Kiya Edwards' Weblog

Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan, Justice and Development Party, narrowly won Turkey's elections on Sunday, the New York Times reported.

The CNN-Turk news channel reported by late evening that Erdogan’s party led with 39.13 percent of the vote, while the Republican People’s Party, had 22.83 percent and the nationalist People’s Action Party had 16.22 percent.

The party appears to have won most of the mayoral and district administrator posts up for grabs, giving it a renewed mandate to push for constitutional reforms, the Associated Press reported.

The New York Times reported that Erdogan is a former Islamist who pushed for Turkey's membership with the European Union early in his election bid. In recent years, Erdogan stoped pushing as hard, and has been opposing billionaire publisher Aydin Dogan and also prosecutors planning to overthow him.

His party was winning by much narrower margins than in 2007, where it took 47 percent of the vote. Many attributed the decline to the economic downturn, allegations of widespread corruption among members and many Turks voting for its candidates because of political tensions.

“Today’s political atmosphere is much calmer,” law professor Mithat Sancar of Ankara university said. The narrower margins in this year's election “show that the political scene in Turkey is becoming real and normalized,” he said.

Justice and Development appeared to have lost key cities like Izmir, Adana and Diyarbakir, the largest city in Turkey’s mostly Kurdish southeast, which Erdogan even claimed hard to take.

Diyarbakir has traditionally voted for candidates from Turkey’s Kurdish party, the Democratic Society Party.

The Senior Electoral Board eventually banned the Justice and Development Party's attempt to distribute free household goods like refrigerators and washing machines, which opposition criticized as bribery.

Posted by edwar292 at 12:04 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

The album "American Idiot" from punk band Green Day, is scheduled to make its debut as a new musical production in September at the Berkeley Repertory Theater in California, the http://www.nytimes.com/2009/03/30/theater/30berk.html?_r=1&8dpc reported.

Green Day Berkeley Rep will announce Monday that “American Idiot,” the adaption that shares its title with the original song, will premiere as the first production of the theater’s 2009-10 season, and run from Sept. 4 through Oct. 11.

Green Day members Billie Joe Armstrong, Mike Dirnt and Tre Cool will work with Tony Award-winning Michael Mayer, director of the musical “Spring Awakening,” in a collaboration band members are even shocked to see become so grand. According to Varity, choregraphy will be done by Steven Hoggett, Theater Mania additionally reported.

“It doesn’t make a lot of sense,” Armstrong said in a telephone interview with the New York Times, “but that’s what I love about it. When people see it, it’s going to be my wildest dream.”

“American Idiot” (Reprise) was released in 2004 as their response to the depressing realities of the post-9/11 era. Many of its singles, including “Boulevard of Broken Dreams” and the title track sold over 12 million copies worldwide.

Mayer discovered “American Idiot” while he was still in the early stages of directing “Spring Awakening,” and became a fan. After two workshops in New York in 2008, Green Day gave consent to Mayer and his producing parter Tom Hulce for the full-scale, staged production.

“It was very much in my head all during that time,” Mayer said. “Sometimes I really would say things like, ‘Why can’t this have a groove like “Boulevard of Broken Dreams”?’ ” (New York Times)

Narritive work is in process, which might include names for characters created directly from the album like Jesus of Suburbia, St. Jimmy and Whatshername. The ensemble will likely include 19 performers playing characters in their early 20s, although no casting has been announced.

Although Mayer considers it too early to think about a Broadway run for “American Idiot,” he said the show will almost certainly go beyond its California debut.

For the album to get a stage meant that Green Day had at least measured up to its idols the Who, which is a reward, Armstrong said.

Posted by edwar292 at 11:30 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

The Pioneer Press reported that a Twin Cities-based poetry meets monthly at members' homes to polish and critique one another's work, contributing to more of their work being printed and even winning competitions and awards.

