The DNC Descends in the Mill City

There will be Democrats far and wide in Minneapolis this weekend for the Democratic National Committee Summer meeting. We will not be surprised if some wander over to the Great Minnesota Get-Together in St Paul.

The candidates for the Democratic Presidential nomination will address the party faithful at the tomorrow at the Minneapolis Hilton Hotel . Former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton (D-NY) and former US Senator Lincoln Chaffee (D-RI) will address the DNC delegates at 10:00 AM. With former Governor Martin O’Malley (D-MD), and US Senator Bernie Sanders (I-IL) will do the same at 1:00 PM.

Today, Vance Operman is hosting an event for Hillary Clinton at his offices and various receptions are being held about town.  There is a welcoming reception at the Hilton.

Hey Commissioner It’s Free Money

On July 1, 2015, the Minnesota State Supreme Court ruled on case Webb Golden Valley, LLC v. State which found on behalf of the State of Minnesota. The matter in dispute was over three parcels of land the State had obtained through eminent domain in the city of Golden Valley, which were originally thought to be necessary for use with the redevelopment of Highway 394.

Afterwards, the Department of Transportation decided the parcels were unneeded and decided to gift them to the city of Golden Valley, to which Webb sought suit having already owned an adjoining property with the right-of-way to these other parcels. Though Webb’s case was dismissed this sets up a scenario where Commissioner Charles Zelle may continue with the gift to Golden Valley while passing up on money readily available to the state of Minnesota.

As we dug into this issue, we learned Webb wanted to purchase the parcels for $2.6 million to establish a mixed use retail property. This means by the state not gifting away, but selling the parcels in a public auction we, the citizen’s of Minnesota will receive the money from the sale. Additionally, because of the type of development the state (us) will continue to receive sales and property taxes from said sale.

So we ask the question. Commissioner Charles Zelle, are you going to give away over 2.5 million of dollars for nothing?

Here is the case for your reference. http://law.justia.com/cases/minnesota/supreme-court/2015/a13-2044.html