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                Mall of America - Vikings Stadium - Minnesota Tourism - MN Jobs    

 



 
 

 Minnesota Government, is it Broke???                                    A Commentary...

               Mall of America - Vikings Stadium - Tourism - Jobs    Edition 2009.

MOA "Phase 3," Minnesota's Investment for Future Tourism....

Vikings Stadium at Mall of America... as a part of a Phase 3 Tourism effort will create 60,000 "new" Minnesota "Green & Purple Jobs" & $1 Billion/yr revenue.

Minnesota Jobs and Tourism,  excerpts of the following pages "will be sent to the Minnesota Legislature," MN leadership and Media...

        New Minnesota Jobs - A Plan for our Future…

Unemployment hit 202,000 in Dec. first time in history and 38,500 more jobs lost following & yet we show no "Tourism or Job Development Plans, Why?"

   Minnesota Legislature it is time for a…

“Minnesota Tourism & Job Development Czar - Committee”

There is no State Agency that has a “Specific Group of People” to look at new and innovative ways to create new tourism and jobs…

New Idea’s for 60,000 New "Green & Purple" Minnesota Jobs:

  • Mall of America “Phase 3” funding for Tourism and Jobs.
  • Minnesota Inventors Evaluation and Product Placement Committee
  • Plastic Recycling Initiative (PRi) for high quality out-state jobs.  
  • Recycling the Metrodome into a Big Time Tourism Attraction.
Image Bonus – First in Country - Minnesota Proposition for…
  • “Amnesty Day” for Missing Children, provide location-no prosecution

Minnesota has it lost its Leadership; Government, Business and Media???

Minnesota Jobs - MN Jobs -"Green & Purple Jobs"

Jobs needed now, core city jobs, ground level jobs, people who need jobs now are looking for government to do the right thing, to "create jobs" this year...

Minnesota Legislature and Executive Branch you can shout, "Da Budget," "Da Budget," story top right, and if you have time for "weed and booze" why don't you find the time and money to create new Minnesota Jobs???

Q Comp, no matter how you slice it, effects are 10 years down the road and with 98% of the teachers getting it, it does nothing but buy votes, why not take that $70 Million "a year," Feds got it covered, to create new MN Jobs?

Jobs this summer, 1,000,000 new tourists with a MOA Phase 3 Plan, build models, put a low budget soccer field on the north side, give people a reason to visit; Plastic Regrind Initiative, change a few labels and educate, jobs next month; American Idol for Inventors, jobs in two months; "do something..."

Minnesota Legislature and Executive Branch if you care about the people of Minnesota this is your chance to show it, the budget is your problem and your job to fix, now put some effort into Jobs and these suggestions here-in...

1,000,000 new tourists will visit Minnesota this summer with the "News" that the Minnesota Legislature plans a General Purpose Vikings Stadium as part of a Mall of America Phase 3, build a model, create some "PR Buzz;" 2,000 new jobs; MOA, $30K to College kids, Phase 3 design.

"Guts," what we need is someone with the “Guts” to create a “MN Tourism and Job Development Czar & Committee” that would start development with a Mall of America “Phase 3” Job Development Plan as mapped out below...

The numbers are listed below, would someone with "Guts" sponsor a “Legislative Research Study to measure the Jobs & Tourism Effect of a MOA "Phase 3" General Purpose Tourism Stadium vs. a Metrodome Site, please...

  * New Jobs includes those brought about by the additional 7 Million a year tourism visits to Minnesota who now “have a reason” to visit and see what’s new in MN…

 This really isn’t about a Stadium, it is about Minnesota’s Future and we need  someone with the “Guts” to stand up and  talk about “Marketing Minnesota” in a way that creates an “Image” that Minnesota "does" want tourism and jobs. (Look at what Green Bay did with the help of "their" Legislature...)

We need action not words…

 A Minnesota Plan for Tourism & Jobs – MN Jobs

“As the World Moves Forward, Minnesota Stands Still,” “Minnesota Innovation Committee” needed, Eric Schubert, StarTribune Commentary, 12-26-08. (Trivia Question: What's unusual in this picture?)

“Wild & Crazy Idea’s,” MN House wants new ideas, by Lori Sturdevant,  Jan. 4th StarTribune Column.

“Don’t be shy.  No idea is too far fetched to float.” Lori goes on to say, so “Floating” the concept of “recycling” the Metrodome into a World Class Tourism Attraction as the  “World’s Largest Indoor Waterpark and Playground,” is okay??? 

Dane Smith in MinnPost story, “The Price of Government has declined 1% since 2000.” Do we expect services for schools, nursing homes, etc., to remain on par with less money and increased expenses, a "Peanut Butter Budget???"  MnPriceofGvt    MNLegacy's

Minnesota Legislature, if you are serious in considering “Outside Idea’s” why not a "Peoples Committee" to put them in "paper form" with your “Feedback,” and put them on the web for all to see and comment, where citizens can "vote" on idea's and the media may observe and publish, MNGO.org?,  Hmm... sounds like democracy?

The State of Minnesota has been living “off the vapors of the 1970’s when we were seen as innovative” and forward thinking, Strib. Ed., June 2, 2003.

The Mall of America open in 1992 and was our "last innovative" presentation to the world, since then, Internet and computers, Face Book & My Space, iPod’s and iPod Phone’s, Cell Phones and texting; what have we "done lately" for our Minnesota tourism or image, nothing, isn’t it time?

New Jersey, Dallas, Arizona, Indianapolis, Detroit, are just a few example’s of where innovation in the form of clustering venue’s for shopping, sports, and entertainment are being developed, MN needs a Committee to oversee State Tourism & Job Development a…

Minnesota Tourism and Job Development Czar and Committee

Zoning and Planning Committee’s, Most Cities, Counties and States have them, our Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) headed up by Governor Pawlenty’s Dan McElroy, one of the smartest men I’ve ever met, would seem to have this area of responsibility, yet with everyday functions it’s obvious we need a “Separate Focused Committee” to evaluate, plan, get out there and see who will do what and make something happen.   Jobs just don’t happen, you need to create and invest, we need "Green & Purple" Jobs...

Minnesota Tourism & Job Development Czar/Committee’s Responsibilities

  • Evaluate shopping, sports and entertainment venues that compete with MN.
  • Evaluate future developments & trends, look “forward” to see what we can do
  • Contact prospective Developers with idea’s & suggestions for funding & Dev.
  • Mall of America Phase 3, what could we incorporate to attract tourism?
  • Legislative Research Tourism Study, MOA Stadium vs. Metrodome, Rev.
  • Legislative Research Study for Waterpark Tourism, MOA Phase 3 Dev.
  • Legislative Research Study “numbers” for jobs and increased state revenue.
  • Legislative Research, use of the Fiscal Disparities Pool, and more, to fund?

The Minnesota Tourism and Job Development Czar should look at Minnesota Tourism as if it were a business for the State of Minnesota, what could we do, who could do it and what are the numbers for development and resultant returns; evaluate, plan and develop… And for "Job" initiatives the same proactive approach.

A MOA Metro Train, like Miami and Detroit, around the "World's Largest and Most Famous Mall, exciting and new and fun to ride...

Jobs Challenge, MOA3.com vs. MN Legislature vs. MN Government, who has what "Initiatives" in place with ideas and plans to create the most "NEW" jobs for the people of Minnesota in 2009???   Rate each Bill, how many jobs created...

Minnesota Legislature, it’s up to you, separate future planning from current Budget Problems, what's our direction & how to stop the slide of Minnesota's Image

So you want to be Governor…

Mayor R.T. Rybak has stepped up his oratory, Mayor Chris Coleman managed the RNC nicely, Speaker Margaret Anderson Kelliher for leadership, and more leadership with Sen. Tom Bakk, Rep. Paul Thissen, RCA Susan Gaertner, Matt Entenza, Mark Dayton, John Marty, Ole’ Savior, Sen. Tarryl Clark for innovative ideas as a running mate?, what the people of Minnesota need is someone “Guts” to talk about Jobs, Tourism and Development and the change needed “for” jobs, tourism and the future, who will provide leadership for Green & Purple Jobs?

Mayor’s Coleman and Rybak, President Obama is offering a once in a lifetime opportunity with his "Special Projects Program," put together a plan for "City Core Revitalization Study" with St. Paul and Minneapolis Downtowns as a test.

“A Centralized Focus” for the Downtown Areas should be the “start” for City Development and Image, Downtown “Skyway Malls” that bring people are the start and then rebuilding neighborhoods, streets and school’s will follow...

