Post in Minneapolis Referendum Questions

May 23 15:48 UTC

David writes that "with this referendum, the school folks have basically
"doubled down," gambling on a $60 million request to replace the current $30
million. If they lose, it's zero.

If the referendum were to fail this fall -- and I most certainly hope that it
would not -- the voters would have another crack at it in November 2009.

If the referendum fails this November, surely this would be a huge setback. But
it's perhaps a bit misleading to suggested that the District and students walk
away with zero.  Funds from the current referendum, as David rightly points
out, do not expire until sometime after 2009 ballot.

I'm concerned "doubling down" language overstates it and suggests some type of
all or nothing strategy. My impression is that those behind the referendum are
not high stakes gamblers. There is little to suggest -- either by the dollar
amount or timing of vote -- that they are engaged in high stakes behavior.

I've posted in the past about the forthcoming school referendum. I have two
kids in the system but, regardless, I have always been a staunch supporter of
public education. It is/was the great equalizer in American society. I feel for
the District as this is a terrible time to be whacking folks with additional
property. As a progressive, I'm appalled at what has happened over the past 6-8
years. Those who hurt the most are those least equipped to weather the storm or
have been overlooked by society. Toss Mpls kids in this pool or unfortunates.

If it fails -- and god help our city if it does -- their will be plenty of
blame to go around. Do not look solely at MPS. Responsibility will rightly be
placed on the doorsteps of our elected officials from all levels and types. I,
for one, am in the mood for significant and substantive change, and not just at
the presidential level. The stakes are pretty high and this upcoming referendum
is but one example.  Time to get serious, stop pointing fingers, work together,
and do what is right.