"Bedford Poets," Eric Austin, Roger Parish and Thomas R. Smith self-published an anthology of 46 poems, in 2007. The Bedford group takes its name from Bedford Street in Minneapolis, where the circle formed in Smith's apartment in 1989. Meeting outside of institutions sets this group from other poetry forums.

10 years ago, the group strayed from the envisioned all-male poets forum when female writers joined.

The group has recently included three Dakota County library workers, two psychologists, two singer-songwriters, a literary publisher and a teacher at the J.J. Hill Montessori Magnet School.

Parish, a circulation supervisor, has worked at Burnhaven Library in Burnsville for more than 30 years. He joined the group in 1999.

"I've always enjoyed playing with words," Parish said. "Ever since high school, I've considered myself a poet, somewhat grandiosely."

Honest critisicm is an important part that keeps membership and sets high enough standards that group member Thomas Smith, who went through two dozen drafts of a poem on former president Bush, is able to make his living as a poet, Austin said.

"We're pretty honest if we don't like something or if something doesn't work," Parish said. "Sometimes, people bring things they thought had potential, and we tell them it has no potential. ... But it's good to hear that."

Posted by edwar292 at 11:08 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

New York Times reporter Tim Weiner wrote the obituary for 77-year-old fold singer Odetta Holmes.

Sources include: an interview with her manager, Doug Yaeger, research on venues at which she performed (Carnegie Hall, bohemian coffeehouses in San Fransisco, nightclubs in New York), research on celebrities she influenced (Janis Joplin, Rosa Parks, Bob Dylan, Jean Beaz), an interview with Odetta to the New York Times in 2007, research on her upbringing and life in Birmingham, Ala. in the 1930s, research on her family, an interview with National Public Radio in 2005, an interview with Dylan to Playboy in 1978, an article from Time Magazine in1960, research on artists with whom she worked on albums, research on awards she received (National Endowment for the Arts, 1999, Living Legend tribute, 2003) and an article from the Boston Globe in 2006.

This obituary has a standard lead.

"Odetta, the singer whose resonant voice wove together the strongest songs of American folk music and the civil rights movement, died on Tuesday in Manhattan. She was 77."

The lead begins with the name; her full name is not announced until much later in the obituary. It then goes on to say what she did, sing. It shows, and does not tell, what kind of an influence she had, which identifies her character; she must be influential if she is being named strong within the civil rights movement music and folk. Within the same sentence, when and where she died is announced. The lead then standardly declares how old she was at the end.

This obituary successfully shows what an impact Odetta had on culture and on people. Not only does the colorful language come from direct quotes from people who cared about her, but also from the descriptions. The obituary does not go on repetitively with, "she sang really well," but instead gives in detail snapshots of the impressive venues she performed at and names celebreties everybody knows she influenced to mark her fame; and talent. This information is enough for the reader to understand who she was and why she was famous.

Posted by edwar292 at 10:45 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

The man who broke a Macy's store window during Sept.'s RNC conference in St. Paul pleaded guilty Friday, the Star Tribune reported.

According to the felony complaint filed against him in Ramsey County District Court, 26-year-old Glenn D. Dyer from Brooklyn, N.Y. broke the large display window on Sept. 1, went to receive treatment for his wrist cut from the window and was arrester afterward.

Dyer pleaded guilty as charged to first-degree criminal damage to property, and he is to be sentenced May 28 by District Judge Paulette Flynn.

There was no plea agreement, said Paul Gustafson, spokesman for the county attorney's office.

The first day protests also streamed images including broken police car windows.

Supporters of the "RNC 8," eight people who were charged with conspiracy to riot in the furtherance of terrorism, delivered petitions Friday to County Attorney Susan Gaertner. The petitions, signed by more than 3,000 people, asked her to drop charges against the "RNC 8."

"We thank them for their petitions. The cases remain pending before the court," Gustafson said.

Posted by edwar292 at 10:03 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Authorities said a stampede during an Ivory Coast, World Cup qualifying match killed at least 22 people and wounded 132 Sunday, the New York Times reported.