   Minnesota Tourism - "Phase 3,” "Green & Purple Jobs," the overall plan by a Minnesota Tourism and Job Development Czar and Committee should also include Skyway Mall’s for Minneapolis and a St. Paul Riverfront Entertainment Mall and wish it were feasible for Duluth, also Tif Financing for new Macy’s in each city…

A successful Downtown provides space where people want to be and feel safe, the addition of Second Level Skyway Mall’s with “controlled space” and a sidewalk atmosphere is a start, Mayor’s, use your city design people and present idea’s to State and National Government. (Picture taken by me in Mpls., Hennepin Ave., Block E, body being loaded into ambulance, 6:30 on a Sat. Night, 2008 or 2007.)

Mayor Coleman, Macy’s could shut down, unless you do something, when that contract expires, you’ve got that "Beautiful riverfront" and little entertainment and/or reasons for people to stay downtown after 5:00pm, a new Skyway Mall System can bring new life to Downtown St. Paul.

Mayor Rybak, former Strib. writer on Development,  99% of the people surveyed want a tourism based Stadium at Mall of America and understand it will provide 10 times more revenue than a Metrodome location, as a Governor & CEO of Minnesota, would you put location ahead of the jobs your people need???

Minnesota Inventors Evaluation and Product Placement Committee

For Inventors, getting items to market is their greatest problem, the “not invented here syndrome,” companies, and "groups" of all kinds, do not like “outside” ideas from “outside” people, as a former Member of Inventors Network, left because placement/sale was the issue, not product development.

A Minnesota Inventors Panel could evaluate and provide for placement new products to companies who would have the chance to bid through sales forecast’s with a “subsidy” for tooling, or inventory startup costs, all as a manner of creating sales and jobs for Minnesota… St. Thomas woman to Chair?

There are good “innovative” products out there, jobs are created when items are matched with retailers like Target, Best Buy, or 3M, all who have marketing infrastructure and by covering the tooling or start-up costs would create jobs and tax revenue for Minnesota.

Chicago has an Awards Process where inventors get prizes, why can’t MN, gets people involved, creates jobs & revenues, I have “28 items ready for one retailer,” that would provide $2 Billion in sales and lessened the Minneapolis D.T. layoff but without a “reason” to listen they "Pass," lost sales and jobs…

"State Lottery & Q Comp" believe former originally was set up to fund a process like this, together they have Millions going everywhere why not a “Two Year Study” with $2 Million in funding to for "Green & Purple Jobs?"

Plastic Recycling and Regrind Initiative - "Green & Purple Jobs"

  Good Packaging and Bad Packaging,   at left labels peel cleanly off, at Right labels are bonded to the plastic making milk carton only suitable for lumber and furniture instead of reusable “regrind.”

 Plastics are still being thrown away every day with this example of clean reusable plastic going in the trash everyday that could be remolded.  Drinking cups, plastic dinnerware, food packaging, laundry and oil containers all recycled into secondary products that if we study the system of packaging and containers can be reused.

10,000 quality jobs, every 2 Tons of “regrind” creates one job for 1 week,      1 Million Tons would give MN 10,000 jobs for a year, with efficiency MN Regrind would be cheaper and our large retail and manufacturing companies would have a competitive edge over other states and countries. 

(Note: So much is throw away that would easily be recycled, you wouldn’t believe.)

Change labels and plastic content on high volume “Commodity Based Packaging” so it can be reground “cleanly” for use in new consumer products for manufacture and export. Gives us a completive edge, high paid machinists jobs and helps companies, Target, Best Buy and 3M.

Present milk cartons have labels that stick and there only use is lumber like products, shrink wrapped labels mean clean regrind and jobs, a Jobz II inventors program and marketing co-op with state companies increase effectiveness of program. Paper cups to plastic to be recycled?

Example...  Invented several new "Family  Games" made of  plastic that the Hasbro Toy Company turned down because of a three time markup, with Jobz II, regrind available for our state molders and with Target with direct distribution and a two time markup provides “exclusive products” for new state jobs and revenues.

 Where are Minnesota’s Recycling efforts managed, and to what extent, where does an initiative like this get managed, 10,000 new Minnesota Jobs are nothing to sneeze at, this is a question that someone in the state must have an answer and a report on progress in this area?  Would a Minnesota Tourism and Jobs Czar provide the leadership to "Change" our current path???

Recycling the Metrodome into the "World’s Largest  

Indoor Waterpark and Playground," "Green & Purple Jobs" 

  World’s Largest Indoor Waterpark and Playground will host 8,000 people a day with ticket revenues of $120 Million a year plus with a 40% tourism ratio and $370 per family day tourism revenues there will be an economic impact of $9 Billion over 25 years, and 5,000 new Minnesota Jobs, why tear down a $300 Million building when it can help MN tourism???

“Ride the Ring…” A mile long tube ride includes the option of going out of doors at –20 at the level of the supports all captured on web cams for millions to see plus an indoor playground and entertainment area, open 365 days a year, fun... 

Worlds highest drop with speeds of 60 miles per hour and a “scoot” a football field long and for the dry at heart a playground for kids and “children” of all ages with mysterious caves, rides and sounds, entertainment available only in Minnesota...

Economics, $20 Million to convert,  Metrodome (MSFC) has the money, the Waterpark’s $25 Admission with 8,000 visitors a day will generate $120 million in sales/yr. more than Twins & Vikings combined, need someone to find Developer. Economic Impact $9 Billion/25yr. and 7,000 facility and tourism jobs...

Mayor Rybak, World’s Largest Waterpark will bring 8,000 people a day into downtown, 3 Million a year, ask your friend President Obama to provide funds for a "City Core Revitalization Study." A Skyway Mall connecting the Waterpark to Downtown will reshape the city and its image.  MOA Stadium, Minneapolis you’ve got the Twins and Wolves, share the wealth, 99% want it at MOA and they vote for Governors.  

Minnesota has lost its “Innovative Image,” Bonus, First in the Country, with these "Ground Breaking" Propositions listed below…  
(( If you like and see the benefits of the Propositions below perhaps it will validate the previous thinking for Jobs and Tourism and that "Budget Only" thinking can be adjusted for future plans.))

Amnesty Day for Recovery of Missing Children and Person’s Information

Jacob Wetterling on the anniversary of his disappearance, a perpetrator feeling remorse and with a sense of closure for the family, may call a clergy, or other trustworthy person, and spell out the where-abouts which then would be investigated.

The "agreement" will be that the person contacted will go and see that no criminal evidence beyond that needed for identification would be collected or that would lead to the person(s) responsible for the disappearance.  For the "many" who have disappeared "Without a Trace" it gives a solution and an outcome to where that person might be, and for families, hopefully, a move towards the future...

St. Joseph, Minnesota, my mother grew up there and recall at the age of 8 playing on those dirt roads where Jacob was abducted and so this thought for closure.  Have always thought that the Wetterling family would not want to know but in talking to a High School friend of Patty’s, now see otherwise.  Would be my hope that Senator Amy Klobuchar will take this on or the Minnesota Legislature pass a proposition?

"In Jacob's Town, pain is still near the surface, Mara H. Gottfried, Pioneer Press, Jan. 8, 2009, Page 1, above the fold...

Minnesota’s Future, is there one? – Does Anybody Care?  

Minnesota is like an old car on its last legs,    it sill looks good but the rust is creeping from the underbelly and rising up the sides, we can't trade it in, so isn't it time we quit talking and start planning?  U. Alumni, the U. has received much as of late, time to give the whole state a little love?

Tourism is Minnesota’s second largest industry thanks in part to Mall of America and as our largest tourism attraction no significant additions have been added since it opened in 1992 and now International Tourism is down 80% in 7 years because it’s not new anymore, it has become a Regional Mall, give Minnesota "guest's" something new, a reason to travel to this great state...

"MOA Village," or MOA now, hosting a Minnesota Tourism Outfitting Store with "Packaged Bus Tours;" gas prices have devastated far north tourism and many have/will close, with transportation costs major, tours arranged  to Lodges from a new "MOA Village Store" would bring people, jobs and revenue to northern Minnesota, jobs, Legislature???  (Picture of the walkway in the Hard Rock Indoor Entertainment area in Ft. Lauderdale, Fla.)

Where is that Minnesota Pride?  Story after story talks about the decline of our Minnesota.  A Friend of mine died in the 35W Bridge Collapse and now we are letting the same thing happen to our tourism industry, Minnesota Legislature is it going to be “just” the budget that gets action and only “Talk” about new jobs?

