With an annual budget of $58 million and a separate police force, the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board has too long been an under-the-radar political entity for many voters. But this summer it was in the spotlight when some commissioners pushed an unsuccessful, counterproductive drive that would have allowed the board to levy taxes independent of the City Council. The debate raised the profile of this fall's Park Board races-- all nine of the four-year seats are up for election -- and highlighted the need for new leadership. We are endorsing in the following ... races:
At Large: John Erwin, Annie Young and Tom Nordyke...
Annie Young is a longtime commissioner with a welcome independent streak. A Green Party member and Phillips neighborhood resident, she combines street smarts with environmental activism. Her down-to-earth demeanor also makes her approachable. At a recent board meeting, a park employee came up to her to voice concerns about staff morale and clearly felt comfortable speaking only to her. The board needs more listeners like Young..."
Sally Grans-Korsh, as published in The Northeaster
We have had Annie Young protecting our parks and doing a good job of preserving them. She supports actions in the Above the Falls Master Plan and has supported many efforts by neighbors at the BF Nelson site for several years now. I served with Annie for many years on the Committee for Urban Environment and her ability to work with everyone for the betterment of the city is well established.
Annie is an experienced environmental leader with a citywide perspective committed to sustainability, strengthening our neighborhood parks and meeting the needs of the growing cultural diversity in our city. Annie is up for re-election again, and let's make sure we get her back on the Park Board.
Theodore J. Wirth,
Grandson of Theodore Wirth, Superintendent of Parks from 1906-1936
Dear Annie,
We have known each other for such a long time now. I admire your dedication to the parks.
Few park commissioners are as devoted to sustaining the Minneapolis parks for the people as Annie Young!
I am hereby endorsing your candidacy for re-election as City Wide Minneapolis Park Board Commissioner.
I fear that I will miss the election, but I will be with all of you in spirit. I am behind your reelection 100%. (you may say that too!)
Think of me when you are in the parks,
Theodore J. Wirth
Minneapolis Building and Construction Trades Council
5th Congressional District Green Party as reported in the Star Tribune:
"Two incumbents and two newcomers will represent the Green Party as candidates on the Minneapolis ballot this fall.
About 25 party members voted on endorsements Saturday at the Fifth District Green Party convention at North Regional Library in north Minneapolis.
Annie Young got the nod for an at-large position on the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board. Young has served as a Park Board commissioner since 1989 and plans to seek a sixth term."
Minnesota Women’s Political Caucus
Sierra Club – North Star Chapter "These candidates demonstrate a commitment to preserving natural areas for both wildlife habitat and our enjoyment. They recognize the urgency of expanding our tree canopy. And they will bring vision, sound management, transparency and a spirit of collaboration to the Park Board.
The Sierra Club enthusiastically endorses our slate of candidates, and we look forward to their potential to raise the profile of environmental stewardship of the City’s parks, natural areas and waterways."
womenwinning "womenwinning State PAC Supports Annie Young for Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board At-large Commissioner
Annie Young has been the At-large Commissioner for the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board since 1989 and is seeking re-election. Annie received the Mother of Environmental Justice Award in October 2006 and has focused her work on the three E’s: environment, economics and social equity. Annie’s key issues are promoting green thinking in the park system, raising support for girls’ recreational activities, and advocating for more citizen participation in Park Board decision making. She is running in a highly contested race with three challengers."
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