Speed Gibson

A Liberal letter writer to the Minneapolis Star Tribune said that Prime Minister Pawlenty "is a smooth-talking right-wing politician who can convince us otherwise." Conservatives would suggest he is a smooth-talking left-wing politician who can convince us otherwise. Damn, he's good.

We stimulated the economy tonight, buying a new HDTV, part of our family room remodel. We're not quite done with the dust yet so for now it sits on an old coffee table. The sound system isn't ready yet so for now it's just plugged straight into the cable box. For now, I'm just watching 480i or 720p, and with the TV speakers. No Blu-ray. No sub-woofer.

And already, Holy Mother of God is this sweet! Even on the non-HD channels. So far, I've watched pieces of "Pirates of the Carribean", "America's Test Kitchen", "Flip This House", "Trackside" (NASCAR), "Forest Gump", "Law and Order", and Twins baseball. Baseball especially was amazing. I was right there, almost three-dimensional in appearance.

Just the thing to watch the Republican State Convention or District 281 School Board meetings.

I'm sure in the final analysis, it was "operator error" all along, but to date I have had no luck setting up audio podcast feeds, even with iTunes. It all sets up, all indicators are green, and nothing happens. Until today.

Mark Levin revamped his web site over the weekend, including an RSS feed of his (so far) free podcasts. There, he referred to "Juice" as a free "podcatcher" so, I decided to try once again. Their icon is a yellow lemon, but it is fruity bliss. It works!

It downloads mp3's efficiently and launches into my Replay Player that gives me 1.5x playback to save time. I listened to Levin, then successfully added "The David Strom Show" and am now adding the Northern Alliance.

The acid test (was that a pun?) will be Dennis Prager, whose old pay site was great until Salem enforced their contractual copyrights.

It was another work session for the Robbinsdale School District Board, another painful couple of hours contemplating still more budget cuts. Amidst various items, some well over $100,000, was $5,000 for catered food for meetings like this.

Such expenditures are used only when meeting early, around the dinner hour or through lunch etc. There is no food at the 7 pm Board meetings, but there is for 5:30 pm work session. The justification is obvious, that Board members are often coming straight from their day jobs or duties.

I think I can speak for the disgruntled and the skeptical out there when I say that this is money well spent, and not enough to matter against a $200 million annual budget. This Board puts in a lot of extra hours like tonight, and aren't getting rich doing it, either. They at least deserve a sandwich and a cookie! (It was just cookies tonight. And I had one. Invoice me.)

But it's also smart business. Why do we serve breakfast at the schools? Because the children who have breakfast do better in class. In fact, some districts do "double secret" breakfasts when taking national tests.

How about here? If the board functions better, improving its fiscal performance by just 1/100 of one percent, that's a 4:1 payback. I think that's a good investment. Leave it in the budget.

I'm back from southern Iowa, where my father grew up. We stopped in Kellerton where my grandparents first farmed and found the volunteer fire department holding a bake sale. And there it was: a gooseberry pie!

My great aunt Clara used to make this, a treat we had when visiting the farm. I probably haven't had any since then, maybe 40 years or so ago? It's about as hard to find as raisin pie, which I wrote about earlier.

I had some last night with a little ice cream and it was just as I imagined. And I will open my pie hole again tonight!

Take a look at this almost amusing Pioneer Press article about two Legislators fighting over the Chanhassen Dinner Theaters (CDT). The weapon of choice? Amendments.

I had to read the article a couple of times to understand it, and I may still have part of it wrong. But one Legislator wants to lure the CDT to be part of the Mall of America expansion and will accept no substitute.

After consulting with representatives of downtown Minneapolis theater interests, [State Rep. Jim Davnie, DFL, Minneapolis] drafted an amendment laying out the sort of live entertainment venue that would be permissible in a mall expansion.

Such a theater, according to the amendment, must have a "seating capacity not to exceed 1,500 with a terraced main floor on which at least two-thirds of its total seats are located at fixed tables, at which substantially all of the admissions for performances will include meals, and which must be operated by a theater organization that has continuously operated a dinner theatre in Minnesota for at least 30 years."

What a surprise! Only the CDT meets this defintion. The Guthrie, the Old Log, et al all come up short - as designed.

When state Rep. Joe Hoppe, a Republican whose suburban district includes the dinner theater, got wind of the amendment, he — in consultation with Chanhassen city officials — drafted another amendment that used the same language to essentially reverse Davnie's amendment, effectively preventing Chanhassen, or any other live theater, from occupying the mall expansion.

However entertaining, it does illustrate how the government can take a significant interest in your specific business or property, without naming your company, name, or plat description.

I saw a similar example many years ago, where a Congressional Defense Appropriation specified the type of cookies to be in field rations with great precision. Oreo's happened to fill the bill, Hydrox did not.

A frequent commenter has been following my concerns over the independence of the newly proposed financial advisory group for District 281, the Robbinsdale Area Schools. He writes: "[Can you] draw any conclusions about the independence of the board until you know who the citizen members are, and how they approach it[?]" That's a fair question he has asked more than once that I will now address.