Minnesota Tourism and Job Development Czar

There is no State Agency that has a “Specific Group of People” to look at new and innovative ways to create new Tourism and Jobs…

We are a state with 5 Million people and yet somehow there is no one responsible to see that there is planning for the future and the only way that can be cured is a Bill by the "Minnesota Legislature" to make sure that happens. Media?

“Stadium” has become a four-letter word in Minnesota because no one has the “Guts” to present a  “Minnesota Tourism Plan,” which it is, and the fact it would bring in 10 times the revenues and help Minnesota’s image.  It might cost a penny, but bring in Billions in tourism dollars.

Lester Bagley blasted Governor Pawlenty with these words "With all due respect, he's been governor for six years, and he hasn't done anything," "He hasn't lifted a finger to engage in a problem-solving discussion..." Lester and I do not exchange Christmas Cards and maybe there is a point where his statement has relevance, sorry Gov., beyond that of just a stadium???  StarTribune-Judd Zulgad & Chip Scoggins    MN Valley News"KLVY-11"

Zygi-Wilf-big.jpg Mr. Zygi Wilf and NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell, 99% of the people want the stadium at Mall of America and if you want Minnesota Money then it's time to "listen" to the people of Minnesota we buy tickets and we vote, thank you...

"Billionaire Babble" people, you are talking down to 300,000 people looking for jobs, your friends and neighbors desperately in need, there is more to life than your "Babble," a  Vikings Stadium will happen and a General Purpose Facility at MOA makes Minnesota look great and creates 25,000 jobs, so get off it... 

"Talk Radio" update your logic, if you combine tourism and jobs with a general purpose Vikings Stadium at Mall of America it helps everybody, 99% want it there, if you keep up your "Babble" Zygi picks the site and we lose tourism and jobs to New Jerseys Xanadu, another image loss for Minnesota,  Joe Soucheray, (Bob Davis, Dave Thompson, opps, gone and missed) of AM1500 and Mark Heaney at Air America Radio if you don't see the benefits to Minnesota, well...

Vikings Stadium will happen and a General Purpose Facility at MOA makes Minnesota look great and creates 25,000 jobs, so put a lid on it, Joe, Bob, Mike at AM 1500, Mark Haney at Air America... 

We need "Green & Purple Jobs" for Minnesota, this is an opportunity for "Federal Money," and a better use of Q Comp Money, we need the media's help to go after it...

Downtowns are hurting, Duluth and out-state MN needs jobs, Minnesota and the Mall of America need to do something about tourism, like it or not the Vikings need a new stadium and 99% want it at Mall of America, we have people who work for the cities and state who can do quick designs/plans that will draw Federal Dollars, all that creates jobs and revenues, is anyone doing anything???

This may seem harsh and unfriendly but the Vikings don't like me, "when trying to speak to individual members of the Legislature individually two years ago didn't get friendly treatment or in committee meetings in general," See Minnesota Government is it Broke, new Legislators ignore seems the same for individuals, people of Minnesota become aware of what government is not doing, listening and acting on good ideas.

Solving the Budget problem is important and a nice little "area" to be in, but Minnesota is bigger than that, and we need to address needs for the future at the same time, and it appears it is up to the Minnesota Legislature and the media to inform the public or we continue our decline...  

Pride, Minneapolis-St. Paul, in recent survey was rated at the bottom with Detroit, Cleveland and Cincinnati as a place where people would want to live, it wasn’t that way 15 years ago, Atlanta is similar is size and scope but their image is up, what are we doing wrong?  What are we doing, period.  And are we going to continue to do nothing?  

Another Superbowl, only at MOA, NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell gave no reply to a letter a couple of months ago...

"Spokes Person" help needed, Legislator who likes "Green & Purple Jobs," to volunteer???  

As a spokes person I am shy around the camera’s and my day job does not warrant the clout of the rich or connected, instead of this “hobby/obsession” with wanting Minnesota to reclaim its Greatness I should be working on selling my inventions, a solution would be to have “one person” step forward and join with me in this effort to move Minnesota forward, welcome a "reply..."

Team work, Chanhassen doesn’t want this, Minneapolis Downtown wants it all but won’t redesign itself, Bloomington elected officials don’t want a “Phase 3” with a stadium because of the effort and enlarging the Police Force...

The Vikings keep using the MSFC (peoples) money to design, $3.5 Million; last time MSFC avoided “Open Meeting Laws," who does the MSFC report to and do we need an audit?, the StarTribune wants to sell land, the people, 99% smile and say “yes” they want a tourism based stadium at MOA, do the people matter???

“Minnesota Tourism and Job Development Czar and Committee” originated by the Minnesota Legislature, if an author will step forward I will help/write the bill.  Thank You.

Where is Minnesota going and is there any leadership; government, business or media, who will stand up with the information for people to demand the "change" we need to move forward?  We need "Green & Purple Jobs..."

The pages above will go to the Minnesota Legislature and Media and here is the balance of the web site which will be updated in the next few days. 

William C. Jewell Jr., 4575 W. 80th St. Cir., No. 318, Bloomington, MN 55437, wmjewell6@yahoo.com

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The Following is really a "Book" as seen at www.bludog.com for some time with many chapters evolved from 8 years of "Suggesting" to the Legislature and    Local Governments...

Mall of America is the iconic Image of Minnesota and as MOA goes, so goes Minnesota's Tourism...

This author suggests a complete new "MOA Phase 3" plan to include a Vikings Stadium, MOA Village, a Snow Dome, a Tourism Outfitting Store and more to keep Minnesota as a "Number One" World-wide Tourism Destination...

New Vikings Stadium at MOA, night time view???

Amazing, it's China's new National Center for the Performing Arts, why can't Minnesota create something spectacular to be a part of a Mall of America  Phase 3 Development, Leadership what do you think???   Media???

Mall of America Phase 3 with Vikings Stadium, No Tax Money Needed..

"Fiscal Disparities Pool," created in the 1970's would provide funds from a metro-wide business property tax pool and could finance Mall of America Phase 3 with a Vikings Stadium and other tourism facilities all at "No cost to tax payers," Legislature's said "No," need their and Governor's approval???

But First...

Failure of Leadership; Political, Business and Media, with the Republican National Convention coming to town with 15,000 media for 25 Billion world-wide impressions this would have been the largest "Free" media campaign in the history of Minnesota, instead a "Do-nothing" process...

Mall of America could help its own cause with a MOA Kiosk "Presenting a Possible Plan;" Business Leadership could donate money for a State Fair Booth; a St. Paul Downtown "empty" location or PR help and Political leadership a Tourism Task Force, or a Legislator spokesperson; and media, word to the people???

Minnesota, we have lost our Mojo, is there Leadership to bring it back, lets say "Yes" and put a "MOA Phase 3"  into our future...  

Mall of America - Tourism Task Force Needed...

Mall of America's Phase II and a Minnesota Vikings Stadium with the jobs, tourism and image they provide are the two biggest problems facing Minnesota's future.  The MOA "Solution" provided by the Legislature just emphasizes the need for an over-all plan for Minnesota's future...

Governor Pawlenty could appoint a Tourism Task Force to address MOA's development of Phase II and the possible integration of a Vikings Stadium for over-all development and financing of the area and ideally a "Minnesota Story" as a result of that Task Force would be ready for the Republican Nation Convention.

New Jersey's Xanadu will open this fall with Shopping and Sports all in one location.  Larger than Mall of America it is built around Izod/Continental Arena and the old/new Giants/Jets Stadium is visible top left.  New, No. 1 tourism draw.

New... Xanadu's first in the U.S. Indoor Ski Attractions, 365 days a year, more info: www.powderpassport.com/ blog/page/2/

Governor Pawlenty's Mall of America - Tourism Task Force could include Representatives from the Minnesota Legislature, MOA, Bloomington, Minnesota Vikings and Business Leaders with a focus on what "can" be done...

Mall of America has been so successful that there has been resistance from cities like Minneapolis and Chanhassen to any new development there.  Like it or not Mall of America is now an iconic image of Minnesota and the success of the Mall relates to tourism, image and the creation of new jobs and new state tax revenues...

Suggested Map of Mall of America Development provides ideas on the possibilities and a Tourism Task Force could "involve" prospective tenants with the project.  Most importantly The People of Minnesota need to be informed for support.

Vikings Stadium at Mall of America would open in 2011, three years sooner than a Metrodome Site and it saves $100 Million and it offers...

