Legend has it, there's a grant. Without spending wheelbarrows of cash, the grant can be lost. Oh me. Oh my. Mercy, what is to be done?
----
Does anyone see anything new to that refrain?
Depart from the past. Show something.
Walk from the dumb grant.
Let them give it to Anoka, for their amphitheater. Let them pay the frigging upkeep.
How $$$$$%*^$##^#^&$#@#@ stupid can you get? Flat learning curve, or what?
Friday, August 14, 2009
Wednesday, August 12, 2009
Name that project.
In reporting on the Sandison plea situation [see following post] Nancy Ngo, of PiPress, in closing stated:
Okay.
Open ticket for, naming. I have a few thoughts, "Bartertown," "Windy Prairie," "Normandale," and, "Oops."
Now, about that "negative connotations" thing ...
Post a comment with any name you'd like.
I guess "Ramsey Clown Center," again has a negative ring to it. Just, ANYTHING BUT, "PORT OF RAMSEY." That could entail a Port Authority; and heavens no, please.
Finally, recalling that the AIA went and gave it that award, before even a shovel of dirt was turned, under the old "negative connotations" name; will the award be kaput, if the name's changed?
Ramsey Mayor Bob Ramsey said the ongoing [federal criminal] trial has "no bearing" on the development of the current site.
The main changes, the mayor said, were that the economic downturn will mean a less ambitious project, with fewer retailers and residential units.
Last month, the city council approved a $23,000 contract with Landform of Minneapolis to rework the earlier plans.
"Now it's just a matter of turning it around and getting development to happen," Ramsey said.
He added that there are discussions to rename the site to distance the city from the "negative connotations" of Ramsey Town Center.
Okay.
Open ticket for, naming. I have a few thoughts, "Bartertown," "Windy Prairie," "Normandale," and, "Oops."
Now, about that "negative connotations" thing ...
Post a comment with any name you'd like.
I guess "Ramsey Clown Center," again has a negative ring to it. Just, ANYTHING BUT, "PORT OF RAMSEY." That could entail a Port Authority; and heavens no, please.
Finally, recalling that the AIA went and gave it that award, before even a shovel of dirt was turned, under the old "negative connotations" name; will the award be kaput, if the name's changed?
Ramsey Town Center - another closure milestone is happening. The Sandisons are copping a plea.
Allie Shah, of Strib, reports online:
The Sandisons and Martinson were Community National Bank officials when they negotiated the $35 million loan with Bruce Nedegaard's Ramsey Town Center, LLC.
They then caused Community National Bank to syndicate the loan to a 20 bank participation, with Minnwest being the lead bank, money-wise, in the mortgage participation but with Community National trusted with continued servicing of the mortgage they'd originated (until Minnwest snapped the string on them when things started looking abnormal and criminal).
The indictment indicated there were side arrangements between the Sandisons, personally, with Nedegaard and his LLC, and that dealings between them were concealed from the other twenty banks while the Sandisons did some frontrunning on the other creditors, including the bank they ran.
They now cop to a single conspiracy to defraud count, each, despite the pattern of dealings that led to multiple counts in the indictment.
With the foreclosure of the $35 million mortgage released earlier from bankruptcy proceedings for the secured creditors to proceed in State court, and with the State court foreclosure suit resolved by the City's recent purchase of land that was being foreclosed, the result is City of Ramsey acquired title to half the site; all of which is unbuilt but with infrastructure in place. The foreclosure was independent of the City Hall and parking ramp lands, because they had previously been released from the mortgage.
Also outside of the foreclosure is the lego-land housing along Ramsey Blvd., and townhomes upon other parts of the project; while Town Center Gardens across Hwy 116 is a wholly separate and independent project, money-wise and title-wise, although on the ground it all looks contiguous [all those beastly ugly townhomes on both sides of Hwy. 116 looking generally alike but not as beastly bad as the Turtle Moon stuff that got put on the South side of Highway 10, which wins the prize as the ugliest housing in town].
As to the saying, "prudent as a banker," the banks merrily released half the 322 acres from mortgage coverage without any principal of the $35 million debt being paid down. Go figure.
And we still don't know who the beneficial ownership rests with for those two Swiss bank accounts that the bankruptcy file indicates were funded by Bruce Nedegaard before being put into bankruptcy in late November 2006 [after the elections].
Not all loose ends are tied. The train stop uncertainty being paramount. But at least prosecution of wrongdoing is being moved to closure.