First, who sets the agenda? As proposed, the Director of Business Services, a member of the committee. He reports to an Assistant Superintendent who is also a member of the committee. She reports to the Superintendent, who is also a member of the committee.

Second, who has the power? Besides the Administration's triple threat above, there are two School Board members on the committee, one of whom per the By-Laws is the permanent committee chair. Originally, there were to be five volunteer appointments, now as many as eight. All of them would be selected by the Superintendent, presumably for up or down ratification by the Board. Regardless of that, it would not be surprising to see about half with significant experience in the public education sector. This has been the pattern on other such commissions in the area.

Third, who speaks for the group? The published reports will naturally carry the logos and titles (and imprimatur?) of the District and high officials. Reporters and cameras will naturally seek out the committee chair (the School Board Treasurer) and the Superintendent. If the citizen members materially disagree, who speaks for them? On other civic volunteer commissions including two that I currently serve on, the volunteers elect their own chairs, who do occasionally get quoted. Here, a citizen can only speak for his or her own self.

We're in the world of politics here, folks, where the race is not always to the swift. All too often, perception is the reality. Indeed, the Board and the Superintendent have ascribed the defeat of the 2007 Referendum to mis-perceptions of the District's realities. Let's stipulate for the moment that they're right, that the realities are real. One of those realities is that the Legislature isn't going to be of much help for at least two years, so only a Referendum will raise the money required.

A successful Referendum will require giving at least a few hundred swing voters a reason to reconsider. Will the "Superintendent's Financial Advisory Committee" accomplish this? Whatever success this group might have, again, even in a world where I'm stipulating that District truly is short of money, a true "Citizens Financial Advisory Committee" will fare better. Imagine its citizen Chair making the final presentation and appearing with District partners at press events during the Referendum drive.

Removing my stipulation, even if there is some disagreement on sufficiency of funds or other issues, with a true Citizen committee we will at least have a more credible basis for that discussion, and from that may come the compromises needed to get District 281 back on track.

We really shouldn't even be having this discussion, for the Visioning process was clear on the need for a more independent assessment. I was there and I have witnesses. So why are we copying what Hopkins did rather than following our own community's guidance?

The Strategic Planning ("Visioning") process is nearly complete in District 281, needing just a little more spit and polish. This plan is a beginning of a 5 year process, not unlike the 2003 reorganization that was painfully but successfully implemented.

In 2008, the challenges are different, I think largely dissatisfaction with program cuts amidst increasing public mistrust. Hopefully, the final document will soon be published and made available on the District web site.

Of immediate concern is one particular action item, to create a group to "improve management of resources, financial accountability, and transparency to the community." Superintendent Stan Mack II has already assembled By-Laws for such a group, prematurely some of us think, i.e., publish the plan first so that we know such a committee truly addresses the plan's requirements.

However, it was on the Board Agenda on Monday for adoption with minor changes, none addressing my stated concerns. Three of us were there, staying until almost 11 pm, ready for battle, only they tabled the item.

The basic flaw remains, that the "Citizens’ Financial Advisory Committee" would be better named the "Superintendent's Financial Advisory Committee" for he would pick the volunteer members and pack the committee with high level staff, including himself. Without independence, where is the credibility?

I'm not sure that our little group of three agree on everything. We do agree that having Superintendent or any one District official so totally dominate its composition and operation is pointless.

Developing ...

Previously: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7

"God, I'm jealous," sighed Claire Andrews, Superintendent of the Zenith Public Schools. "He's hiring, I'm firing."

"That's not your fault," said Senator George Babbitt, who had returned home last night.

"Whose fault is it, George? Yours?" she asked pointedly, but with no real malice in her voice. "Sorry. I know what a mad house it is down there."

"You should try it sometime," was the best Babbitt could do.

Like most nearby districts, Gopherville and Zenith were just a little short this year, about $230 thousand and $180 thousand respectively, short meaning layoffs were all but certain. Mostly, the problem was declining enrollment that meant less State aid, but both districts had considerable fixed costs to cover.

Actually, Gopherville Superintendent Will Kennicott had reduced the head count by two, one cook by attrition, the other hard but necessary, the high school German teacher. The area had been settled by German immigrants and taking not taking German was, well, verboten. But the times had changed, and there just wasn't enough demand to justify continuing it, especially when money was again tight. He could have used Paul Reisling's endowment, as some of the affected parents had implored. But he felt guilty enough using about $165 thousand of the $250 thousand available.

That aside, it had been the easiest budget he had ever prepared. Between Finance Director Arrowsmith's expertise and Reisling's gift, he had money for everything and didn't have to worry about where it came from. Martin Arrowsmith in fact tried to hide it from him, at Reisling's request, so that he couldn't tell where the money was truly coming from, but Kennicott insisted on knowing how far he was reaching into Paul's wallet. Otherwise, he didn't know or care which state account or formula was involved, or if there were consequences one way or another. With Paul Reisling's money, the ultimate General Fund that could be spent on anything, Martin in fact was able to tweak the various formulas to pull another $28 thousand in from St. Paul. He had never had so much fun at the office, and for a good cause.

"You know, George, I'm happy this happened," she said, leaning back in her chair, staring at the ceiling.