$15 Billion in tourism revenues, $1.5 Billion in new tax revenue and 15,000 new jobs, all in the five years following the Convention with just a .003 tourism success, who will provide the leadership to author the Bill below this Map???

Also, The "Minnesota Story," the Republican National Convention with 15,000 media will provide 25 Billion World Wide Impressions, the largest "Free" Media campaign in history of Minnesota, will we have it ready???

Superbowl, only a Mall of America Sports Venue will get Minnesota another and when combined with a full MOA Development $1.5 Billion in new state tax revenue over the 10 years, 90% want it here...

New Vikings Stadium, this is where it will go...

When asked, 99% of the people smile and say "yes" "We want it where it used to be," combine with MOA to help tourism, their reply, "A no brainer..."

New Vikings Stadium, with a movable dome, will be south of Mall of America between Killabrew Dr. and 86th St. and connected to "Wilderness Trail" Residential and the new Mall of America Village...

"Free Big Time Media Coverage," when the Republican National Convention comes to town, will there be a "Minnesota Story" ready???

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(Above, No there wasn't a media program ready, Minnesota lost $75 Million in free advertising that would have brought tourism to the state and created many jobs, and improve our image to the world, we did nothing, a waste!!!)

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The Future of Minnesota...                                          Web Site Book by William C. Jewell Jr. - Edition 2008.8

Minnesota needs a Plan for the Future...

Tourism Creates Jobs and Revenue for Minnesota...

"Minnesota Plan for Tourism and Jobs" would combine tourism and stadium needs into a plan that would leverage expenditures to maximize revenues. 

Examples of things the Leadership in the State of Minnesota need to think about before the current Minnesota Legislative Session ends...

Minnesota is at a "Competitive Disadvantage," with New Jersey's Xanadu Mall opening in the fall and we need to address the decline of our tourism...

New Jersey's Xanadu, a Shopping and Sports Mall bigger than Mall of America, opens this fall and will be the "new" "No. 1" Tourism Destination the world will want to see...

Introduction Tourism as been Minnesota's second biggest industry and nothing has happened for the last 15 years to help it, the Twins Ballpark and Gophers Stadium have little tourism value and will not help counteract the new Xanadu Mall and so what should Minnesota do???

Mall of America tourism visits are down 50% in the last 5 years.  It has gone from an "International Destination" to a Regional Mall with visitors from Iowa and Illinois.  Minnesota needs a "Tourism Plan" and "Planned Development" to rejuvenate both Downtown's...

Mall of America is 15 years old and the world would like to see something new, there is a "Phase II" "planned" but with Xanadu's "Indoor Skiing" we need to create some tourism excitement and soon...

The Vikings need a new Stadium and with hotels, atriums, and other attractions suggested for both MOA's Phase II and "Metrodome Next" why not combine for a "World Class" Tourism Destination???

Mall of America is, until August, 2008, the biggest Mall in the United States and our most important tourism draw, if we add a Vikings Stadium, a Phase II, a Wilderness Residential Park, a "Mall of America Village" and more, we can regain the tourism lost during the last 5 years.

Minnesota's Mojo - how did we lose it??? 

The State of Minnesota was once thought to be on the epic edge of innovation be it laws, culture, sports and the general belief that we were cool and progressing ahead of the rest of the country.  We were an example of energy, innovation and image, now having lost it, there is no sign of a plan, or person, to help regain our glory...

Minnesota's, "March to mediocrity," it's more than roads, we have to create jobs and a "better place" and nothing will do it faster than the "sizzle" of a Vikings Stadium and other developments at Mall of America...

A "Minnesota Plan for Tourism and Jobs," an "Appointed Authority" to gather information and draw up plans and ask for Legislative Funding, after careful public input, is a course of action that will get us back on track....

Minnesota, this is a sad time in history for our great state, the following  chapters are thoughts and measures for reclaiming our rightful status in the world...

Introduction...                                                                                              Chapter One - Xanadu, New Jersey's Shopping & Sports Extravaganza. Chapter Two - Mall of American Tourism & Competitive Disadvantage.  Chapter Three - Minnesota's Mall of America, "The Super Mall."          Chapter Three "B" - Tangible "Minnesota Story" for RNC Visitors???         Chapter Four - Downtown Minneapolis, a Plan for the Future?                  Chapter Five - Downtown St. Paul, an exciting new plan, it's time.             Chapter Six - Downtown Bloomington/Metro?, MOA, that's it.                Chapter Seven - "Metrodome Next" or a Mall of America Vikings Village?  Chapter Eight - Dallas Stadium, Tourism, Stadium & Entertainment.        Chapter Nine -Minnesota Vikings, site selection and Co-Development.    Chapter Ten -  Image and Tourism, last chance for Minnesota?               Chapter Eleven - Twins Ballpark with Movable Dome, a cause lost.          Chapter TwelveHost to the Upper Midwest, Recycle the Metrodome. Chapter Thirteen - Vikings Hero's of past, Carl Eller and Company.         Chapter Fourteen - Minnesota Legislature, "Part Time" or "Full Time." Chapter Fifteen - The Bridge Collapse, the Death of a Friend.                  Chapter Sixteen - Minnesota, is there a Plan for the Future?                    Chapter Seventeen - The People of Minnesota, Are they Cheap?            Chapter  Eighteen - Consumer Protection, items that need updating.         Chapter Nineteen - StarTribune and Pioneer Press, Hiding the Truth?     Chapter Twenty- The Judging of Illicit Logic or Behavior.                        Chapter Twenty-One -Minnesota's Future, the "Interrelationship's."               In Closing...                                                                       

(Executive and Legislative Assistants, please print copy for                                   easy reference, pages 1-18 of most importance...)

Chapter One - Xanadu, New Jersey's Shopping and Sports Extravaganza...

New Jersey's Xanadu is 25% bigger than Mall of America with "Shopping and Sports" all in one location and only 5 miles from New York City and its 44 million yearly tourists...  Web Cam, Jan 3rd.

Xanadu surrounds Continental Arena, white square building, which hosts events 300 days a year, with NBA's Net's and NHL Devil's teams plus soon a Triple A Baseball Team.  The NFL Giants and Jets Stadium is upper left...  Picture from Aug. 2007, compare to "Into" Picture...

With tourism benefits it will create 20,000 new jobs and $100's of Millions in new state tax revenue.  Xanadu is located in East Rutherford, N. J. only 20 miles from the Vikings Zygi Wilf's office.    http://www.meadowlandsxanadu.com/static/node1304.jsp 

Construction view of Xanadu from Superbowl Champions N. Y. Giants and Jets Meadowlands NFL Stadium...

Xanadu, a Serious Shopping Center, ground level layout , this is just the first floor with Mall areas Fashion on right, and to left, Food and Home, Entertainment, Children's Education and Sports; plus Indoor skiing and snow boarding... 

Aerial View of Xanadu Area around Continental Arena, Map link  Google Map Link? "Continental Airlines Arena," input into Google Maps and also click for satellite view.

New Jersey's Xanadu is an stunning example of the evolution of development where it now encompasses Shopping, Sports and Entertainment into a "critical mass" that draws tourism and sets a new standard in image making...

Camden Yards started it with a game day "Street Fair," now the bar has been raised where it is Sports, Shopping, Entertainment all combined to attract tourism with "Planning and Funding" co-developed through various levels of Government.  

Each new project starts with a creative image of the future; then planning, development and "leadership" follow through to see that the job gets done.  New Jersey, Dallas and Detroit are examples of the "new" trend in development...

Chapter Two - Mall of American Tourism & Competitive Disadvantage... 

Mall of America Tourism down 50% and in 6 years and has gone from an International Destination Point to a Regional Mall with visitors now from Iowa and Illinois.  A new emphases on tourism with a stadium "attraction" can still recover the lost tourism and jobs...

During the last 15 years Minnesota has done nothing to update our approach to tourism and meanwhile there are new attractions all over the world...

The Dubai Mall, World's largest at 12 Million sq.ft., twice the size of Mall of America opens later this year... 

Their PR... "The earth has a new centre."  "Located in the heart of prestigious Downtown Burj Dubai, The Dubai Mall will be the premier lifestyle destination for shopping and entertainment just adjacent to the World's Tallest Building...

Dubai's Mall of the Emirates, "The other Mall," has the Worlds largest indoor skiing and snowboarding area, "Ski Dubai," this year had 7,800 guests in one day. www.malloftheemirates.com 

Snow Domes and Waterparks, "Tourism Entertainment" everywhere...