Right before the game between the Ivory Coast and Malawi at the Felix Houphouet-Boigny arena, fans pushed against each other, which created such a panic that it led to a stampede, Interior Minister Desire Tagro said on state television. An Associated Press photographer said the pushing started just forty minutes before the game.

''They started pushing to get in because the match was about to start and each and every one of them wanted to get in,'' Tagro said.

The stadium, which is named after Ivory Coast's first president and has a capacity of around 50,000, was sold out in advance of the game after cut-price tickets were put on sale, the Guardian additionally reported.

Reporter Ollo Kambire for the daily sports newspaper, ''Super Sport," said that a wall collapsed under the weight of the fans as they pushed toward the field, the New York Times reported.

Nevertheless, the game went on, and Ivory Coast won the match 5-0.

There have been a number of stampedes at stadiums in Africa when they are crowded and security forces, lacking in equipment, are often outnumbered. Police fired tear gas into one section of the crowd.

Posted by edwar292 at 9:30 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

A couple sued Edina Realty for not telling them a murder took place in the house they bought, the Star Tribune reported.

Abdelhafid and Kathryn Fajri's thought their new home had more than they had hoped for, from a spacious backyard to finished carpets and walls inside, until a neighbor informed the couple of the murder. The husband killed the previous owner in the house.

The Fajris then filed a lawsuit in Anoka County District Court, arguing Edina Realty knew about the murder and should have told them about it as a material fact pertaining to the house.

"They think they bought a lemon. They feel they were duped," said Martin Melang, the couple's attorney. (Star Tribune)

The company had no comment on the pending litigation, Maria Verven, Edina Realty spokeswoman said Friday.

Minnesota law requires licensed real estate agents to disclose anything about the house which may prevent enjoyment or affect any uses. Real estate agents and sellers should generally inform prospective buyers when a murder has taken place on the property, experts said.

"There are some exemptions, but murder isn't one of them," said Chris Galler, chief operating officer for Minnesota Association of Realtors. "If a licensee is aware of a murder and the seller is aware, they both have an obligation." (Star Tribune)

Posted by edwar292 at 11:43 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Madagascar's chief opposition leader announced, after two weeks of hiding, that he will be taking over the nation and giving President Marc Ravalomanana a four-hour deadline to step down, the New York Times reported.

In a speech before thousands of supporters, Andry Rajoelina declared he would personally walk to Iavoloha Palace to tell the president the news. As night fell, however, Ravalomanana said he would not quit.

He also issued a public statement that said opposition did not have legitimacy and was only “a street protest which uses terror and repression to survive.”

This is the second time Rajoelina declared himself as president; the first on Jan. 31. And, over the past seven weeks, the rivalry between him and the president have been reason for protests and riots resulting in deaths of over 100 people and also some the military's recent division.

“The military is not willing to protect the president, so everyone who voted for the president is now protecting him,” said Rolland Radasy, one of the government’s education advisers, reached by telephone amid a boisterous crowd. “The people here will not be intimidated.” (New York Times)

However, Rajoelina's only request, he said, is to gain presidency.

“The hands of Andry Rajoelina are clean,” he said. “I don’t intend to kill him. I don’t want to send tanks and soldiers to the palace.” (New York Times)

Most of the 20 million people living in Madagascar make live off $1 per day, and Ravalomanana, 59, once sold yogurt off the back of a bicycle. He later built a conglomerate of dairies, stores and a television station. He took office after a disputed election in 2001 and was re-elected in 2006. Rajoelina, 34, also owns a television station, and became well known as a disc jockey. He was elected mayor of Antananarivo in December 2007.

The rivalry began last year about Antananarivo’s debts, where the mayor then began calling the president a dictator and thief. Many of the poor were increasingly disappointed with Ravalomanana’s presidency, and Rajoelina acuses him of ignoring the high levels of poverty, Reuters news reported. The people's choice that was picked in a free election had to be defended, the president said.

