Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board District 2 candidate responses

Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board District 2 Candidate Responses

Jon Olson

Email: olsonforparks@gmail.com or call 612-710-2007

Website: www.olsonforparks.org

Endorsements: AFL-CIO, AFSCME, Minneapolis Police Federation.

Michael Guest

Email: msguest@gmail.com or call 612-501-5378

Website: www.MichaelGuest.org

Endorsements: Vice President Mondale, U.S. Rep. Keith Ellison, Speaker Anderson Kelliher, Theodore J. Wirth, Sierra Club.

What's one burning issue that's prompted you to run for this position (25 words):

Olson: I am running to stand up for parks and kids in my district. Park resources must serve to enhance the development of our future citizens.

Guest: I see a great disparity in the parks of the Northside to those of the Southwest. I want to ensure that ALL of our parks are clean, well maintained and safe.

Should the contract of current park superintendent Jon Gurban be renewed or should the Park Board begin a search for a new superintendent? Explain your reasoning. (100 words)

Olson: The decision to renew the superintendent's contract or search for a new superintendent must always be evaluated in the context of the superintendent's performance, the availability of qualified candidates for the position, and the real and hidden costs of changing the superintendent. Although I recognize Jon Gurban has areas in which he can improve, I'm not convinced that replacing him at this point is in the best interests of the park system and the public. For that reason I am in favor of extending his contract for another year and addressing areas of improvement in his performance.

Guest: The Board should immediately start a nation-wide search. The current superintendent was hired in the midst of a divisive controversy that has over-shadowed his tenure. Since his hiring, the superintendent has not improved the operation of the Board. That is why we need to hire a strong manager that will work closely with the elected Commissioners and the community to set a strong vision and move our park system forward. To achieve my goal of a World Class park system, we need an organization that is forward thinking and pro-actively engages the community, and a superintendent that supports that goal.

The Park Board has attempted to work with City Hall for several years to legislate a park dedication fee, which many suburbs require. Do you favor or oppose such a fee that would require a developer to provide money or land for park purposes when a development happens? Why? (100 words)

Olson: I am in favor of a park dedication fee because it is fair means of raising revenue for the parks. Park dedication fees are used by many municipalities because it makes sense that developers contribute to the parks in the neighborhood where their development exists. The increased use of parks created by new development justifies the fee because otherwise the increased use unduly burdens citywide property taxpayers.

Guest: I support a variety of creative mechanisms for achieving my goal of a World Class park system. I favor a park dedication fee that is fair, and equitably distributes the cost of providing government services. Park dedication fees are a valuable tool to address the impact of new development in the City, and to avoid diverting that cost onto the shoulders of taxpayers. With these funds, the Board could acquire infrastructure to improve the safety of our parks, and would be able to focus its limited funds to improving the maintenance and upkeep of the existing parks.

Do you support or oppose the proposed city charter amendment that would grant greater independence to the Park Board? Why? (50 words)

Olson: I support any change to the charter that protects the greatness of the Minneapolis Park system from the desire of some to dissolve the long term tradition of an independent Park Board that has served this city faithfully for decades.

Guest: I support an independent Park Board. However, I do not support the recent maneuvers to give the Board their own taxing authority. Without demonstrating it is spending taxpayer's money wisely, this Board should not be given a blank check. I will improve the Board's budget transparency and accountability to the public.

Do you support or oppose the proposed charter amendment that would remove the Park Board representative from the city's Board of Estimate and Taxation and have the board's powers assumed by the City Council? Why? (100 words)

Olson: I oppose any charter change that centralizes taxing power and diminishes representation as this charter amendment is designed to do. In recent years under the current system, with park representation on the Board of Estimate and Taxation, the Park Board's average yearly share of the property tax increase over the last eight years has been less than 3% when the city's share has been more than double that figure. Without representation and a Board of Estimate and Taxation, I fear more resources will be taken from the parks.

Guest: Honestly, I am torn on this issue. I am in support of eliminating an obscure level of government that actually reduces accountability, shields our elected representatives and prevents openness in budgeting and taxing. However, the Board of Estimate and Taxation has served as a neutral place for the Park Board and City to wrestle with the difficult issues surrounding the tax levy. Unfortunately, this important issue has been over-shadowed in the fight over eliminating the Park Board, and deserves a healthy debate. I support anything that improves efficiency in government and streamlines the process to improve transparency and accountability.

How would you work with the city and other parties to move forward the parks component of the 10-year-old Above The Falls plan for development of the city's upper riverfront, and what park improvements there would be your priorities ( 100 words)

Olson: The Park Board has taken the lead to move forward the Above The Falls Plan just as they have developed the west side of the river with paths and are currently working developing the east side of the river. I support the continued acquisition of shoreline property to insure the completion of the plan for the recreational enjoyment of the public. I look forward to cooperating with the city to make the plan a reality.

Guest: This plan conceives a great vision for the transformation of the upper river that would create additional tax revenue and a great amenity for Minneapolis residents. We must advance the plan by building a coalition to implement this vision. I will bring the Met Council, the watershed districts and non-profits like the Friends of the Mississippi River and Trust for Public Land together with the newly created Upper Riverfront Redevelopment Corporation to identify funding partners for land acquisition and development of the park portions of the plan, especially as it becomes available during this time of suppressed land value.

What's one specific city-wide accomplishment you'd like to make happen by the end of your term? (25 words)

Olson: The completion of the Above The Falls Plan so the public will be able to enjoy the riverfront along the entire span of the Mississippi as it flows though the City.

Guest: I would like to take the park system to the next level of greening by: integrating energy savings technology and solar lighting, expanding composting, and doubling our tree canopy.