Snow Domes in Europe and around the world, indoor skiing and snowboarding, web cam view Dec. 19th, from Jever Skihalle, Demark; Chengde, Shanghai; and one of Germany's five Snow Domes. http://www.allrounder.de/skihalle/  

"Snow Domes," are they the next "Big Thing" after Waterparks or does the market dictate both for tourism???    Snow Dome Information:    http://www.geocities.com/endlesswintersnow/dome.html   http://www.allrounder.de/rundgang   

Moscow, truck looks 60 years old but this is 1 of 5 Snow Dome's being built in the city...  http://englishrussia.com/?p=1055     SnowboardClubNews,UK 

   

Atlanta, Georgia, "World’s Biggest Indoor Snow Resort," The Falls at Lanier Highland,  $1 Billion.  There will be a great impact on tourism in Georgia to have this "Point of destination, rather than being a state tourists pass through," Charlie Gatlin, Dep. Commissioner of Tourism and Marketing at the Georgia Department of Economic Development. 

The proposed 2.1-million-square-foot Snow Dome will include multiple hotels, retail and a 1-million-square-foot indoor ski resort, it has been in the works for more than seven years, according to master developer Steven Winters, who was also a key player in developing Ski Dubai, in the United Arab Emirates.  

   http://www.fortumskitunneltorsby.se/       Indoor Waterpark recycled from East German Blimp Hanger,  Tropical Island Germany, why not the Metrodome as the World's Largest Indoor Waterpark or Ski Dome???  

"Recycle the Metrodome," $400 Million to replace it why tear it down when it can be revitalized as a money making tourism attraction?  "World's Largest Indoor Waterpark and Playground" will draw two million "guests" a year and provide 2,000 new core city jobs...

Gaylord National Hotel and Convention Center opens in the Washington D.C. in April 2008...  Prime example of a combined development that leverages the individual parts to create a truly maximizing, memorizing, Convention Tourism Complex with residential now added...

GN - Header

Gaylord National, with 2,000 rooms, has pre-booked 1 Million nights, almost two full years, and it's not yet opened.  It will be "The" Meeting Place of the country in Washington D. C.  Huge, 10 acres of indoor meeting space, spa, shops and restaurants all on the Potomac River.   Direct jobs, 1,850 with 1,135 county jobs and direct taxes collected will be $350 Million over 25 years.  Gaylordnational/AtaGlance    Gaylordnational/FactSheet    Tour/Gallery

Mall of America needs more than a "Phase II," the Vikings need a stadium and Zygi Wilf, a qualified developer, could match that up with the "Wilderness Residential and Parks," it will sell, plus a new "Mall of America Village..." 

Chapter Three - Minnesota's Mall of America, "The Super Mall..."

The "Minnesota Plan for Tourism and Jobs," "The Pawlenty Plan," will be a "Three Part Development" including Mall of America, Downtown St. Paul and Minneapolis with a "Development Authority" and a  "Minnesota Story" mock-up ready for the media covering the Republican National Convention.

"Mall of America, The Super Mall..."

Home of the Minnesota Viking's, Superbowl Fifty, the "Snow Bowl," the World's Largest Indoor Ski and Snowboarding Snow Dome,  Mall of America Village and see it all with the "Miami Style" Metro-Train...

New Vikings Stadium, with a movable dome, will be south of Mall of America between Killabrew Dr. and 86th St. and connected to "Wilderness Trail" Residential and the new Mall of America Village...

Vikings Stadium Site, south of MOA could be built beside an Office Bldg., like Lion's Ford Field, and perhaps the hotels, and with the exception of the hotels the balance of the area is 40-50 year old residential and apartments...

The "Minnesota Story" a Presentation during the Republican National Convention with 15,000 media will provide 25 Billion World Wide Impression the largest "Free" Media campaign in history plus a .003 tourism ratio will provide $15 Billion in tourism revenues, $1.5 Billion in new tax revenue all in the five years following the Convention, "Leadership" needed....

Miami Style Metro-Rail, Bloomington always wanted a downtown, well maybe you can say, here it is...  Governor Pawlenty?, I will adjust State Government by 3% and use the savings for  the "Minnesota Tourism and Jobs Plan, with completion by 2012 and it should put us in contention for an  2014 Olympics as well??? 

Mall of America Village, the lot just east of MOA, a Snow Dome, Minnesota Tourism Store, Indoor Golf, residential, Upscale Food Store like Whole Foods, easy parking, light rail and connected by Skyway Mall and possibly a people mover train.  Note: Airport runway has development zones in area, evaluation necessary....

Phase II Area from Ikea to 24th Ave., north of mall, area is smaller than it looks, MOA should update plans to reflect current situation and look at the "Big Picture."

The main approach to the overall development would be Skyway Mall type concourses to link the various sections to the Mall of America and a new "Village Light Rail Station."  It should also include "rides" or similar means to showcase, or let people take in the whole Mall, perhaps a Miami Style Metro-Rail...

The "Minnesota Plan for Tourism and Jobs" would, like the Twins Ballpark, have a "Development Authority" for over-all evaluation, with the Legislature and Governor, and then acquire "Partner Developer's," like Zygi Wilf to take over various parts of the development.  Decide what "can" be done and then get it done...

Strong input from Mayor Winstead, and the Bloomington City Council, and cooperation from the Metropolitan Airport Commission are vital pieces to what will be a "legacy making" development for the 21st Century...

Beautiful Bloomington Riverfront Land could be co-developed by Zygi Wilf with the Vikings Stadium.  Prime real-estate that will sell, with the addition of a "MOA Village" food store it would be an "all-inclusive" living area for everyone...

The Mall of America Snow Dome would start in the middle of the "Village Block," shown middle left, at a height that allows it to pass over Killabrew Dr. and then take advantage of the natural slope and ravine that extends down from the clump of trees shown on the right, perhaps a half mile long slope, 365 days a year...

Mall of America, The "Super Mall" with a Vikings Stadium, and the only "mega indoor" Minnesota Sports and Entertainment Facility, what will it get us???

  • Another Superbowl with a "wow" image...
  • Final Four playoff games for the next 20 years...
  • 150 Million more Mall of America visits the next 10 years...
  • Solid 5 million more tourists to Minnesota each year...
  • $370 income per family visit, or business day, total $1 Billion per yr.
  • Tax revenue benefit of 10%, $100 Million per year for state/cities.

(3 Million family/business visits per year at $370 x a two day stay, or a business stay per day,  conservative, equals gross revenue of  $1 Billion per year with the state and cities realizing 10% for $100Million per year or $1 Billion over "just" a 10 year period, how's that for increased state revenue and that does not count job revenues.)

Note: Roy Terwilliger and Bill Lester of the MSFC have managed the Metrodome for years and scheduled events and could manage the "Vikings 
Super Mall Stadium..."

Dan McElroy, Commissioner of the Department of Economic Security, and John Edmond Commissioner of the Explore Minnesota Tourism could compute the "total" benefit of tourism, jobs, and new state revenues...

A Bike, Segway and Walking Trail should be a part of the Development from the Cedar Bridge Crossing Project through to the "MOA Village" and on into the Bloomington wildlife area. Pictures last summer from "Cedar Bike Trail Crossing."

The Mayor of Bloomington, Gene Winstead and Rep. Ann Lenczewski talking to proponents of a Cedar Ave. Biking Trail Crossing the Minnesota River last July...

Mall of America Development is more than the Mall, it's about tourism, jobs, and the image of Minnesota, and Bloomington, to be progressive in this era of completive tourism and marketing of the image of Minnesota.

A Minnesota Legislator, without full information, made these comments... 

"The fact that someone else has built a bigger mall, or better one, the more power to them..."  

...this reply to a suggestion of a Task Force to just "look into" a Tourism Based Vikings Stadium "as part of Phase II," at Mall of America to compete with New Jersey's Xanadu...  It will be "Dead on Arrival..."

Bloomington, boring and nothing to do...  

Mike Max on WCCO Radio, "Went up to the area where the Original Sports Bar was, it was like a Ghost Town except Hooters was still open." quote on the eve of the Packer-Cowboys Game, Nov. 29, 2007.

What ever happened to Bloomington and why has the Mall of America given up on an Entertainment Area for the Largest Indoor Mall in the United States,  extra expense for people to watch the Mall???

Does Mall of America have an obligation to the people of Bloomington, for the tax money that help build it to provide a level of service as promised.  Should they get more funding if they don't provide an reasonable Restaurant and Entertainment Venues???  Bloomington, what are your thoughts???

