day of the week is set by the committee at its
first organizational meeting in September.

Term Length: One year term, up to four consecutive terms.
Number of Members: 17 adults
For more information, call 767-8250.


--------20 of 21--------

The timing is political
by Craig Murray
The Guardian - Aug 18, 2006
http://www.guardian.co.uk/comment/story/0,,1852664,00.html

We should be sceptical about this alleged plot, and wary of politicians
who seek to benefit

Nine days on, nobody has been charged with any crime. For there to be no
clear evidence yet on something that was "imminent" and would bring "mass
murder on an unbelievable scale" is, to say the least, peculiar. A 24th
person, arrested amid much fanfare on Tuesday, was quietly released
without charge the following day.

Media analysis has been full of information from police and security
sources. By and large journalists are honourable in this kind of
reporting. Their sources, unfortunately, are not - viz the non-existent
ricin, the Forest Gate "chemical weapons vest", or Jean Charles de Menezes
leaping the barriers. Unlike the herd of security experts, I have had the
highest security clearance; I have done a huge amount of professional
intelligence analysis; and I have been inside the spin machine. And I am
very sceptical about the story that has been spun.

None of the alleged terrorists had made a bomb. None had bought a plane
ticket. Many did not have passports. It could be pretty difficult to
convince a jury that these individuals were about to go through with
suicide bombings, whatever they bragged about on the net.

What is more, many of those arrested had been under surveillance for more
than a year - like thousands of other British Muslims. And not just
Muslims. Like me. Nothing from that surveillance had indicated the need
for early arrests.

Then an interrogation in Pakistan revealed this amazing plot to blow up
multiple planes. Of course, the interrogators of the Pakistani dictator
have ways of making people sing like canaries. As I witnessed in
Uzbekistan, you can get the most extraordinary information from people
desperate to stop or avert torture. What you don't get is the truth.

We also have the extraordinary question of Bush and Blair discussing
arrests the weekend before they were made. Why? Both in domestic trouble,
they longed for a chance to change the story. The intelligence from
Pakistan, however dodgy, gave them a chance. Comparisons with 9/11 were
all over front pages.

And we have the appalling political propaganda of John Reid, the home
secretary, warning us all in advance of the evil that threatens us and
complaining that some people "don't get" why we have to abandon
traditional liberties.

We will now never know if any of those arrested would have gone on to make
a bomb or buy a plane ticket. Most do not fit the "loner" profile you
would expect. As they were all under surveillance, and on airport watch
lists, there could have been little danger in letting them proceed closer
to maturity: that is what we would have done with the IRA.

In all of this, the one thing of which I am certain is that the timing is
deeply political. This is more propaganda than plot. More than 1,000
British Muslims have been arrested under anti-terrorist legislation, but
only 12% have been charged. That is harassment on an appalling scale. Of
those charged, 80% were acquitted. Most of the few convictions - just over
2% of arrests - are nothing to do with terrorism, but some minor offence
the police happened upon while trawling through the lives they have
wrecked.

Plainly, Islamist terrorism does exist. But its growth is encouraged by
our adherence to neocon foreign policy, by our support for appalling
regimes abroad, and by our trampling on the rights of Muslims in the UK.
Now David Cameron has joined Blair and Reid in the rush to benefit
politically from the fear thus engendered. Be very wary of politicians who
seek to benefit from terror.

Be sceptical. Be very, very sceptical.

[Craig Murray, who was posted to Uzbekistan from 2002 to 2004, is the
author of "Murder in Samarkand - A British Ambassador's Controversial
Defiance of Tyranny in the War on Terror." His website it at:
http://www.craigmurray.co.uk ]


--------21 of 21--------

 Bush - the missing link
 presidency that at last
 proves devolution.


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   - David Shove             shove001 [at] tc.umn.edu
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