HomeMy WebLinkAbout2017 03-25 Sainted and Tainted PIONEER PRESS
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SAINTED & TAINTED
Lois Ninnemann, South St. Paul
Celebrating birthdays, and a gift
Tainted
for the futureSainted
On March 13, the Maplewood City
Council voted to suspend and terminate
We are five couples, who for 10 years,
resident public comment (which they call
celebrate birthdays a few times a year by
“Visitor Presentations”) from the council’s
dining out with the real estate
meeting agenda for the next three
salesperson who sold us our homes. The
months, while they decide “how they want
birthday persons select the date and
to engage with the public.” This extremely
place and off we go. The March birthday
disappointing action on their part serves
girl selected the Commodore. Early on,
to limit ordinary people’s engagement in
we put dollar bills on a dogwood tree
the city council meeting process. Further,
branch and used it as a centerpiece for
it eliminates the ability of others, watching
our table. Over the years, guests and staff
the meeting, to hear what comments,
at restaurants have added to our money
concerns, opinions and suggestions that
tree. On March 9 at the Commodore,
others in the community are
three groups of people added to the tree.
communicating to the council.
Our server, David, said “Here is a gift
from the staff” as he clipped cash to the
The Maplewood council and City
tree. A lady who was celebrating her 70th
Manager Melinda Coleman suggest the
birthday added another dollar. Then three
community conversation aspect of public
people dining at a nearby table put what
comment is outdated in this day of
looked like a dollar bill on the tree saying,
technology, Facebook, Twitter and email.
“Don’t open it.” The surprise came the
Residents of any community have the
next day when our tree keeper discovered
most impact upon their government at the
those three people used the one dollar bill
local, municipal level. Where is the sense
as a wrap for two 50s. Yes, $101!
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