ICE OUT in Pine Island!
August 22nd, 2018
Amazing. Tonight the Pine Island City Council reversed its position and rescinded its previous Resolution in support of the ICE detention center proposed for Elk Run area of Pine Island. YES!
KAAL – The City of Pine Island Rescinds Support for ICE Detention Facility
KIMT – Pine Island changes its mind on an ICE detention center
Here’s the Resolution rescinding the previous Resolution:
Here’s the original Resolution of support, boilerplate language from the proposed developers:
It’s DONE, for now. It could come back, but methinks they understand that we’re ready! Methinks they know what to expect if they try again!
Withdraw, Ellison — Minn. Stat. 204B.13
August 18th, 2018
DFL? “Endorsed” Ellison today? SHAME:
DFL Central Committee endorses Keith Ellison for attorney general
This behavior is not something open to “plausible denial” by the DFL. There was a similar public allegation against Ellison over a decade ago:
Obviously the Wright County Republican, as a source, is due some skepticism, but, yeah, the similarities are disturbing. Today, what’s important to note is that given this other example, there is no way the DFL did not know of the allegations back circa 2005-2006. That should inform this month’s allegations. Two points makes a line. How many points do you need to have an unfit candidate?
The way the DFL is circling the wagons around Keith Ellison, after shooting Al Franken, tossing him under the wagon, and then dragging him cross country from D.C. to Minnesota, it’s shameful.
With its support of Ellison, the DFL now indeed does face the very real possibility of such strong backlash that many may sit out the Attorney General race in disgust, and Wardlow might be the next Attorney General of Minnesota. WHAT?!?! How horrific can it get?
Come on, folks. Minn. Stat. 204B.13 provides the avenue for withdrawal of Keith Ellison as a candidate for Attorney General of the State of Minnesota — if the DFL and Ellison want to make that happen:
204B.13 VACANCY IN NOMINATION; PARTISAN OFFICE.
Subdivision 1.Partisan office.
(a) A vacancy in nomination for a partisan office must be filled in the manner provided by this section. A vacancy in nomination exists for a partisan office when a major political party candidate who has been nominated in accordance with section 204D.03, subdivision 3, or 204D.10, subdivision 1:
(1) dies;
(2) withdraws by filing an affidavit of withdrawal, as provided in paragraph (b), at least one day prior to the general election with the same official who received the affidavit of candidacy; or
(3) is determined to be ineligible to hold the office the candidate is seeking, pursuant to a court order issued under section 204B.44.
(b) An affidavit of withdrawal filed under paragraph (a), clause (2), must state that the candidate has been diagnosed with a catastrophic illness that will permanently and continuously incapacitate the candidate and prevent the candidate from performing the duties of the office sought, if elected. The affidavit must be accompanied by a certificate verifying the candidate’s illness meets the requirements of this paragraph, signed by at least two licensed physicians. The affidavit and certificate may be filed by the candidate or the candidate’s legal guardian.
What happens? DFL “endorses” Ellison. But then, this primary showed the value of DFL endorsements.
Get out and VOTE!
August 14th, 2018
Notice – PUC wants wind rulemaking comments!
August 2nd, 2018
WHEW! Got over the hurdle! Goodhue Wind Truth’s Petition for Rulemaking for Wind Siting, Minn. R. Ch. 7854, has been accepted by the Public Utilities Commission. But even better, Notice came out today of a Comment Period:
Here’s the full notice:
Notice of Comment Period – 20188-145500-01
Now’s the time to get this rulemaking moving, it’s only 23 years overdue!
Last night at Red Wing Charter Commission
August 1st, 2018
The Red Wing Charter Commission met last night, first the meeting, where they voted to add moi to the Charter Commission, and then for a round of thoughts on Ethics.
Here’s the presentation from Pam Whitmore, League of Minnesota Cities:
Ethics and Local Government
More on this later, gotta focus on tomorrow’s PUC meeting!
Oh, and check out the PUC’s conflict of interest rule:
7845.0400 CONFLICT OF INTEREST; IMPROPRIETY.
Subpart 1. General behavior.
A commissioner or employee shall respect and comply with the law and shall behave in a manner that promotes public confidence in the integrity and impartiality of the commission’s decision making process.
Subp. 2. Actions prohibited.
Commissioners and employees shall avoid any action that might result in or create a conflict of interest or the appearance of impropriety, including:
A. using public office for private gain;
B. giving preferential treatment to an interested person or entity;
C. impeding the efficiency or economy of commission decision making;
D. losing independence or impartiality of action;
E. making a commission decision outside official channels; and
F. affecting adversely the confidence of the public in the integrity of the commission.