"Sorry?"

"That the merger didn't happen. It would have been a mess."

"You would have been swimming in revenue though, from the efficiencies."

"It would have been a mess. A lot of unhappy people. Like in Gardner Lake." Suddenly, Claire Andrews straightened up in her chair, then stood up. "I have an idea! What are you doing for dinner Friday night?"

"Claire?"

"Relax. Let's get the Kennicott's on the phone, take them out to dinner at the Circle R. I'm buying. Bring a guest if you like." Claire was really smiling now. "How 'bout if I arrange a date for you, in fact?"

"Claire, I don't know, ..."

"I do. And it's business."

It was David vs David. I expected David Cook to do what David Archuleta could not - rock this casbah. That was pretty much what happened, only Cook gave it less than his 100 percent. He's been somewhat uninteresting for several weeks now.

Archuleta the balladeer however dug deep. His voice never sounded better, full of timbre and confidence, gliding easily up and down challenging riffs and runs that few professionals could do as well.

Maybe Cook is trying to lay up, to avoid the locked down contract that awaits the winner. If so, I think he'll be happy tomorrow, too, for as Randy would say, "Archuleta, that was hot baby!"

I was just beginning to listen a bit to Chris Baker on KTLK-FM. Then I heard a voice. I changed the dial, figuring, hoping, it was a one time appearance, related to the topic of the day.

I heard that voice again this morning. I changed the dial, perhaps never to return if this is permanent. For Ron Rosenbaum, the Nick Coleman of local talk radio, may have found another gig.

It wasn't even close. Kristi Yamaguchi scored a pair of perfect 30's in a blowout against very respectable competition. I think I would have given her a 9, not a 10 for her free style, but then I also would have given her an 11 for the cha-cha.

AND THE WINNER IS: Kristi and Mark, worthy champions from a worthy set of competitors. A woman has finally won the title. And Edyta can now put some clothes on again.

The Star Tribune today concluded a two day piece on school suspensions. It was written with an uncomfortably excessive racial viewpoint, but that aside, a couple of quotes stand out.

"Teachers have a right to expect an orderly room. But they also should be experienced when they walk into that room."

-- Eugene Dix, Executive Director, African-American Action Committee, Brooklyn Park

I agree completely.

"Most Minnesota teachers aren't taught how to manage a classroom."

-- Frank Hernandez, Executive Director, Center for Excellence in Urban Teaching, Hamline University.

Based on the evidence, I again have to agree. The question is why?

Does this mean that all those extra college credits of "how to be a teacher" required to become a licensed teacher don't cover how to run a class? Isn't this why Albert Einstein, Henry Kissinger, and Learned Foot cannot be allowed to teach K-12 classes?

Does this mean that all those hours of student teaching required to become a licensed teacher don't have you teach a real class, by yourself at times? And is it enough to log these hours in an outer ring suburb, far away from an "urban reality" environment?

Running a class, including effective discipline, should be part of the licensing process should it not?

Admittedly, you never know whether you can truly do a job until you actually get it, be it sales, construction, accounting, or teaching, regardless of how many classes you took or hours of apprenticeship you put in. Those that ultimately find themselves unable to do a job should consider a change of career and make room for those who can.

Teaching should be no different.

From the Chicago Tribune, columnist Phil Vettel reports that animal activist led 2006 ban on foie gras in Chicago was handily repealed.

This fight was never about the foie gras.

Last week, the Chicago City Council repealed its foie gras ban. Chefs hailed the action as a victory for personal choice and a repudiation of the nanny state. The People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals called it a craven capitulation to special interests. And Ald. Joe Moore (49th), who sponsored the 2006 ban, called it an outrageous display of old-time Boss politics.

I think the ban was repealed because people were laughing at us.

The marketplace always finds a way, doesn't it?

Restaurant owners--and the customers who supported them--wasted no time finding creative ways around the law. I had an especially luscious "chicken liver terrine" at Cyrano's, har-de-har-har. Copperblue managed to source duck liver that tasted suspiciously wonderful; the owner maintained that it had come from naturally fed ducks, and who was qualified to dispute it?

This reminds me of the old Nixon wage and price controls. Daytons (I can talk about it now) cleverly put new goods under a "temporary markdown" that would later get canceled when it was time to raise the price. Butchers invented "new" cuts of meat that had no price history. The marketplace found the ways to set prices where they needed to be. The next example is really America at its best, though.

Bin 36 offered a premium-priced salad of figs, apricots and honey, "and the foie gras torchon is on us." That's what the menu said. The restaurant wasn't selling foie gras, it was selling a salad and giving away the liver.

When the Health Department inspectors arrived at Bin 36 and decided that this transparent bit of legerdemain passed muster, declining to issue a citation, the battle was over. Basically, anyone who wanted to serve foie gras did so.

Score one for our side.

I was seemingly exhausted last night for no real reason, and I finally just went to bed at an astounding 9 pm. I must have been, awakening just after 6 am. I felt great, the weather was great, so I walked 6 miles to the SD 45 monthly gathering in New Hope to see Barb Davis White and other candidates. (And you, too, Lassie!)

