FREE SPEECH ZONE | Vikings Say Scratch Lotto Game Could be Part of Vikings Tax Plan

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We’ve heard for some time that the Minnesota Vikings, and likely Vikings Tax bill sponsors Rep. Morrie Lanning, R-Moorhead and Sen. Julie Rosen, R-Fairmont, may be interested in using gambling to fund a new Vikings stadium. For the most part, this conversation has centered on the so-called ‘racino’ plan, where slot machines would be located at Canterbury and Running Aces race tracks and the revenues would go toward stadium expenses. Now, with public support still very low, the team is grasping at straws. Free Speech ZoneThe Free Speech Zone offers a space for contributions from readers, without editing by the TC Daily Planet. This is an open forum for articles that otherwise might not find a place for publication, including news articles, opinion columns, announcements and even a few press releases. Continue Reading

FREE SPEECH ZONE | Rybak Target Center Renovation, Statewide Vikings Tax

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Minneapolis Mayor R. T. Rybak wants to have it both ways. On the one hand, this Tuesday (Feb 1, 2011), he appeared with billionaire publishing magnate Glen Taylor, hawking a plan to spend $155 million, much of it public money, on a “facelift” for Target Center, which the City owns and Taylor’s Timberwolves and Lynx basketball teams play in. On the other hand, Rybak wants to be seen as a practical mayor who shares the priorities of city residents and neighborhood activists.Free Speech ZoneThe Free Speech Zone offers a space for contributions from readers, without editing by the TC Daily Planet. This is an open forum for articles that otherwise might not find a place for publication, including news articles, opinion columns, announcements and even a few press releases. Of a potential Timberwolves Tax to pay for his grand plan for Target Center, Rybak tells Minnpost “I don’t want to deal with this issue, frankly, but we simply have to do it.” Continue Reading

FREE SPEECH ZONE | County Commissioner Stenglein faces challenge to his DFL endorsement

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The gymnasium was sparsely populated at the Hennepin County DFL District 2 endorsing convention on March 16 at North Commons Park. Though a few hundred delegates had been elected six weeks earlier at precinct caucuses, fewer than 70 delegates and alternates were seated. When the convention got underway around 6:30, it was brisk and mostly routine. Some DFL office holders and candidates for office were invited to speak to delegates and the rules were adopted.Then the Hennepin County Sheriff, Rich Stanek, who just days before had been endorsed by the Republican Party for a second term, addressed the delegates. Though it is highly unusual for a partisan convention to feature speakers from the other major party, there was surprisingly little objection.Next came the main agenda item: Endorsement for District 2 County Commissioner. Continue Reading