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The Daily Digest: 8-14-07

Posted at 8:49 AM on August 14, 2007 by Tom Scheck (2 Comments)
Filed under: Daily Digest

Are you still seeking public input if you hold a public meeting but don't really care what the public has to say? That's the question for MnDOT officials as they get ready to release the preliminary design on the new I-35W bridge. MnDOT officials basically said they will hold a public meeting on Thursday but say it will be more of a discussion on the process than input gathering. That upsets some DFL lawmakers and Minneapolis Mayor RT Rybak who want greater input on the bridge design. They're calling on MnDOT to put the brakes on. MPR, the Star Tribune, the Pi Press and AP have stories.

One thing Rybak may want is a light rail line. Transportation Commissioner Carol Molnau and Met Council Chair Peter Bell try to put the kibosh on that talk.

A Federal official who oversaw Boston's Big Dig is now overseeing the I-35W bridge. The Big Dig was a big mess for those who don't know.

Forum Communications says state bridges will be inspected but local bridges may not.

DFL Senate Majority Leader Larry Pogemiller will also hold community meetings on the bridge redesign.

A Survey USA poll gives Gov. Pawlenty high marks.

City government

St. Paul Mayor Chris Coleman proposes a 14% increase in property taxes.

The St. Cloud Times says the city's property tax base is set to grow at 5% but some St. Cloud homeowners will see their city taxes increase 27%.

Moorhead is set to get more cops.

Bemidji sees a 10% increase.

Congress

GOP Rep. Jim Ramstad speaks at the U of M's Humphrey School today. MPR will air the speech on Midday on Wednesday.

DFL Sen. Amy Klobuchar is mentioned in this Strib story on toy safety and toy recalls.

An Idaho Congressman is under fire for comments he allegedly made on Hindus and Muslims. DFL Rep. Keith Ellison (the nation's only Muslim Congressman) is mentioned.

2008

The Star Tribune writes on next week's fundraiser for GOP Sen. Norm Coleman. The headliner is President Bush.

ECM Publishers profiles DFLer Bob Hill, who intends to challenge GOP Rep. Michele Bachmann.

The Pawlenty for VP talk is popping back up. A columnist for the National Review says Pawlenty would be Fred Thompson's choice. Someone with the American Thinker also says Gov. Pawlenty may be a good choice for VP.

2008 RNC

The Washington Post details the goodies for the top convention givers.

Comments (2)

Tom,

Can you post where and when these public meetings are?

Posted by MJ | August 14, 2007 8:35 PM

Here are the details..

Check the MNDOT website at for future notices:

www.dot.state.mn.us

Public Open House
The Roseville Area High School Gymnasium

Thursday, Aug. 16th
4:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.
1240 West County Road B-2
Roseville, Minnesota 55113

Meetings with state and local officials

Minneapolis City Council -IGF Committee
Tuesday, Aug.14 at 9:30 a.m.
Location: Minneapolis City Hall

Metropolitan Council - Transportation Advisory Board, Central Corridor Management Committee and representatives from the University of Minnesota
Wednesday, Aug. 15, 11:30 a.m.
Met Council Chambers

Joint Committee: House and Senate Transportation Committees
Chairs: Rep. Bernard Lieder, Sen. Steve Murphy
Wednesday, Aug. 15, 2007; 3 p.m.
Room: 200 State Office Building

Hennepin County - communities along the I-35W corridor
5:30 pm on Wednesday, Aug. 15,
Ridgedale Service Center, 12601 Ridgedale Drive, Minnetonka

Posted by tom scheck | August 14, 2007 8:39 PM

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