Phase II, a parking ramp and what???  Remember the old Met Days when there were places to go and there was this mystique about Bloomington, a Vikings Stadium will being it back, for them and for Minnesota...

It appears that Phase II maybe has not been updated since Ikea and new plans are needed.  Should a Vikings Stadium and Residential be part of a new plan?  Zygi Wilf is a developer, so why meet, Bloomington will sell...

*     *     *     *     *     *     *

Chapter Three "B" - Tangible "Minnesota Story" for RNC Visitors???

Minnesota needs to move forward, we need jobs and need to give people a reason to visit our state, we can do nothing for another 15 years or we can get that "Minnesota Mojo" back and return to our innovative image of old???

The "Minnesota Plan for Tourism and Jobs..."

Governor Pawlenty or Legislative appointed Committee for "site selection" of a Vikings Stadium at Mall of America and Skyway Malls that connect buildings in Downtown St. Paul and Minneapolis.  When the Republican Convention comes here it will create tons of publicity for Minnesota and our "innovative" image...  Free publicly, we need to tell the "Minnesota Story."

Note: Federal Funds are not finding their way to state, county and city levels and a lot of our state funding problems are a result of that, we can work up a plans for our future and hopefully when the war is done, and wasteful spending on "Missile Defense Systems" and the like are gone, we will bring funds back for jobs, schools and infrastructure to a level where they are needed...    Wm C. Jewell Jr.

"March to mediocrity," Senator Larry Pogemiller, on Minnesota roads and the "general sentiment" of some StarTribune Editorials; Tom Gillaspy, State Demographer and Tom Simpson, State Finance Commissioner...

Quote from St. Paul Mayor Chris Coleman, St. Paul's RNC website...

asd"For four days in September 2008, Minnesota will have a once in a lifetime opportunity to show the world what we already know - Minnesota is the finest place in the nation to live, work and raise a family."

"This opportunity is not about politics-it is about business.  For those of us who want to build a better future for our cities, it is a spectacular marketing opportunity.  The media attention is a launching pad for drawing tourists and business investors to our communities.  The investments made in our state and cities in preparation for the event will pay dividends for years to come." http://www.stpaul.gov/convention/ 

Republican National Convention, August, 2008...

  • Number of Guests:  45,000 plus...
  • Members of the International News Media:  15,000...
  • People that will view their Reports:   4,000,000,000...

Web sites of "Committee's" working on RNC Convention activities... http://www.msp2008.com/      convention@stpaul.gov       www.visitsaintpaul.com 

Tangible Display's, just what will we have to direct those 15,000 media while they are looking for something to report?

"2008 St. Paul Fun Card" handed out to Guests but will          we have a tangible, you can go here and see what Minnesota's Future is        all about, or will we direct our visitors to take a "Walk around the Lakes?"

The "Minnesota Story" will we have something tangible that people can see???  Who should provide leadership to see that there is one???  Can we use some empty space at Mall of America to put one together???   

"No Stadium Talk in 2008 Agreement???" 

If it's judged that a Viking's Stadium at Mall of America is viable how can we not tell the "Minnesota Story" to the world, especially with the benefits of jobs, revenue and the 5 Billion people listening, and the 1% who will visit...

can we afford to ignore the benefits, and the jobs involved, of not having the "Minnesota Story" with the worlds media???

Media, what are your thoughts???   What would motivate you to report???

*     *     *     *     *     *     *

Chapter Four - Downtown Minneapolis, a Plan for the Future???

The "Minnesota Plan for Tourism and Jobs" with its "Three Part Plan" should include major renovations of the two downtown areas with "Plans" available for the media when the RNC comes here this summer...

Suggested ideas for Minneapolis...

"World's First" Skyway Mall, my Minnesota Invention, extending street-wide would go from the Twins Ballpark down 7th St./6th St. past a new Macy's Store and on to the Hennepin County Government Center to and to the Mpls. Auditorium offering year-round sidewalk dinning and shopping all in "Controlled Space" for comfort and convenience, a new Downtown Minneapolis. 

"Skyway Mall" connections, in green, from the Twins Ballpark to Hennepin County Government Center with "Controlled Space" and, in red, Skyway Mall connections to the Minneapolis Auditorium both with balcony level people movers...

"People Mover Walkway," besides Light Rail, the balcony area's people mover will feature fast transport to the Government Center, the Minneapolis Auditorium and could extend to both the U.'s West Bank and East Bank Campus's...

"The District," add a Fremont Style, Las Vegas, electronically lighted curved roof from 3rd to 6th St. for year-round use and later planed new amenities.  

A New Macy's for Downtown Minneapolis... 

The closing of Macy's North could be an opportunity...  Not in need of the office space and the store being old it's time to look for an answer, considerations...  

  • Gaviidae Commons has Square footage but low ceilings and dated. 

  • City Center showing its age outside and indoor space doesn't work.  

  • Macy's and City Center best locations, tear down one and rebuild.    

  • Macy's attached to Skyway Mall, 6th St or 7th St. Best?                     

  • TIF Financing for a new "Show Case" Downtown Macy's location?   

The Macy's Store is old and no amount of renovation can help, $16 Million was spent a few years ago and it's hard seeing any results.  To keep a Macy's Downtown, Mayor Rybak and the City Council need to come up with a plan and present to Terry Lundgren, the Chairman of Macy's...

Suburbia returning to Downtown will create the “critical mass” that helps clean up the city.  Detroit waited too long and has a $10 Billion Program trying to recover.

“Minnesota Plan for Tourism and Jobs," want to save Minneapolis that's the start, City and County Government how about a "march" to St. Paul???

Chapter Five - Downtown St. Paul, an exciting new plan, it's time...

Downtown Nightlife, gone from Downtown St. Paul, Pioneer Press, Sunday, Jan 6, 2008, just a sign of the times???  Is it time to put on the thinking caps and dream what could be and "ASK" for it???   Why not a...

 St. Paul Riverfront Sports and Entertainment Mall, Museum, Entertainment and Convention Center...

A Skyway Mall Concourse Promenade from the MN History Center, 3M Inventors Hall of  Fame, new Target Store, Xcel Energy Center, Ordway, MN Science Museum, new Children’s Museum, a hotel and new St. Paul downtown night life, St. Paul’s Mississippi Riverfront Entertainment Center, see you there… 

     

A Skyway Mall Concourse is the answer for both St. Paul and Minneapolis as a part of The "Minnesota Plan for Tourism and Jobs," all parties need to work together to put the proper "focus" where it needs to be, how do you spell "Minnesota Legislature???" 

Macy's in Downtown St. Paul is all but gone, "Macy's Future in St. Paul hazy," Pioneer Press, by Gita Sitaramiah, Sunday, March 2, 2008, Business "D" p. 1...                 

Other thoughts, extend Skyway Mall to Minnesota History Center, relocate Children's Museum and add the U's Bell Museum to St. Paul's Museum Group.  Cross promotions and entrance fees, buy a 3 day pass to all, etc.  Also, enclose the Park Square Theater Block...

3M Inventors Hall of Fame, the former Science Museum, in-large the History Center or another building, we are "still" known for our innovation skills in manufacturing why not cast a little light on us Minnesota Inventors???

The St. Paul "Riverfront Sports and Entertainment Mall" with a concourse and connected theme will again add to the ambience and Minnesota's Image as a "Destination Point" the world will travel to see...  Connect to Macy's for shopping and the Landmark Center and see what we can create.  

"Make Plans" and find the right developer to put it together, make something happen.  

Slogans; "See and Learn in St. Paul," "St. Paul, the Capitol of Museum's in the upper Midwest... "Downtown St. Paul, a Great Place to be..."

Chapter Six - Downtown Bloomington/Metro?, MOA, Where its at...  

An Exciting New Downtown Bloomington, is it standing in front of us???

Harvey T. Lockwood, in a Sun Newspaper Story for The City of Bloomington, asked for development ideas for the Southtown area as the "Downtown" that Bloomington lacks and with that in mind these thoughts...

Reality, after visiting Downtown Minneapolis and then on a Saturday watching 200,000 people stream into Mall of America the reality is that MOA is not only Bloomington's Downtown, it is the Metro's Downtown, it could even be said it is the "Downtown" for the Upper Mid-west...  

MOA "The" gathering place for Minnesota and beyond.  The amount of people coming from all over is amazing, Macy's recently has been doing a  Zip Code Survey on customers and could share some Mall of America numbers to this effect???