When I got home, my wife had a phone message for me. It was from a woman who had some old raisin pie recipes for me. Some months back, Cook's Illustrated had sent out an email asking if anyone had some lost recipe they were searching for. I replied, seeking raisin pie. Not that sour cream raisin crap, real two crust raisin pie. This is unknown in Minnesota in my travels to date, something I used to get regularly in my youth visiting the grandparents' farm in southern Iowa. I once found it in Phoenix, at the Iowa Cafe, maybe 20 years ago.

Well, it seems my request got published in Cook's Country, a sister publication to Cook's Illustrated. I subscribe to the latter, and their web site, but not Cook's Country. FYI, these are the folks that produce "America's Test Kitchen" on public TV.

So, this Cook's Country subscriber in Crystal sees my request, looks me up in the phone book, and called. We connected late this afternoon and I was impressed. This is a pie lady, a vanishing breed. She knew what I was talking about, said it was sometimes found in Minnesota southern border towns.

She had three recipes from 1945-1950 era cookbooks, and I wrote down the second. I chatted further about general technique and I knew she was a winner when I asked: butter, shortening, or lard? Lard, she said firmly, and hard lard you render yourself if you have the time, not the soft stuff in the grocery store. She gave me a number of other tips, too. I think I have new plans for Memorial Day.

Anyway, what a treat to find there are still pie ladies in the world. Only in America.

One of the outcomes of the District 281 Strategic Planning process was the recommendation for a "Citizens Financial Advisory Commission." Superintendent Mack eagerly presented a set of By-Laws for such a group, adapted from another school district. The approach illustrates how we can sometimes be too close to a problem.

As I drove home, I saw a great example of this, a personal pet peeve of mine. Approaching some construction that closed one lane, I first saw the usual "ROAD WORK AHEAD" sign. A few hundred feet later came the "RIGHT LANE CLOSED" sign. I'm sure the road crews mean well and think this is a natural progression of information. They're wrong. They're too close to the problem.

The "ROAD WORK AHEAD" sign is useless. You see the orange diamond in the distance and know from that alone that yes, there is road work ahead. But you can't pick a lane or a detour until you get close enough to read the next sign. They should have put a "RIGHT LANE CLOSED" sign up front, saving the need for a second sign and giving the driver the necessary time to switch lanes accordingly. This is something a "drivers advisory committee" could spot, as the transportation folks continue to miss it.

Here, the Superintendent assumes such a committee will best function as a direct adjunct to the district staff. I disagree. He's too close to the problems, whatever they may ultimately be. And the proposed committee would be too close to him, to wit:

[Article IV.A] Members shall be appointed [...] through Board appointment. [...] The Superintendent or designee will provide a list of recommended candidates to the Board. [...]

The roster per Article IV.B is:

1. Board Treasurer (Committee Chair)
   
2. Board Representative
   
3. Superintendent
   
4. Director of Finance
   
5. Assistant Superintendent or [designate] to represent Human Resources
   
6. Five Citizens who have a background in Finance
   

It's five top level staff including the Superintendent vs five citizens, picked by the Superintendent remember. It is chaired by staff, with agendas and materials provided by the staff. The citizens are way over-matched, no matter their qualifications. Resistance is futile. They will be assimilated into the Borg.

Having been part of the Visioning subgroup that identified this concept, I can state that independent assessment was the goal, which I believe our working papers made clear. That means the citizens have to run it. It also begs the question of who should appoint the citizens, the seven cities perhaps.

As it happens, the District is getting some new financial analysis software soon that will facilitate comparisons with other districts and general norms. The Superintendent is eager to get started using it which may explain the haste to create and desire to control the group.

We sorted this out a bit at the "Strategic Planning Report and Next Steps" meeting last night and will get another look at Monday night's Board meetings.

I give our district pretty high marks for the Visioning / Strategic Planning initiative that has developed a Vision, Mission, several Priorities, and numerous Goals. There is still a little bit of "wordsmithing" left to complete sentences and correct grammar, but I think we have a workable framework to go forward. As one staffer put it, it's halftime.

Now it's time to assign people and resources, and execute.

District 281 did something similar five years ago, getting input, developing a reorganization plan, which was then executed. This closed a school, replaced the Technology Learning Campus with more modern alternatives, addressed some demographic imbalances, and cut administration. This would be remarkable in the private sector, where often such plans just get filed.

I and others will be watching, participating, and reporting, and you of course can follow along on the district web site.

As Mark Levin might bark, "What the hell has happened to my party?" Jason Lewis thinks we should rename ourselves the Whigs, from whose demise over the slavery question emerged the Republican party. Senator John McCain, secure in his status as the presumptive Republican standard bearer, may just be the catalyst of a similar split, even if he is elected. For the GOP is a mess right now, both nationally and here in Minnesota.

The Democrats have posted three upset Congressional special election victories. Locally, we lost Steve Sviggum's the SD 25 seat, insult to the injury of the huge DFL gains in 2006. Prime Minister Pawlenty would have lost as well had not Mike Hatch fumbled on the goal line. The only people holding back the Democrats are themselves Democrats, like Minnesota Senator Larry Pogemiller.