Posted by edwar292 at 11:04 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

NBC Philadelphia news reported that 91-year-old and Vice President Biden's mother, Jean Biden, was injured by a fall at her home in Delaware Sunday, White House officials said, and was taken to a hospital in Pennsylvania.

The Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania confirmed there is a Secret Service at the hospital. The Associated Press additionally reported that a hospital spokeswoman confirmed Biden's placement, but was unable to release any further information.

Catherine Eugenia "Jean" Biden "is currently receiving treatment and is in good spirits," Elizabeth Alexander, Biden's spokeswoman, said in a statement after not immediately returning messages about Biden's condition.

The Biden family is from Claymont, Delaware, where Jean and her late husband, Joseph Sr., moved their family from Scranton, Pennsylvania when the Vice President, or, Joe Jr., was 11, NBC reported.

AP reported that she lives in a guesthouse at Biden's home in Greenville, a suburb of Wilmington.

Posted by edwar292 at 10:27 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Jury selection begins Monday in the Scott County trial, which could last a month, of the suspect accused of killing a woman who answered a Craigslist ad for a babysitter two years ago, television station FOX 9 News reported.

Michael John Anderson, 20, from Savage is charged with first degree premeditated murder for the death of Katherine Olson, 24, on Oct. 25, 2007. Anderson allegedly shot her in the back after he posted a false ad to lure Olson to his apartment to kill her, police said. Her body was found in the trunk of her car about five blocks from Anderson's home.

Television station WCCO additionally reported that Anderson lived with his parents and was accused of killing Olson in his bedroom.

Anderson has pleaded not guilty to the crime, to which his defense attorneys have argued his possible mild autism played a role in the shooting, FOX 9 reported.

Posted by edwar292 at 10:10 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Television station FOX 9 News reported that police did extra patrol to catch drunk drivers this weekend in connection with celebrations for Tuesday's upcoming St. Patrick's Day, the busiest night of the year for impaired driving, police said.

Patrol was increased in Minnesota's 13 deadliest counties, which include: Hennepin, Ramsey, Anoka, St. Louis, Dakota, Wright, Stearns, Rice, Sherburne, Crow Wing, Washington, Blue Earth and Itaska . Counties are chosen by the number of alcohol-related deaths and serious injuries, according to Operation NightCAP, which uses federal money to stop drunken drivers.

"It's important because we need to stop serious injuries and deaths on the roadways save lives and save money," said State Trooper Patrick Miles.

For the past two years, nearly 1,600 hundred people were arrested on suspicion of drunk driving on St. Patrick's Day weekend. Seven of 12 traffic deaths were alcohol related and there were 13 serious injuries.

The Star Tribune reported that the Minnesota Department of Public Health and Safety said Friday that 1,575 drivers were arrested on suspicion of drunk driving.

"There is a history of partying on St. Patrick's Day, but not a history of planning for a sober driver," said Lt. Matt Langer of the State Patrol. "Added DWI patrols are necessary to arrest impaired drivers and as a result, prevent deaths on Minnesota roads." (Star Tribune)

Posted by edwar292 at 9:31 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

The Star Tribune has advanced the free screening of a movie premiering at the Riverview theater in Minneapolis Monday.

This advance does not use any sources of people involved with "Goddess Menses & the Menstrual Show," but it does list, of course, the theater company who has made the film; Youth Performance Company.

The lead is, "getting the lowdown on that time of the month doesn't have to be a curse." It tells the reader what the article is going to be about as well as the film. One unique aspect of the movie's theme is breaking the "embarrassing" barrier and talking about uncomfortable subjects, and this advance has chosen just that as an angle.

The nutgraph further explains what the audience can expect from the film and also information on when and where. It relates the personal to general in the nutgraph by saying what this theater company as a whole does, and specifically what it will do for the audience.

"Youth Performance Company goes a few steps further -- and funnier -- with "Goddess Menses & the Menstrual Show," playing one time only, free at the Riverview on Monday."

The advance goes on to explain a few scenes from the film that tie into the angle that coming of age for girls should actually be a topic in which girls can relate to one another in nonchalant discussion.