_________UPDATE________
PiPress, BizJournal, and MinnPost have parallel coverage; respectively here, here and here. The PiPress item talks at the opening of a "$1.3 million" Town Center project; whereas the puffing was that built out it might be $1.3 billion - perhaps an insignificant error, given the actual story, and given that the "Billion dollar urban village" was Feges-speak, to be taken with a grain of salt. But PiPress gets the $35 million mortgage loan amount correct, and inconsistent with a $1.3 million project. BizJournal and MinnPost reference PiPress coverage as their source, with BizJournal being more detailed than the MinnPost blurb and link. ABC [ECM] Newspapers apparently have yet to report, as weekly publications, with one of their networked local papers serving North Branch, home of the originating bank, and home of the Sandisons.
Two former bank executives accused of fraud in the failed Ramsey Town Center project have reportedly struck a deal to plead guilty to a lesser charge.
William Garfield Sandison and his son, Ross William Sandison, are scheduled for a "change of plea" hearing on Aug. 26.
They now face one count of conspiracy related to bank fraud, court records show.
The Sandisons and another former Community National Bank executive, Curtis Alan Martinson, were indicted in April on charges ranging from conspiracy to mail fraud, misapplication of bank funds and money laundering. William Sandison is the former president of the bank and Ross Sandison was a vice president.
According to the 29-count federal indictment, they solicited $35 million in loans from 20 banks for the Ramsey Town Center project. The executives allegedly diverted some of that $35 million to repay their own loans without telling the banks involved in the project.
The Sandisons and Martinson were Community National Bank officials when they negotiated the $35 million loan with Bruce Nedegaard's Ramsey Town Center, LLC.
They then caused Community National Bank to syndicate the loan to a 20 bank participation, with Minnwest being the lead bank, money-wise, in the mortgage participation but with Community National trusted with continued servicing of the mortgage they'd originated (until Minnwest snapped the string on them when things started looking abnormal and criminal).
The indictment indicated there were side arrangements between the Sandisons, personally, with Nedegaard and his LLC, and that dealings between them were concealed from the other twenty banks while the Sandisons did some frontrunning on the other creditors, including the bank they ran.
They now cop to a single conspiracy to defraud count, each, despite the pattern of dealings that led to multiple counts in the indictment.
With the foreclosure of the $35 million mortgage released earlier from bankruptcy proceedings for the secured creditors to proceed in State court, and with the State court foreclosure suit resolved by the City's recent purchase of land that was being foreclosed, the result is City of Ramsey acquired title to half the site; all of which is unbuilt but with infrastructure in place. The foreclosure was independent of the City Hall and parking ramp lands, because they had previously been released from the mortgage.
Also outside of the foreclosure is the lego-land housing along Ramsey Blvd., and townhomes upon other parts of the project; while Town Center Gardens across Hwy 116 is a wholly separate and independent project, money-wise and title-wise, although on the ground it all looks contiguous [all those beastly ugly townhomes on both sides of Hwy. 116 looking generally alike but not as beastly bad as the Turtle Moon stuff that got put on the South side of Highway 10, which wins the prize as the ugliest housing in town].
As to the saying, "prudent as a banker," the banks merrily released half the 322 acres from mortgage coverage without any principal of the $35 million debt being paid down. Go figure.
And we still don't know who the beneficial ownership rests with for those two Swiss bank accounts that the bankruptcy file indicates were funded by Bruce Nedegaard before being put into bankruptcy in late November 2006 [after the elections].
Not all loose ends are tied. The train stop uncertainty being paramount. But at least prosecution of wrongdoing is being moved to closure.
_________UPDATE________
PiPress, BizJournal, and MinnPost have parallel coverage; respectively here, here and here. The PiPress item talks at the opening of a "$1.3 million" Town Center project; whereas the puffing was that built out it might be $1.3 billion - perhaps an insignificant error, given the actual story, and given that the "Billion dollar urban village" was Feges-speak, to be taken with a grain of salt. But PiPress gets the $35 million mortgage loan amount correct, and inconsistent with a $1.3 million project. BizJournal and MinnPost reference PiPress coverage as their source, with BizJournal being more detailed than the MinnPost blurb and link. ABC [ECM] Newspapers apparently have yet to report, as weekly publications, with one of their networked local papers serving North Branch, home of the originating bank, and home of the Sandisons.
Hat tip to the Tinklenberg campaign, giving back contributions for this cycle.
It is something I don't think Strib or PiPress has yet featured, but Tinklenberg, himself, posted on DailyKos:
This is the kind of thing that should be news, even after a candidate has dropped from a race, which is a step that in no way negates an exemplary step such as this.
