Commissioner Young:

Just a note of thanks for all you have done for Minneapolis and its parks. I never gave the Park Board much thought until earlier this year, when news of the current problems surfaced. I now follow the Board's activities closely, via meeting broadcasts on TV, the internet (the Mpls archives is great!), and the newspaper. The dysfunction within the Park Board has amazed me, but, more than the others, Rochelle and you manage to maintain civility and focus, and are dedicated stewards of our great parks.

Rochelle and you certainly have my vote in the upcoming election (as well as Jason Stone in my District), and I am urging friends and family to support you three as well.

- - John Lehman
Nokomis

Dear Commissioner Young,

Thank you for your remarks at the Oct. 17 planning commission relative to the Lander project, and the importance of preserving our lakes, parks, and open space.

- - Linda Schutz

I think it is appropriate ... to share a brief anecdote regarding democracy in action. Annie Young kicked off this year's Patrick Henry Political Forum on September 22nd. The Political Forum is an after-school opportunity for students to engage in conversations with elected and appointed public officials. As you may recall, the storm that hit Minneapolis, particularly North Minneapolis, pretty hard was the day before. Students had several questions about the clean up efforts. (Particularly heart-breaking to the PHHS community was the loss of our big, beautiful evergreen in the Patrick Henry courtyard.) Ms. Young listened to the students, explained how the Park and Recreation Board is involved in such efforts and followed up with a couple of emails that I shared with the students, most of them being ninth graders. It was wonderful to see the looks on their faces as they understood that they could be a part of the political process. Follow-up conversations have also been fun.

So, thanks, Annie, for your continued participation in the program and thanks for kicking off this year's series. I appreciate it and the kids do as well.

- - Brionna Harder
St Paul resident,
Minneapolis teacher