The reported crafted this story in such a way that it is more than a listing by providing detailed descriptions of what, within the film, is funny and of novelty. She does not say, "I saw this film and it was hilarious," but rather provides details where the reader can figure it out for him or herself.

"There's a spoof on old-timey instructional videos, and advice on how to deal with your monthly "friend" at summer camp and deflect teasing from boys."

Posted by edwar292 at 11:05 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Building a new stadium for the Minnesota Vikings would create thousands of jobs and millions of dollars in tax revenues, but some legislatures and Minnesotans do not wish to contribute, television station FOX 9 News reported.

65 percent of respondents in a FOX Rasmussen Poll said they were either not very worried or not worried at all if the team were to not get stadium money and left as a result.

A new stadium, which would be in downtown Minneapolis, would cost an estimated $950 million, and the team might need up to $700 million from the state.

Representative Mindy Greiling for DFL Roseville said with the state's current $4.57 billion budget deficit, the stadium is not a priority.

"I don't know what planet they're living on to ask for money this year," Greiling told FOX 9 News.

Bill Lester, Executive Director of the Metropolitan Sports Facilities Commission, which runs the Metrodome, said the new stadium would also host college baseball, tractor pulls, and boat shows.

There is at this point no legislation at the Capitol from the Vikings or the MSFC with details.

"When people understand you need a competitive stadium to have an NFL team, there is more support for public involvement," Vikings spokesman Lester Bagley told FOX 9 News.

Posted by edwar292 at 10:13 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

The New York Times reported that under President Obama's plan to pull combat operations by 2010, United States military announced Sunday that the two combat brigades scheduled to return to Iraq this year will instead not be replaced. The last 4,000 British troops are also scheduled to leave Iraq by September.

“The time and conditions are right for Coalition forces to reduce the number of troops in Iraq," General Ray Odierno, the commander in Iraq, said in a statement.

American forces are being reduced by 12,000 from the 142,000, and the 14 brigades will go down to 12. The United States will also hand off 74 facilities and areas under its control to the Iraqis by the end of March, The Associated Press reported.

The status of forces agreement, a negotiation between George W. Bush and Obama, marks the requirement of reducing troops now and removing all by 2011. CNN additionally reported that the agreement was established by both the Bush administration and Iraqi government and requires troops to leave by June 30 this year.

A "transitional force" of 35,000 to 50,000 troops will remain in the country to assist Iraqi security forces, protect Americans and fight terrorism, Obama said (CNN).

The New York Times reported that at least one suicide bomber blew himself up Sunday morning before the announcement and near the police academy in Baghdad, killing 28 people and injuring 57, Iraq's Interior Ministry said.

Posted by edwar292 at 4:23 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Thrift stores are seeing more sales as the economy declines and other businesses report decreasing sales, the Minnesota Daily reported.

Savers, Everyday People and other thrift stores have reported increased sales, including Goodwill Industries International, which has reported an increase by at least 10 percent since October 2007.

Goodwill spokeswoman Lauren Lawson said although people are holding onto their items, there has been an increase in donations as well, by about 9.6 percent for the first nine months of the year compared to last year's first nine months.

“We tell customers to donate often and shop often since you’re putting people in work,” Lawson told the Minnesota Daily.

Week News reported that Goodwill's traffic volume and revenue have both increased by 13 percent, and they said it was partially due to the recession.

According to consumer research firm America’s Research Group, about 16 to 18 percent of Americans will shop at a thrift store during a given year whereas for consignment and resale shops, it is about 12 to 15 percent, the Minnesota Daily reported.

Co-owner of Dinkytown’s Everyday People Kitty VanHofwegen similarly said January and February are usually slow months for business, but this year those months have been busy.

Production supervisor of North Minneapolis' Savers Jeff Erickson said for the two years he has worked there, he has seen an increase because of the deals.