It is a talisman for other politicians, a lead to be followed, and for that reason alone it should be widely reported.
With the Jim Deal family of Ramsey, where I live, having been heavily involved in the cycle's contributions to the Tinklenberg campaign this will allow them the chance to redirect their support in a way that preserves their ongoing goal of replacing Michele Bachmann in Congress. I hope they pursue the opportunity with vigor and resolve.
Klobuchar proved a promising DFL candidate can carry the Sixth District, while running against its former representative, Mark Kennedy and with the IP candidate a non-factor when the DFL choice is a uniquely dynamic office holder with name recognition and a strong DFL history.
The endorsed DFL candidate will need to raise funds to contest the special interest money Bachmann has already attracted, and will attract, as the insurance industry and Wall Street do what they can to keep their representive from Minnesota's Sixth District in office.
____________UPDATE_____________
If I had a handy straw-poll plugin for the site I might put the following item up to see how the Sixth District registered voters respond. It could be a range of questions, for Sixth District caucus-goers separately, and possibly about the Governor race where prominent candidates already have said they will be in a primary, endorsed or not. [Here's the link for the below screenshot from another separate DailyKos posting, for those who would toggle to it to pursue the links it gives].
As noted, I don't know what to make of a Kos straw-poll where a nationwide audience participates on an issue directly related to Minnesota's Sixth Congressional District. Given that caveat, the impressive 2:1 majority favoring honoring the caucus process is still statistically significant (whatever the out-of-district effect).
My gut feeling is that DFL caucus-goers would even more strongly favor the favored Kos-poll result. The withdrawal of one candidate has already focused attention on a perceived need of solidarity to defeat Michele Bachmann; solidarity from early in the process onward; and a September primary contest does work a different dynamic.
________FURTHER UPDATE________
I should clarify, the step Tinklenberg is taking, refunding to contributors, is but one option he could have pursued. Forming a PAC, giving excess funds to an existing PAC, giving funds to the DFL, or to the DCCC were options he declined, in favor of refunding to his contributors.
Whatever motivated this avenue over others, it was the right path taken.
While best for every donor, large and small, it is particularly fair to donors such as the Deal family - for their contributions were investments in a particular candidacy, in very substantial amounts, and to simply route them to a PAC or party organ would cancel the individual's right to reinvest in other candidates of choice, instead of having a withdrawing politician make reinvestment choices for them.
It is a route less taken and less convenient to give even the small $25 and $50 donors their refund than to simply cut one or a few checks to curry favor with a particular PAC manager or party operative. The publicly expressed Tinklenberg moral commitment to give everyone from this cycle a refund is, under all the circumstances and possibilities, a praisworthy thing, as I hope I have better explained via this update.
I came close in 2008 in large part because of the support I had from the netroots, especially Daily Kos. I am grateful to all of you who contributed to my campaign, who volunteered, or who even just recommended any of the diaries I've posted at Daily Kos. Please accept my heartfelt thanks.
El
[UPDATE: to everyone who contributed this cycle, the campaign will be sending you a refund. We thank you for your support, and encourage you to turn that money around and contribute it to another candidate or campaign that can use the help]
This is the kind of thing that should be news, even after a candidate has dropped from a race, which is a step that in no way negates an exemplary step such as this.
It is a talisman for other politicians, a lead to be followed, and for that reason alone it should be widely reported.
With the Jim Deal family of Ramsey, where I live, having been heavily involved in the cycle's contributions to the Tinklenberg campaign this will allow them the chance to redirect their support in a way that preserves their ongoing goal of replacing Michele Bachmann in Congress. I hope they pursue the opportunity with vigor and resolve.
Klobuchar proved a promising DFL candidate can carry the Sixth District, while running against its former representative, Mark Kennedy and with the IP candidate a non-factor when the DFL choice is a uniquely dynamic office holder with name recognition and a strong DFL history.
The endorsed DFL candidate will need to raise funds to contest the special interest money Bachmann has already attracted, and will attract, as the insurance industry and Wall Street do what they can to keep their representive from Minnesota's Sixth District in office.
____________UPDATE_____________
If I had a handy straw-poll plugin for the site I might put the following item up to see how the Sixth District registered voters respond. It could be a range of questions, for Sixth District caucus-goers separately, and possibly about the Governor race where prominent candidates already have said they will be in a primary, endorsed or not. [Here's the link for the below screenshot from another separate DailyKos posting, for those who would toggle to it to pursue the links it gives].
