Twin Cities Daily Planet (https://www.tcdailyplanet.net/author/hindsight/page/11/)
If pull tab revenue does not increase, it may be deemed necessary to reassess the current structure of public funding for the new Vikings stadium. Should that come to pass, stadium funding proponents like myself will have to once again make the case for the stadium as advancing the public good. If we are going to do so successfully, we need to do one thing. Do not mention football. Continue Reading
Good news first: when it comes to voter turnout, Minnesota kicks some serious butt. We’ve got a history of high turnout and didn’t disappoint in 2012, with 76.1% of voting eligible citizens turning out, besting runner up Wisconsin by nearly three percent. How’s it feel, Badgers, sting a little bit? Continue Reading
As a history teacher at Southwest Minnesota State University, let me weigh in on the debate about online learning. I’ve taught online within the MnSCU system every year since 2004. I am not opposed to online education nor am I afraid of it. Continue Reading
Whenever the discussion goes to higher taxes for the wealthiest Americans, we hear that it will impact the job creators. The assumption is that the wealthiest portion of the population will create more jobs if they have more money. It sounds great but the reality is something totally different. Successful businesses do not create jobs just because there is money available. They create jobs when there are customers available. This is true of retail, and manufacturing. Any successful business expands when there is an opportunity for more business and profit. Continue Reading
1) Our Concept of Personal Space is Unsustainable Continue Reading
Last Friday the Minneapolis City Council approved an ordinance amendment that will ask city buildings, public entity buildings, and larger commercial buildings to disclose energy and water consumption information to the public. The goal of this policy is to allow market forces to influence the efficiency of buildings in the city, concurrently producing jobs, economic growth, and reducing environmental impact. Those interested in leasing space within a commercial building or investing in large commercial properties can be more informed about their investment decisions while increasing the resale value of efficient properties, motivating building owners to invest in efficient building systems and design. Continue Reading
They guard and clean the buildings at many of Minnesota’s most successful companies; yet, security officers and janitors have been forced into a protracted fight for fair wages and benefits. Continue Reading
In his State of the State, Governor Dayton talked about the importance of a healthy environment, generating more sustainable energy, and attracting green energy jobs. It just so happens, the day Governor Dayton made that speech marked 100 days since Superstorm Sandy crashed into the East Coast, ruining thousands of homes and businesses and devastating the Mid-Atlantic region. As communities in New Jersey and New York are still struggling to recover, it’s time for our state and federal officials to redouble their efforts to tackle global warming. Continue Reading
What do you think is the second most common commuting option? Here’s a hint: it’s usually not this dry. Continue Reading
Minnesota has two categories of cities; ones that have experienced a significant increase in cultural diversity, and ones that will soon experience this, according to the League of Minnesotan Cities. The Diversity Index—a 100-point scale—jumped from 22 in 2000 to 31 in 2011 in the state. As Minnesota communities become more multicultural, so do our schools. Continue Reading