"World's First" Skyway Mall in Bloomington???  Invented by this author for Downtown Minneapolis and use for Downtown St. Paul why not Bloomington connecting Ikea, a new Vikings Stadium, Phase Two, and whatever else we can do... Let's create some buzz, some excitement for Bloomington and the State of Minnesota.

Vikings Stadium why should it go in Downtown Minneapolis???

It will do nothing to help tourism or development and it is a hassle to park and a great deal of the fan base comes from the suburban Metro area.  Zygi Wilf has bought a little land, backed out of StarTribune land deal, and promised a grand development like the Twins did, it won't happen, the housing market is dead for the next 10 years, unless it is in an "location" that will get people excited...

Bloomington was where the "Citizen Legislature" put the first modern stadium and isn't it time to locate a Stadium where it can be easily used and how about some excitement, huh???   

Media,

Survey Questions:

*  Should a new Vikings Stadium be on the Metrodome site or on the south side of Mall of America???

*  Which location would help bring more tourism to Minnesota???

*  Should there be a "Minnesota Plan for Tourism and Jobs" to look at the "Big Picture" for Minnesota???

*  Minnesota needs to think about it's future, who should provide the leadership to get the process started???

The "Minnesota Plan for Tourism and Jobs" with its Mall of America Tourism Package and a "Three Part Plan" should include major renovations of the two downtown areas with "Plans" available for the media when the RNC comes here this summer...

Chapter Seven - Metrodome Next or a Mall of America Vikings Village???

New Jersey's Xanadu looms big and "Metrodome Next," the MSFC headed by Commersioner Roy Terwilliger and Bill Lester "interestingly" are point leaders for the Minnesota Vikings in touting the Metrodome site for a new Vikings Stadium...

A "Dog and Pony Show" at the Metrodome in February headed up by Lester Bagley, V. P. of Stadium Development for the Vikings, provided input on "Dynamic Development" in the area but with the disappearance of "Twinsville'" as a part of the Twins Ballpark, it appeared not a person in the house believed that would happen as a part of the Vikings Metrodome "Plans."  A Bloomington development will sell.

Should the Vikings partner with Mayor Gene Winstead of Bloomington and look at some of the dynamic Riverfront land adjacent to the Mall of America as a better place for development.  Zygi Wilf's as an experienced developer is capable of providing an exciting "world class" development in Bloomington even in this down market...

The "Minnesota Plan for Tourism and Jobs" "Authority/Committee" should pick a Minnesota stadium site not Vikings ownership, and to avoid the delay costs of $75 Million and take advantage of media during the Repubican National Convention it should be done in time to write "The Minnesota Story..."

A "Minnesota Plan" with Governor Pawlenty's appointments, or  Legislative initiative, could start the process...  Governor Pawlenty had set up a "Explore Minnesota Tourism Council" in November of 2004 and it's time for another...

The "Minnesota Plan for Tourism and Jobs..."

Governor Pawlenty or Legislative appointed Committee for "site selection" of a Vikings Stadium at Mall of America and Skyway Malls that connect buildings in Downtown St. Paul and Minneapolis.  When the Republican Convention comes here it will create tons of publicity for Minnesota and our "innovative" image...  Free publicly, we need to tell the "Minnesota Story."

We need to put on a show on what we can do, The University of Minnesota Architectural Students, make drawings of Skyway Malls, put them into the downtown areas of St; Paul and Minneapolis and even Washington Ave. where the light rail suggests sidewalk traffic should be elevated.

Students can build models that showcase Minnesota and the University and the ideas we will create in re-developing the Minnesota Tourism Trade...

Minnesota, "priceless" media coverage will we take advantage of it???

Chapter Eight - Dallas Stadium, Tourism, Stadium & Entertainment...

New Cowboys Stadium being built in Arlington, Texas will open for the 2009 NFL season and accommodate 80,000 with expansion to 100,000 and host Superbowl in 2011.

GloryPark situated next to the New Cowboys Stadium will combine 1.2 million s.f. of retail, entertainment, residential, office and two hotels with completion in 2008. Texas tourism, 200 Million Visitors a year. http://stadium.dallascowboys.com/  

Chapter Nine - Minnesota Vikings, site selection and Co-Development...

Bloomington's Mall of America Location rebuilding State-Wide Tourism to regain our "Destination Status?"  Mall of America wants to add a hotel or two anyway and an Atrium is a natural part of  a "Combined" Shopping, Sports and Hotel Complex.  Why do "separate projects" when "Clustering" attractions provides many times the tourism and tax revenue producing benefits???

 Vikings Stadium needs to be a multi-use facility, why a stand alone building when a "Combined" tourism approach with a Hotel and a Grand Atrium brings in tourism, jobs and new state revenue...

Google Map "search" locations, click on "satellite" as well....

Vikings Stadium location, south of Mall of America,  2221 Killebrew Dr, Bloomington, MN - Hotel address that is northern location of Vikings Stadium. Just south of Macy's and Mall of America.  

Vikings Housing Development, 2726 E Old Shakopee Rd, Bloomington, MN  Farm view that show nice land for housing, input this address in Google Map, switch to satellite view and hit street level for a 360 degree view of area, amazing web site.

New, added attractions as part of a Riverfront Tourism Complex or Mall of America Phase II:

Minnesota Sports Hall of Fame, Randy Moss, Kevin Garnett, remember when they used to play here; then there's Tori and Yohan; Kirby, Harmon and Kent; George Mikan; Carl, Allen and Jim, Chuck and Stu; and Sid Hartman...

Minnesota's Tourism and Outfitting Service Store with planned day trips leaving from Mall of America, or drive your-self, a "Tourism Store" with guided trips.  It should include nature trails in the area of the Minnesota River with waking, bikeways and even Segway tour's, "interactive" with guests visiting Minnesota...

Indoor Gopher Baseball, Bill Lester, MSFC, said they could play indoor Gopher Baseball in March in the new Vikings Stadium.  It would help them compete with southern and western teams and bring in University Sports Revenue...

Downtown or Bloomington, just where should the Vikings Stadium Go???

  • (A)  Stand alone non-tourism Metrodome site facility?  

  • (B)  A Deluxe Riverfront Guthrie Site?

  • (C)  or  at Bloomington's Mall of America???

What would the people want, spending the same amount of money what location creates excitement and jobs???  Media, why not ask them??? 

Should as Zygi Wilf "tell" the people of Minnesota where the Vikings Stadium location should be when they are investing only 25% of the cost and New Jersey's Xanadu Mall will take away MN Tourism revenues???  

Does Governor Tim Pawlenty really want a non-tourism site that includes tearing the Metrodome Down??? 

Riverfront Tourism Stadium Development has been my dream since 2000...

 

 

I went to Marshall U. High School and lived 8 blocks from the east edge of the Stone Arch Bridge and had always thought there should be a fountain with lights on the St. Anthony Falls spillway and that evolved into a Tourism Stadium Complex...

Now, like Downtown needing the Twins Ballpark, the Mall of America and Minnesota needs development to step up and help it and it starts with a Vikings Stadium at Mall of America with corresponding development and "telling" the story to the world while the RNC is here, it will help "fill-in" media time...

When I started "suggesting" in 2000 to State Leaders and the Minnesota Legislature, with the feeling I was tiling at wind-mills and now with New Jersey's Xanadu almost open our only response can be a resurgence at Mall of America and  Minnesota needs to do something...

My former "pitch..." 

Riverfront Complex, Economic benefit of $50 Billion over 25 years plus it will create 5-6,000 new jobs.  Metrodome site creates no new jobs and waste's a building that would cost $400 Million to replace.  Riverfront Location Map...

  Vikings Stadium Complex on the Mississippi Riverfront next to the Guthrie with Hotel, Atrium and more, will bring 2 million tourists back to Minnesota and create 5,000 core city jobs and have an economic impact of $40 Billion and $4 Billion in new tax revenue for Minnesota. 

(Now no more, Mall of America is the destiny for Minnesota...)

Bonding Bill, Gopher's Stadium note: Give them the last $28 Million they need and don't use the Vikings playing in the Gopher Stadium as a "Ploy" to finish funding.  Do people really want Met Stadium Football back even if it's just for four years???

NFL Comments???  Could there have been a person wearing an NFL pin in town on Dec. 4th that smiled and nodded favorably at a Riverfront Hotel Atrium Complex, no, not officially...

"People don't want just a stadium anymore, they don't want outdoor football, they want ambience, they want to be comfortable, things have changed over the last 25 years."  

