How I've Voted
This page provides a summary of votes I have taken and want to highlight, not a complete record. Please let me know what you think!
January 19, 2022
Resolution: Board action to approve a permit to the Met Council related to Southwest LRT
Amendments: MPRB to negotiate a payment by the Met Council to the MPRB that would recognize parkland and park use disruption.
My vote on the amendment: Yes
Outcome: Failed
My vote on the resolution: No
Outcome: Failed (permit not approved)
My thinking on this: The case for partnership with the Met Council and therefore approval is strong, especially since this project is well-underway but there is no question the impact of the project is greater than was anticipated. I support issuance of the permit to include the payment amendment.
Resolution: Planning Committee action to approve Painter Park Phase 1 concept plan & advance into design
Amendments: None, although one was teed up that would have eliminated space for tennis and increased the basketball hoop count from 3 to 5.
My vote on the amendment: N/A but I would not have supported
Outcome: N/A
My vote on the resolution: Yes
Outcome: Passed (project goes to the Board for approval)
My thinking on this: It’s a great project that the neighborhood is excited about. There was a very thorough public process that went the extra mile to seek out diverse constituencies and develop a very inclusive concept.
January 3, 2022
Subject: Elect Board President
Nominees: Commissioner Forney
How I voted: Forney
Outcome of Vote: Forney elected as Board President
Rationale: Although Commissioner Forney was the sole nominee, she was my preferred choice for this role based on her years of service and commitment to the future of our parks.
Subject: Elect Board Vice-President
Nominees: Commissioners Olsen, Smith, or Thompson
How I voted: Thompson
Outcome of Vote: Smith elected as Board Vice-President
Rationale: As representative for District 2 (North Minneapolis) Commissioner Thompson, would bring representation of her district to the leadership level of the board.
Subject: Elect MPRB Commissioner to the City Planning Commission
Nominees: Commissioner Alper
How I voted: Alper
Outcome of Vote: Alper elected to the commission
Rationale: Although Commissioner Alper was the sole nominee, her professional background is a very good fit for this commission.
Subject: Elect MPRB Commissioner to the Board of Estimate & Taxation
Nominees: Commissioners Forney or Menz
How I voted: Menz
Outcome of Vote: Menz elected to the BET
Rationale: Commissioner Menz will bring outside questions and perspective at a time of new leadership at the BET.