[Hat tip to commenter - I had the wrong special election. --SG]

And what are our standard bearers doing, Mssrs. McCain and Pawlenty, possibly our fall ticket? Going left. Going hard left. "I'm a conservative Republican, dammit!" growls McCain or words to that effect. But recently he said:

We know that greenhouse gases are heavily implicated as a cause of climate change. We know that among all greenhouse gases, the worst by far is the carbon dioxide that results from fossil fuel combustion.

These statements are outrageously false. Is McCain ignorant or lying?

By the year 2012, we will seek a return to 2005 levels of emission. By 2020, a return to 1990 levels and so on until we have achieved at least a reduction of 60% below 1990 levels by the year 2050.

The same faulty models that predict global catastrophe also predict the climatic effect of all this is unmeasurable, less than a small fraction of one degree. Only the economic impact is significant and undeniable, women and children hardest hit, of course.

What better way to correct past errors than to turn the creative energies of the free market in the other direction. Under the cap and trade system, this can happen. In all its power, the profit motive will suddenly begin to shift and point the other way toward cleaner fuels, wiser ways, and a healthier planet.

As carbon becomes currency, Congress won't of course tax it or cut specific businesses any favors.

I had assumed that in the interest of national security I would hold my nose and vote for McCain. This dangerous, unforced error of enviro-lunacy plus the near-certainty of full amnesty and open borders when McCain again reaches across the aisle has me reconsidering whether to cast a Presidential vote at all this fall.

My calendar has been very busy this month, such that I'm still catching up with American Idol and Dancing with the Stars. Though I still like DWTS, I think this is it for me as regards American Idol.

DWTS had the predictable outcome of saying good bye to a spirited, serious contender in Marrissa. The finale has three strong stars left, and I'm looking forward to it.

But this week's Idol might have been the worst show in years. The talent hasn't been as strong, but the three remaining all were disappointing, quirky, and - boring! The only suspense tonight is the slim chance that David Cook might be voted off early, as sometimes happens on this show.

I still like Syesha, and what a shame to see her trip over more poor song choices when the David's basically took the night off. It was her night to shine, she did as well as the boys I think, but without the fan base, she's done tonight.

UPDATE: And she was.

If our nanny-stater's at the State Capitol have the courage of their convictions, that children below age 8 or below 80 pounds must ride in booster seats in automobiles, surely the same restrictions should be imposed on public transit.

There are no seat belts or air bags on the MTC buses, let alone convertible seats like some newer cars feature. It's worse on light rail, where the brief stopping times wouldn't allow the time necessary to properly seat such children even if the train seats had such accommodations.

No, the risk is too great, and it falls disproportionately on the poor who must use public transit. Post signs that say "you must be this tall to ride the Hiawatha line."

According to the AP, Prime Minister Tim Pawlenty is demanding a property tax cap be part of the budget deal to address the nearly $1 billion deficit. This is foolishness, born of arrogance and ambition, not sound public policy. Once again, Pawlenty is telling us we're too stupid to vote directly (referendums) and indirectly (local elections) on our property taxes.

We can't vote on local light rail subsidies, but he can. We can't vote on stadium subsidies, but he can. And now, we can't vote on funding local government without his approval, either. Mr. Pawlenty, we can handle this without your help. Mr. Pawlenty, you are exceeding your authority, trying to pretend you're a fiscal conservative who by gosh is really tough on those big spending liberals!

It's insulting to think that after ethanol, light rail, stadiums, environmental lunacy, the smoking ban, and numerous other purely political decisions at our mounting expense, Pawlenty thinks he can just toss us a bone to regain his standing with the GOP base.

Laissez-faire! Leave us alone!

I did a pretty good job of quitting CBS's Survivor this season, the "fans vs favorites" edition. Too often, the unworthy somehow end up winning this thing, something only a liberal could love. But I found myself watching the finale tonight with the wife, and sure enough, a second class player, a fan favorite for reasons that escape me, wins the prize, again for reasons that escape me.

And of course, now she explains all the clever strategies she employed. Yeah, right.

I managed to watch maybe only a third of the episodes this season, a pretty good "quitting" score. With this result, I am again enthused to quit the whole thing, as they're probably going to do another one.

Previously: 1 2 3 4 5 6

Minnesota Representative Alma Sargent entered the meeting late as usual, offering her usual apologies as she sat down.

"All right, we're all here. How do we do this?" asked Senator George Babbitt. Sitting in Babbitt's other visitor's chair was Edith Cortwright, Chair on the Senate Education Committee.

"You'll do nothing if you're smart, George," replied Cortwright. "You can't force a merger with someone who doesn't need you." She was known throughout the Capitol for being direct, often blunt. But she also had a sense of humor, smiling broadly now. "You have to admit, it's a classic twist of fate. You finally get elected head of the Chamber of Commerce and Wal-Mart opens on the edge of town." Babbitt gave no reaction. "And you can't stand it, can you?"