As noted, I don't know what to make of a Kos straw-poll where a nationwide audience participates on an issue directly related to Minnesota's Sixth Congressional District. Given that caveat, the impressive 2:1 majority favoring honoring the caucus process is still statistically significant (whatever the out-of-district effect).
My gut feeling is that DFL caucus-goers would even more strongly favor the favored Kos-poll result. The withdrawal of one candidate has already focused attention on a perceived need of solidarity to defeat Michele Bachmann; solidarity from early in the process onward; and a September primary contest does work a different dynamic.
________FURTHER UPDATE________
I should clarify, the step Tinklenberg is taking, refunding to contributors, is but one option he could have pursued. Forming a PAC, giving excess funds to an existing PAC, giving funds to the DFL, or to the DCCC were options he declined, in favor of refunding to his contributors.
Whatever motivated this avenue over others, it was the right path taken.
While best for every donor, large and small, it is particularly fair to donors such as the Deal family - for their contributions were investments in a particular candidacy, in very substantial amounts, and to simply route them to a PAC or party organ would cancel the individual's right to reinvest in other candidates of choice, instead of having a withdrawing politician make reinvestment choices for them.
It is a route less taken and less convenient to give even the small $25 and $50 donors their refund than to simply cut one or a few checks to curry favor with a particular PAC manager or party operative. The publicly expressed Tinklenberg moral commitment to give everyone from this cycle a refund is, under all the circumstances and possibilities, a praisworthy thing, as I hope I have better explained via this update.
Thursday, August 06, 2009
Thoughts on taxation by someone who thinks.
With comments by readers who think. Debunking lies told by those who think they can fool enough of the public enough of the time. Lies told by Pawlenty and other GOP individuals.
Here, this link.
Don't expect to read it all in one sitting. I may from time to time post excerpts. Such as this from three-quarters or more through the exegesis:
One last thought - it is one of the most interestingly formatted blog efforts I have seen. Compare it to others. The formatting, color schemes, etc., do not distract from content.
Worthwhile? ABSOLUTELY. And in a good sense, unique. But also saying things we all know as sound, so long as we do not allow ourselves to be be lulled by the constant witless propaganda.
______UPDATE_______
Quimby currently writes online, here. Archived writing is here.
Here, this link.
Don't expect to read it all in one sitting. I may from time to time post excerpts. Such as this from three-quarters or more through the exegesis:
Those who say "tax-more, spend-more" policies stunt job growth seem to think the money the government collects goes nowhere — or maybe into a coffee can buried in the Boundary Waters.
Actually, it goes to schools, public works and infrastructure projects. Jobs. It goes to hiring more highway patrol, police and fire fighters. Jobs. It hires more teachers and social workers and librarians. Jobs.
And what do they think happens when they continue to cut government spending? It can't come out of the paper clip and coffee budget because that money's long gone.
One last thought - it is one of the most interestingly formatted blog efforts I have seen. Compare it to others. The formatting, color schemes, etc., do not distract from content.
Worthwhile? ABSOLUTELY. And in a good sense, unique. But also saying things we all know as sound, so long as we do not allow ourselves to be be lulled by the constant witless propaganda.
______UPDATE_______
Quimby currently writes online, here. Archived writing is here.
Wednesday, August 05, 2009
RAMSEY MILESTONE - The first bank in Town Center. The Bank of Elk River opens its branch at Coborns, August 2009.
The first Monday in August marked the formal opening, after a month or so of construction between the Coborns' Customer Service & Dry Cleaning Desk, and Coborns' Pharmacy.
The Bank opened with the three teller front desk staff, as pictured.
With display equipment and merchandise shelving there is no possible clear panorama shot of the location, however, this image gives a context view looking west at the front northwest store corner where the bank is sited.
The bank's back office area is not large, but with a place to meet with customer services or banking officials, for business. An ATM cash machine is available at all times the store is open, outside of bank hours.
Key Info for the Town Center branch:Loan Officer and Branch Manager (pictured):
Michelle Thatcher
Phone: 763-241-8592
Email: MThatcher@TheBankofElkRiver.com
Further Info:
7900 Sunwood Drive NW
Ramsey, MN 55303
763-633-2265
763-633-2275 - fax
HOURS
Mon - Fri: 8:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Saturday: 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
ATM On-Site
__________
The above key info is taken from Bank website pages here and here. Click on any image other than the Thatcher photo for a better enlarged view.
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