Tin shed diplomacy

Star Tribune Tue, 18 Mar 2008 22:12:42 GMT
Past is present in Greenfield's big debate

Greenfield residents gathered last week to debate whether implementing a charter form of government would rectify past city actions or overcorrect them. ... To many residents' dismay, the past City Council borrowed $1.3 million to buy and renovate the building in 2005. Council member Loren Harff, who voted against the purchase, once called the structure a "tin shed." It's one reason why 88 percent of residents voted against the incumbent mayor in 2006. And it's one of many things a city charter -- which would allow the city to create its own rules of governance -- could prevent, charter commission members said Thursday. ... At times, exchanges became fiery. Former Mayor Larry Plack approached the microphone to oppose the charter as written ("If the city wants a charter, this isn't the document") and defend his record ("We did what we thought was best for Greenfield"). Soon, he was in a shouting match with commission members. Some residents encouraged city leaders to move beyond the rancor of the past. "I hope I have heard the last of what happened in 2005 and 2006," Mike Jurmu said.

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