“Everyone’s feeling the crunch and there are people that are going to find deals,” Erickson said. “When you can find a pair of jeans for $7 compared to a pair of $40 jeans off the rack at Kohl’s , it’s a great value.” (Minnesota Daily)

Jenny Hauk recently got her hours cut at work and to prepare, in case she joins the millions of Americans who have lost their jobs, she told Week news that she shops for a lot of her husband's clothes at Goodwill, some so new they even have tags on them.

"Business is really good at Goodwill and we're so fortunate to be able to say that. That means we're being able to help an awful lot of people during this hard economic time," Duffy Armstrong, Goodwill Development Director told Week news.

Posted by edwar292 at 12:27 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Television station Kare 11 News reported that an air quality alert issued by the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency issued for several Minnesota regions, which was supposed to end Friday, extended through Saturday evening because of fine particle levels.

As of 10:00 p.m. Thursday, MPCA deemed air quality unsafe for "sensitive groups," or, people with heart or lung disease, the elderly, children and individuals that work or exercise vigorously for extended periods of time, the Minnesota Daily reported.

Particle pollution comes from motor vehicles, power plants, residential wood burning, agricultural burning and some industrial processes, Kare 11 reported.

Avoiding activity that induces heavy breathing was to be avoided, the statement said and the Minnesota Daily reported. Kare 11 additionally reported that people were asked to minimize pollution producing activities such as driving, vehicle idling and wood burning.

Although total air quality warnings have increased over the past few years, including Minnesota air quality, a similar warning was issued for the University of Minnesota area in January. Experts said the increase in warnings is due to tighter standards.

Posted by edwar292 at 11:52 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

The Star Tribune reported that Norm Coleman raised the question of holding a new election despite the ongoing outcome of the last one and the time it would take to start over.

The only scenario that would lead to the seat remaining open and then eventually a new election is if the decision were split between the three-judge panel and the Minnesota Supreme Court. If the three-judge panel rules in favor of Franken in the hearing, but the Minnesota Supreme Court agrees to hear Coleman's claims on appeal and does not rule quickly. Then, even if Coleman's file appeals, if Harry Reid, Senate Majority Leader, were to rule in Democratic favor of seating Franken provisionally by the beginning of April.

The Minnesota Supreme Court acknowledged Friday that the Senate has the power to hold new elections if they have a certificate of election that the high court says cannot be issued until state appeals are exhausted.

If Coleman prevailed, it is expected that Republicans would unite and block Democrats from getting the 60 votes they would need to seat Franken, said Norm Ornstein, a leading expert on Congress and resident scholar at the American Enterprise Institute in Washington and friend of Franken.

Orstein said the new election might have the same issues as the previous one.

"If it's close, then it's no more valid than the first election," Ornstein said. "You just keep doing do-overs until you can finally get somebody winning by a wide margin." (Star Tribune)

But a new election will not reflect what people were thinking Nov. 4, 2008, said David Schulz, Hamline University professor of election law.

The Minnesota Daily reported that university marketing professor Akshay Rao said whoever wins needs to keep in mind they were preferred by less than 50 percent of the electorate.

71 percent of GOP voters said they favored a new election, while 69 percent of Democrats said they did not, according to the most recent Rasmussen Poll, the Star Tribune reported.

"I think the court would like to find a way to identify a winner given all the evidence in the courtroom, as opposed to in essence throwing up its hands," said Edward Foley, an Ohio State University professor specializing in national election law who has followed the trial closely. (Star Tribune)

Posted by edwar292 at 6:01 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

President Hamid Karzai of Afghanistan announced Saturday that the upcoming presidential elections set in August be moved back to April or May in an effort to avoid constitutional challenges to his legitimacy, the Star Tribune reported.

Karzai's legitimacy was questioned when Afghanistan's election commission announced in January that weather conditions and poor security would delay elections until Aug. 20. Karzai is supposed to step down on May 21 when his current five-year term ends, but will now intervene the next three months. He said he intends to run a second term.

