Currently serving as the Minneapolis Park Board Commissioner for District 2, Thompson would like to bring greater transparency and structural thinking to the City Council
“Believes her transparency and structural thinking distinguish her from others.”
So much irony. Thompson is one of 6 park board commissioners who shoved the Minnehaha Dog Park fence project down our throats last fall. This despite several people, including myself, requesting the board tap the brakes on the project until there was TRANSPARENCY and engagement with the dog park community. This despite over 4000 signatures on a petition opposing the board’s plans. The board had arranged funding for the project more than a year before they bothered to tell us we were getting a fence.
I remember Thompson saying something incredibly stupid at the October 1st meeting for the vote. We all say stupid things, so I suppose I can forgive her that. But I can’t forgive her complicity in the antidemocratic railroading of this fencing project.
As someone who uses that dog park, I have yet to meet another walker who supports the changes. We haven't spent much time talking about the park board for the newsletter, but their actions impact many residents. They deserve more attention.
Thompson here. I’m glad you can forgive me on certain phrases. I’m happy to discuss the dog park if you have concerns. I will admit the roll out was not ideal even as the board had to take action. Perhaps you already knew the land in question doesn’t belong to us. This was a point of communication that didn’t seem to reach most people. I had to disappoint my own friends on this one. It wasn’t an easy vote but it was something that legally was necessary.
Becka, “not ideal” is how one describes the ziplock on their bag of raisins being misaligned. What you and the other 5 board members did was a gross antidemocratic abuse of power. The failure to engage your key stakeholder wasn’t a bug, it was a feature.
Thank you for this interview. Very helpful. I am ward 12 voter. I hope CM Chowdhury will do an interview with you as well, if she wants to reach all voters in the ward not just her activist base. I'm still undecided at this point but leaning towards Becka Thompson after listening to this interview.
Refreshing. Her leadership is needed on the City Council.
“Believes her transparency and structural thinking distinguish her from others.”
So much irony. Thompson is one of 6 park board commissioners who shoved the Minnehaha Dog Park fence project down our throats last fall. This despite several people, including myself, requesting the board tap the brakes on the project until there was TRANSPARENCY and engagement with the dog park community. This despite over 4000 signatures on a petition opposing the board’s plans. The board had arranged funding for the project more than a year before they bothered to tell us we were getting a fence.
I remember Thompson saying something incredibly stupid at the October 1st meeting for the vote. We all say stupid things, so I suppose I can forgive her that. But I can’t forgive her complicity in the antidemocratic railroading of this fencing project.
Sorry, would not vote for that behavior.
Hi, Thank you for bringing up this topic:
https://kstp.com/kstp-news/top-news/barrier-at-minnehaha-dog-park-dividing-community-members/
As someone who uses that dog park, I have yet to meet another walker who supports the changes. We haven't spent much time talking about the park board for the newsletter, but their actions impact many residents. They deserve more attention.
Thompson here. I’m glad you can forgive me on certain phrases. I’m happy to discuss the dog park if you have concerns. I will admit the roll out was not ideal even as the board had to take action. Perhaps you already knew the land in question doesn’t belong to us. This was a point of communication that didn’t seem to reach most people. I had to disappoint my own friends on this one. It wasn’t an easy vote but it was something that legally was necessary.
Becka, “not ideal” is how one describes the ziplock on their bag of raisins being misaligned. What you and the other 5 board members did was a gross antidemocratic abuse of power. The failure to engage your key stakeholder wasn’t a bug, it was a feature.
Im not sure what you mean by this but I am happy to unpack if you are ever inclined. Email my park board account: bthompson@minneapolisparks.org
Thank you for this interview. Very helpful. I am ward 12 voter. I hope CM Chowdhury will do an interview with you as well, if she wants to reach all voters in the ward not just her activist base. I'm still undecided at this point but leaning towards Becka Thompson after listening to this interview.