"That isn't the way I'd look at it. The merger would have been good for both Zenith and Gopherville." The Senator was referring to a consolidation of the two school districts. It had been talked about in both towns, in response to their mutual problems of fewer students, aging buildings, and tighter budgets. But no one had put a proposal on the table to date. It fell to him, George Babbitt thought, or had thought. He took no real pleasure from it. It just had to be done.

He had been quietly searching for an opposite number, some Gopherville graduate or official with whom to share the stage, to balance the ticket so to speak. It just wouldn't look right otherwise. He was Zenith's favorite son, co-captain of his football team and the most feared linebacker for 50 miles in his day. After a full athletic scholarship at the University of Minnesota, lettering twice in football, he went on to law school when no pro team picked him up. After cutting his teeth for a a couple of St. Paul law firms, he had moved back to Zenith in 1989. He never married.

Alma Sargent represented District 88B, which includes both Gopherville and Zenith. Jane Cavanaugh served District 88A, Babbitt the Senator for both, District 88. "George, there's no hurry, especially not now." Alma said.

"I'm more interested in what's going on in Gopherville proper, this sugar daddy of theirs," said Cortwright.

"You know what we know, Edith. Do you know Reisling at all, Alma?"

"I do," Sargent replied. "We worked professionally on a nursing home project in St. Clair, have a few common clients." Sargent's husband Eddie was a mechanical contractor, primarily commercial.

"And?"

"And he's a good accountant."

"So why is he doing this? Since when does an accountant of all people write big checks for no reason?"

"Maybe you should ask him."

"I was hoping you would," said Babbitt.

"What's the point?" asked Cortwright. "Once he hands over the money, he's out of the picture, for at least a year as I understand it."

"I want to know what he wants in return."

"Again, what's the point? Money? Sex? Afraid he'll run for your seat? It could just be that he's just a nice guy."

"He is that," said Sargent. "He's been all business in my dealings with him, competent, pleasant, bought his share of the coffee. Whatever he does for church and charity, he keeps it to himself."

"Until now," said Babbitt. "I tell you, ..."

"Let it go, George," observed Cortwright. "Speculate on your own time. The merger's off and unless you can come up with some other specific need for that $140,000 you had earmarked for that, we're done here."

Babbitt sighed, shook his head. "Part of that was to expand and remodel the district offices in Zenith, maybe 30 grand or so?"

"What did you promise, George?" asked Sargent.

Cortwright picked up the copy of SF 1073 from Babbitt's desk. "I'll get you $20,000 for a remodel, but no more and no expansion. It'll happen next year, you wait. Let's get on with the college's wish list." She saw Babbitt looking at the wall. "George?"

"Sorry. This whole business still bugs me. I'm going back this weekend."

Powerline, as further recounted on the NARN today, has taken issue with Rep. Mindy Greiling's attack piece on Minneapolis Star Tribune columnist Katherine Kersten's two columns on the state's first Islamic charter school, the Tarek ibn Ziyad Academy in Inver Grove Heights.

I call it an attack piece because it has no other purpose. As Powerline's Scott Johnson recounts, Greiling takes no issue with any of the many facts Kersten reported, nor the testimony of the substitute teacher. On the basis of an anecdotal "I had a nice time" visit to the school, Greiling calls for the paper to fire Kersten.

This is bad enough, well over the lines of civility and professional conduct. It's actually worse than that. Greiling is, by extention, accusing the substitute teacher of lying as well, again unsubstantiated.

I'll go still further and point out that she has hurt her DFL party as well. She is carrying the P. S. Minnesota proposal to add $1.7 billion to K-12 spending in the 2009 session, another 'Minnesota Miracle'. She will need a big tax increase to do that, which in turn requires support beyond her far left base. Needlessly going out of your way to pick a pointless fight with the press without cause, nicking a civilian in the process, doesn't help.

Education Minnesota might want to consider a leadership change for its K-12 bills next year.

In "Common Sense School Reform" (available in the Strom Showcase), author Frederick Hess talks of two kinds of reformers, the "Status Quo" reformer and the "Common Sense" reformer. The Status Quo Reformer is incremental, one who says follow me a little further and things will get better. But in government run education, this seldom happens; often, things get worse.

Is ECFE - Early Childhood & Family Education the exception? It a minimum, it is tremendously popular, including among my extended family. At the District 281 visioning sessions, there wasn't a single complaint, only a privoso, that it be free ECFE.

I posted yesterday that I'd like to see Community Education be split off from the school districts, to help them focus on their raison d'être, K-12 education. Would I want the same for ECFE, for the same reason?

Before I answer that, let us address how many educators point to the Minneapolis Federal Reserve Senior VP Art Rolnick's strong endorsement of the ECFE concept. Rolnick did not envision a one size fits all government solution, however, preferring multiple marketplace offerings. On the other hand, and unlike Community Education, there is something to be said for integration of an ECFE program and the K-12 schooling to follow, administratively at least.

Returning ECFE to the home and the private sector would not be a bad decision, an option available now. That the government schools offer unfair competition to such providers bothers me a bit. But the fact remains that "free" ECFE from the public schools is what the parents want, perhaps the districts' most successful offering. The customers are very happy and the costs are modest.

I therefore will now make the jump from K-12 to E-12 in my thinking.