"We are headed for a confrontation," Haroun Mir, head of the Afghanistan Center for Research and Policy Studies based in Kabul said. "This could be the start of a crisis of legitimacy, which would be dangerous in a country mired in instability." (The Christian Science Monitor)

The Star Tribune reported that changing the date of the election back to May would resolve constitutional issue, but would also present the government a large logistical and security task.

Opposition groups protested the delay and insisted that Karzai hold elections 30 to 60 days before May 21 or to have a replacement fill in until the actual voting in August.

When the elections were set to August, U.N. and Western officials had supported the delay and hoped the extra time would allow for improvement in security for southern Afghanistan by the thousands of extra U.S. forces.

The Christian Science Monitor reported that the Interdependent Election Commission said voting in Spring would be more difficult for the ungoverned ares of the country in large parts of the south and east because of voter registration and voting.

Elections in August would ensure every Afghan citizen would be able to express his or her political preference in a secure environment, according to a statement on Saturday from the U.S. State Department.

Posted by edwar292 at 10:15 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

New York's junior senator is determined to not let critics define her, the Washington Post reported.

Democrat Kirsten Gillibrand, who had previously served one term in the House, took Secretary of State Hillary Clinton's seat. Daniel Patrick Moynihan and Robert F. Kennedy once held the seat as well.

Colleagues said she may be too inexperienced, New York Times tabloids said she has changed her stance on issues, and her long-standing issues, advocates said, do not parallel the Democratic state.

"Folks don't know me well," Gillibrand said, "and they need to know who I am; what I believe in." (Washington Post)

New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg, an independent, said he was not comforted by her 100 percent approval rating from the National Rifle Association, and that gun violence is high priority in New York. A lawmaker from a rural GOP House district can represent a broader, more urban constituency, Gillibrand said.

She said while her views will not change, there is no sense in not "tweaking" them as her experience progresses.

New York Democratic Gov. David Paterson chose Gillibrand in January. Gillibrand said before she took the seat, the relationship with her colleagues was what she believed to be strong. Her former district is primarily white and Republican. She said she thinks there is disappointment because everyone else has far more legislative experience.

Gillibrand faces a special election in 2010 and another campaign in 2012. Threatened challenges from within her own party who worry about the certainty of the seat as well as from Republicans said she will worry about her political survival.

Newsday reported that she is in the Special Committee on Aging, Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry, Committee on Environment and Public Works and Committee on Foreign Relations.

Lawrence O'Donnell, a Democratic activist said Paterson "has chosen someone better at representing cows than people." (Washington Post)

Posted by edwar292 at 9:32 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

The superintendent of Winona's public schools has voluntarily frozen his pay for two years, citing the poor economy and impending cuts to the school district's budget, the Star Tribune reported.

In a "spirit of shared sacrifice," Superintendent Paul Durand announced in a letter to the school board on Feb. 17 that he will not be accepting any contractual raises or potential performance bonuses beginning July 1. The district must also cut expenses while keeping as many employees as possible, he said.

The school board's budget this academic year was $50 million, and $320,000 was approved to be cut. It may have to cut up to $3 million from next year's budget, Durand said.

“I am extremely concerned about our students and staff during the months ahead,” Durand told the Winnona Daily News.

The Winonna Daily News additionally reported that Durand's freeze could cost him up to $14,000 out of a base salary about $133,000 this year. He will not get about $4,000 raises each year or any potential performance bonuses of about $2,700.

Stacey Mounce-Arnold, school board chairwoman, comended Durand Tuesday for the freeze. She said she hopes the district’s unions accept lower pay increases or potentially flat salaries in their next round of contract negotiations.

“I can’t speak for (the unions), but it certainly would help things financially,” she said. (Winnona Daily News)

Bruce Ramsdell, co-president of the district’s teachers union, said he had not seen the letter and could not comment on Durand’s announcement. He said he questions whether the union would find pay freezes inappropriate at this time since it was the beginning of the negotionation period.

Posted by edwar292 at 11:17 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)