Post in Introduction

2006 Sep 19 00:34 UTC

Hi Roseville Neighbors.

  I have been on the forum list for a while, but rather quietly observing for a
time.  I guess this thread is my cue for a quick "hello" and intorduction.

  My name is Kristen Olson and I have lived in Roseville for the past 6 years.
I live in an apartment in the very NorthWest corner of Roseville.  I am a
single mom, my son just turned 5.

  I am a political and environmental activist, and law student on hiatus.

  For Roseville, I am most interested in improvements in quality of life for
children.  For example, I would never let my child ride his bicycle around
here.  Of the times (I can count on my hand) I have seen children riding their
bikes around where I live, the last time I saw the child get hit by a cab, and
I had to stop to call 911.  I, myself, would like to bike to the park and ride
at Rosedale in order to commute, but I fear for my own saefty too much to try!

  I feel like we have more then enough commercial, and industrial, development
in Roseville (and traffic, and toxics that go along).  I'd love to see some
more community development occurring, and some clean up and beautification done
west of Hamline (Planting trees, not buildings).

  I'd love to see Roseville become a leader in sustainable development, if we
must go on building our commercial infrastructure.  Do a google search on
"green buildings" and see what cities like Santa Monica in CA, and states like
Washington are doing.  We have plenty of quantity.  Let's go for quality.

  peace,
  Kristen Olson

Steven Clift <<email obscured>> wrote:

Greetings all. It is quite exciting to scan through the archives and read all
of your introductions. Of the seven local Issues Forums in the E-Democracy.Org
family each one has its own flavor and style. Your online forum seems more
deeply connected into local decision-making structures and committees than
anything I've seen anywhere online around the world. Very exciting.

I'm Steven Clift, Board Chair of E-Democracy.Org. As a founder of
E-Democracy.Org back in 1994 (with the world's first election-oriented website)
I am interested in how we, as "citizens" (inclusive of all), can use the
Internet to promote public participation from anywhere at any time in local
democracy.

For the last decade plus I've been an "e-democracy" consultant and public
speaker as a way to support my volunteer role with E-Democracy.Org. I also have
a blog about democracy online . Before 1997, I coordinated North Star, our
state government's home page .

While I am a fourth generation Minnesotan on both sides, my best connection to
Roseville is that my sister-in-law Eileen teaches band in your elementary
schools. I live in Minneapolis with my wife and our 10 month old son.

Anyway, as Board Chair, our e-door is always open to suggestions and input .
While each local forum may seem like an island, you are not. Folks in St. Paul,
even Brighton, England share the same rules and technology. Each community is
its own center of innovation and one of my jobs to help us learn from one
another. So welcome Roseville into the family of local Issues Forums where
citizens can have a voice and we can learn from each other through one simple
e-mail address.

Steven Clift
Board Chair, E-Democracy.Org

P.S. I'd love to see some more introductions.
Steven Clift
Ericsson, Minneapolis
More info: http://forums.e-democracy.org/Roseville/contacts/stevenclift