With the departure of District 281's award winning Community Education director to the Wayzata schools, it seems a good time to discuss the concept and future of Community Education.

It seems that every public school district has a Community Education program, even the smallest like Brooklyn Center (#286) and St. Anthony (#282). They vary in breadth and depth, but they all offer classes and activities for those of us over 18, i.e., beyond the K-12 zone.

Question: why is this a Public School District function? I ask for two reasons. One, there is obvious duplication of services. Two, there doesn't appear any significant connection between K-12 and Community Education. You could graduate from Robbinsdale and then take Community Education classes at Osseo (#279) or elsewhere. Or vice versa.

Having just returned from the St. Petersburg, Florida area where the school district is a massive county wide operation (17 high schools!) suggests that we could do the same here, make Community Education a county wide operation. That alone should provide better efficiency and consistency.

Since this is my fantasy, I'll further require that my County Education operation be run as a county agency, like the library system. The latter is also a "community education" service, so a merger seems desirable as well. Furthermore, a number of city programs that overlap in this area could also be supplanted by this agency.

What I don't want is a joint powers arrangement amongst the school districts. It would be too messy and besides, my goal is for the school districts not to worry about it at all. I want them to focus on K-12 exclusively. (I'll look at ECFE in a later post.)

Part of my reasoning is to avoid the co-mingling of funds and related resources. It will often work out that the County Education agency will rent space and facilities here and there, a source of income for the school districts. They could employ district staff as the district deems them available as well, but under separate employment arrangements including payroll.

Now of course, some of you would simply abolish the current Community Education system, the politicians letting the private sector take over. That's your fantasy.

Reading the Letters in the Minneapolis Star Tribune is usually just an exercise in frustration. Occasionally a thoughtful, well written letter slips past the goalie, like this May 9 letter. In response to a May 3 opinion on the Central Corridor light rail line by Kate Wolford, President of the McKnight Foundation, the writer challenges whether she had "taken a good look at key elements of the actual plan."

Big problem: how to best serve the University of Minnesota's needs as a major transit stop without creating dangerous street congestion, and while helping -- rather than harming -- nearby neighborhoods. The university's proposed alternative route at its main campus solves this problem; it is a faster route at a lower cost than an expensive major upgrade of the Washington Avenue bridge that would require considerable additional mitigation because of altered traffic patterns. The Metropolitan Council, however, remains stuck in its own bad plans.

We're seeing this trend more and more, where those around the project get to vote, but not those affected. Is this the new model, deliberately crafting projects to openly rob Peter Victim to pay Paul Voter?

Biggest problem: slow transit time resulting from the route on a busy street where the train must stop at red lights, subject to traffic delays. On University Avenue's 6.1 miles between Huron and Rice, there are 25 stoplights on a major street lined with retail businesses and offices. By comparison, the Hiawatha Line runs on a spacious divided highway and the train has priority at the eight stoplights between the Metrodome and Hwy. 62. Officials admit that the Central Corridor line as now planned will be much slower than the freeway express bus, making it a billion-dollar same-speed replacement for the limited-stop street bus, much too slow to attract automobile commuters off the freeway. (The Met Council and Ramsey Rail Authority threw away an expensive study that preferred a much faster, less costly rail route along I-94 that was expected to draw much higher use than a University Avenue line.)

I highlighted that last sentence to once again say that Light Rail is Pork, not Transportation.

A third problem, never discussed in the media, is difficulties arising from Central Corridor and Hiawatha lines running on the same tracks between the Metrodome and the western terminus. The exact coordination necessary to use the same tracks would be easier to maintain if the Central Corridor ran along I-94 on a faster, more predictable schedule. Otherwise we can expect snarls and delays of perhaps 10 minutes.

We're not supposed to care how long it takes! We're being green! We're creating jobs! We're investing in infrastructure!

Whether you believe in Light Rail or not, whether you believe our K-12 Public Schools are short of money or not, we still have the specter of our school children pressing their noses against the glass, watching the elites wildly overspend on this project.

I give Mr. Markle my thanks and the last word:

All three of these problems should be dealt with before pushing ahead with a badly planned project -- apparently the most expensive public works project in state history -- that we'll later regret.

I won't get a chance to see Monday's presentation of the Strategic Planning Process Outcomes to the District 281 School Board until sometime Thursday via Cable Channel 22.

One thing I'll be watching for is that School Uniforms recommendation that came out of the blue at the wrap up meeting. In the published document, however, it says "Establish a dress code." That's a (clothes) horse of a different color. Both uniforms and a dress code may be driven by the same concerns, but these solutions are quite different.

I'm wondering who changed this and why. Even if I am not very convinced about uniforms in the 21st century, I am willing to hear the arguments directly.

Dancing With the Stars is ramping up, but American Idol hit the skids last week, and only partially rebounded this week. Also unlike DWTS, the loser this week is painfully obvious: Jason Castro. Despite the judges' reviews, I actually think Castro did a little better this week, but still well short of those already gone, and (Lord have mercy), well short of winning this year.

