Whose Master Plan?
In 2002, Park Board President Bob Fine was lukewarm in his support of Jon Gurban-- "he doesn't participate in the National (Rec & Park) Association, he's just looking for vendors". But Fine continued to subsidize the MRPA with cheap rent justifying it with the "gift" of free memberships to MPRB employees.
Brian Rice's law firm continues to be employed by the Park Board as General Counsel and registered lobbyists for both MPRB and MRPA. He openly contributes to Fine and others who employ his firm.
Fine and others supported the MRPA President Elect (VonDeLinde) for Superintendent, but he declined and remains director of parks in Anoka. The "Fine Five" then hired the MRPA Executive Director, Jon Gurban, as Interim Superintendent without consulting the other four Commissioners.
At the last Park Board meeting, Rice discussed a possible mayoral veto of the Superintendent contract as a huge affront to Board independence. But wouldn't that just necessitate a re-vote with a 6-3 majority to override? Rice seemed to issue a veiled threat that a veto would end up in court and make the Mayor look bad by wasting taxpayer funds.
Even the process used by the (whole) Park Board seemed to set the bar too low. If there is to be a new Master Plan, should we entrust it to anyone who comes from supervising a staff of 5 and a budget of under $1,000,000? Save the interim money and consider hiring a professional search firm to recruit a Superintendent with sufficient qualifications and credentials. Meanwhile, let's raise the bar for Commissioner behavior and eliminate all conflicts of interest. Oops, I don't think that is part of "their Plan".
John Belfry Minneapolis Taxpayer