The obvious three were all good, nobody with a clear edge but I'll give Syesha the slightest of edge again. David Cook seemed a little dull. As for Archuleta, one ballad a night should be the limit, again being a little dull. But these are small distinctions indeed.

Syesha again found herself in the bottom two, but for once, this is nothing to worry about given Castro's week, the worst final four Idol performance I can remember. She's going to really have to bring it next week, though, and maybe hope one of the David's struggles.

For it's looking like an all guy finale.

There's no suspense this week in that I watched both the Monday dancing and Tuesday results together via DVR. Good thing, because it was another great round of performances. It was the most even round I think I've seen on the show: no losers in sight.

Someone had to go, besides Kristi that is, and it turned out to be Mario, perhaps a victim of some harsh judges' comments.

The final four is set, Kristi and the dreamers, one of whom just might overtake her.

I can't track down the exact quote, but I heard Senator Barack Obama decrying the failed Republican energy policy written by the oil companies with Dick Cheney. Now wait just a minute, here. Whose policy is in effect? The Democrats, thanks to some mushy Republicans like our own Senators Norm Coleman and John McCain.

We want to drill, in Alaska, offshore, North Dakota, wherever the oil is. Despite the small and ever decreasing environmental risks, they don't.

We want to build new oil refineries. Despite the construction and manufacturing jobs that would also create, they say no.

We want to kill biofuels, to stem it's now obvious ripples of poverty, starvation, civil unrest, all with increased atmospheric carbon dioxide levels. They have a dream.

We can do the math on wind and solar. They still think this can be significant, assuming the environmentalists and the elite will let you erect such garish structures in their back yards.

We agree with the French: nuclear power is safe and efficient. They're still watching The China Syndrome reruns.

We like coal, especially now that we have clean burning technologies. They shriek how that's pure CO₂, still preferring Al Gore to M.I.T. research.

We don't like energy taxes, but we're willing to pay them if they truly go for related infrastructure like roads and bridges. They earmark much of the money for light rail and other pork.

We do like freedom. Freedom to pull heavy boats up north to the cabin or resort. Freedom to drive past the stores "they" want you to patronize. Freedom to set our own Cylinder Index and miles per gallon. Freedom not to take public transit. Gasoline is freedom. Guess which side "they" are on.

To sum up, our current defacto energy policy is theirs, not ours. The only complaint they might have is that we haven't given in completely, by imposing fascist control over the entire energy industry like Senator Hillary Clinton advocates.

We're back from 6 days of perfect Florida weather along the Gulf Coast near Tampa. It was sunny and 86 when we left, 54 and raining when we landed. But at least I have Internet access again, and the TSA had my cell phone waiting for me. The only real negative? Public transportation.

Someone told me how much easier and cheaper it is to park at the Humphrey terminal. The Hiawatha Line takes you to the main (Lindberg) terminal for free, just 3 minutes according to the airport web site. They fail to mention two important facts:

1. The light rail does not stop at the Humphrey terminal. The station is actually at the edge of the parking ramp, a lengthy (1/4 mile?) distance from the terminal entrance. You simply walk through a labeled section of the ramp, some of which you share with the traffic.


2. The light rail does not stop at the Lindberg terminal, either. It stops at the rental car garage, where you must take another tram to the far end of the basement level.

All told, to be safe, you need to allow 35 minutes for this journey, to cover maximum wait times for the Hiawatha and Tram. Best time is about 25 minutes, carrying your luggage, most of it walking and 5 stories of escalators.

It is cheaper and not as full, but next time I'll allow the needed extra time plus enough to drop off everyone else and the luggage first.

We constantly hear the various education "experts" around our state express concern how the sky is falling on our K-12 public school districts, finanancially that is. And it's been falling for some time they claim. It could be worse.

Here in Pinellas County in Florida (St. Petersburg), this huge system serving over 100,000 students, it is worse.

Three months ago, they passed a referendum for at least $40 million in higher property taxes. About 80% is supposed to go for higher teacher pay, the rest for arts and technology. Now, they face a $43 million shortfall, allegedly the work of the Florida Legislature.

They've whittled this deficit down to about $11 million by layoffs and school closings. The next move being considered is a pay cut. The 14,000 teachers would see a 2% reduction, and the support staff 3% to 6% reductions.

They're not talking about reduced growth rates that may or may not keep up with inflation or other indexes, what the Minnesota education establishment often inaccurately calls a cut. Floridians make real, Funk & Wagnalls, Merriam-Webster cuts. So I don't want to hear how tough it is in Minnesota anymore. It could be worse.

It certainly is here. Not surprisingly, the Pinellas County Schools Superintendent resigned April 17th to become Vice President, Education and Corporate Relations for Scholastic Corporation.

I debated taking the laptop to Florida with me, left it home, only to find the hotel is all WiFi with no lobby computer. It had to happen I suppose, but we'll check our bookings more closely next time.

I also managed to lose my cellphone in the MSP airport so I am traveling unplugged, this transmission via an Internet Cafe I happened to walk by.

Ask me if I care. We're staying right on the gulf, with a handy "sand bar" serving wonderful Bloody Mary's. And the weather is perfect. I'll start catching up Wednesday...