Select a site in 2008, it is most important and not waiting will save money,  the cost of a Vikings Stadium goes up $75 Million for every year, save money and "tell" the "Minnesota Story..."

A "Minnesota Plan for Tourism and Jobs," a Planning Bill" or "Site Task Force" in 2008 is needed as the Metrodome lease runs out in 2011 and a Tourism and Jobs approach needs time to secure tenants and "PLAN" the development.

People of Minnesota what say ye...      Call Governor Tim Pawlenty, 651-296-3391, Toll Free: 800-657-3717, and let him know; or write: Room 130, Capitol Building, St. Paul, MN 55155.  Bloomington MOA or ???

Bloomington Vikings Stadium it should be next to the Mall of America...  Vikings use it 8 to 10 games a year and it is a hassle to go downtown, as long as we're building a separate stadium why not put it where most people would like it and we can use it for other things and draw tourism???   

Bloomington and Minnesota, Big Time City and Big Time State with Big Time Tourism Revenues and Jobs!!!  Rebuild our tourism and image...

Chapter Ten - Image and Tourism, last chance for Minnesota???

Superbowl, only a Vikings Riverfront Stadium Complex or a Mall of America location will get us one,  a venue that warrant's National Recognition and rebuilds our Minnesota image.  Stadiums, Gophers got theirs, Twins got theirs, now how about a tourism based, job creating Vikings Stadium for the people of Minnesota??? Media, it's time you step up and ask them???

Target Stadium...  Best Buy Stadium, 3M Stadium; $30 Million up-front naming rights, who will get their name on the Best Stadium Complex in the United States???  Target's about community, Best Buy, say what, "Turn On The Fun; and 3M, the Grand-daddy of Corporations, who will help get "The people of Minnesota" The World's Best Stadium Complex???

Governor Tim Pawlenty, Senate Majority Leader Larry Pogemiller and Speaker Margaret Anderson Kelliher, on Dec. 3rd, all met with the NFL Commissioner "separately," according to the media, and were in "agreement" there would be no new Vikings Stadium in 2008??? 

Minnesota's Mojo - how did we lose it??? The State of Minnesota was once thought to be on the epic edge of innovation be it laws, culture, sports and the general belief that we were cool and progressing ahead of the rest of the country.  We were an example of energy, innovation and image, now having lost it, there is no sign of a plan, or person, to help regain our glory...

Minnesota, "living off the vapors of the past when were were seen as innovative???"  Words from a StarTribune Editorial a few years ago...

Chapter Eleven - Twins Ballpark with Movable Dome, a cause lost... 

Last Chance for Downtown Minneapolis???

Body being loaded into an ambulance on Hennepin Ave. from "Block E" at 6:45 on a quiet September 15th Saturday night.  Crime and lack of jobs and hope have relegated Downtown Minneapolis to a territorial mix of turf, Suburban Restaurant Crowd owns upper Nicollet Mall, and with Sheriff Task Force gone Hennepin Ave.’s urban setting remains intact... 

Is Downtown Minneapolis Going Downhill?   StarTribune, Jackie Crosby and Susan Feyder,  Jan. 14, 2008, p. 1...  Great story on "What" and "How" Downtown is failing but not "Who" and "Why..." 

Is it time to clean up Downtown Minneapolis???  Renegade Parking Lots with $300 Towing Fees; Strip Clubs, 25 or so,  that allow $2,000 a night ATM Withdraws for unwitting clients, panhandlers and crime...

November Update: Mike Opat, Hennepin County Commissioner, car jacking and robbery with a sawed off shotgun in Robbinsdale, had that experience myself in Florida; and Dave Lee's, WCCO Morning Show and Gopher Sports announcer, son Mike?, and friends, being robbed at gun point and forced to lay on the ground for tips earned at his "District" bartending job; is Minneapolis a place where suburbia wants, or needs, to go???  Fight and double Shooting 3rd & Hennepin, Nov. 26th.  Jan. '08, Robbinsdale again, home invasion, father shot  dead...

Crime, FBI Report, Detroit worst in nation, our paperwork was not in?, are we in the top 10???  Downtown Minneapolis still is a gauntlet of panhandling even after the new law, now had a "hit" outside the Subway at Southtown in Bloomington last month.  Would a domed Ballpark and a Skyway Mall even had helped Minneapolis???  (Report with Minneapolis numbers included???)

Minneapolis Government, not one member, or the StarTribune, has spoken  or taken one viable action for these suggestions for a better Minneapolis  over the last 6  years....... 

Bob Davis, AM1500 Talk radio, brought up a valid point, People perceive panhandlers in downtown Minneapolis as criminals, or at least, the entry point to crime, and as such have no inclination to put up with the hassles and when New York "cleaned" itself up it started with them and the strip clubs, what should the City of Minneapolis do???  Perceived environment that people don't want to put up with...

Maybe my suggestions won't work or aren't worth the effort of "Minneapolis People" to talk about, and myself with those robberies and personal visits I almost agree, maybe Minneapolis isn't worth the effort to clean it up???

Twins Movable Domed Ballpark....

Special Session, Special Deal???   How the Twins Domed Ballpark Bill worked to get Special Session and "The Fastest Flood Relief Bill in the History of the State," a media quote... 

Governor Tim Pawlenty, Senate Majority Leader Larry Pogemiller and Speaker Margaret Anderson Kelliher, was there a Special Session “Deal” on Friday, September 7th, less than 24 hours after a “Ballpark Upgrade Bill” suggestion was left at their offices???  Was the fear of the words “Ballpark” or “Stadium” so strong they instituted the "Fastest Flood Relief Bill in the history of the State of Minnesota???"

What the People want, 100% of voters over 25 want a Domed Ballpark and several were angry with “Stupid” being the word most often used and even with the four 22 y.o. males it’s still 85% in favor of a movable dome...  Sept. 14 & 15th Metrodome survey...

Minnesota, are we building the "Worst" Ballpark in America???  

 “We aren’t the Worst,” Much media commentary on Minnesota being "worst" followed a "StarTribune Story" with 23.7% qualifying and we were only 23rd, not the "Worst."  “Americans keep tipping,” StarTribune, Aug. 27, 2007.   A Twins Domed Ballpark needed for attendance, better players and winning teams...

TV and Radio Broadcasters with Government Official's agree...

“I’d give anything to have a Safeco Field,”  Metro TV Broadcaster.             “The Twins need a movable dome,"  Sid Hartman.                                           "In two years the newness will wear off, then where we’ll be?” Sid.              “In six years they’ll be screaming for a roof," Met. Council Member.

What will make Twins Ballpark the "Worst?" lack of a movable dome with a climate controlled interior, the cramped location and some amenities we're getting a "basic" Ballpark at a "premium" price...

New Twins Ballpark, panoramic view...

When you look at the picture of Safco Field above doesn't it look almost like we could put that sort of roof over our new ballpark???  Make it climate controlled???

Will cut the verbiage short here and put the rest under the link "Twins Ballpark," it looks like it will be a nice Ballpark, we could have done better, a movable dome with heat and shelter for people without the luxury boxes, but that battle has been lost and we need to look forward to April, 2010, when the Twins bring outdoor baseball back to Minnesota...    (And they said it won't fit, humor.)

Chapter Twelve - Host to the Upper Midwest, Recycle the Metrodome... 

Recycle the Metrodome, why tear down a $400 Million Dollar Building???  Much was made when the Armory was to be torn down, 50 Million people have memories from the Metrodome and not a word, Randy Moss and Kirby Puckett, if ever there was a duel that dwelled in this palace, it was they, it should be remembered, 1987 and 1991 Twins World Series Champions and pride for Minnesota, why tear it down, recycle...

Metrodome, "World's Largest Indoor Waterpark and Playground," $25 Million to convert, $100 Million in yearly revenues, 1 million new tourists will come to town, why tear it down when it can be used for jobs and tourism???

Why can't the powers to be call people who do Waterparks and see what they say, City of Minneapolis, you're concerned with the circus and putting a lawn on the courthouse, how does that help tourism and bring in revenue, lets look at some new ideas and create something new instead of waiting for them to come to you???  

Tourism Assets are we making the most of them?  Minneapolis  Auditorium $15 Million a year in the red not even close to covering expenses.  Do we have enough "Tourism infrastructure" to make it and other venues viable?    What is the case for the Minnesota History Center, University Art Gallery, and even private venues like the Guthrie and The Walker Art Center, how much do they require in donations and government help to stay open???

Developing Minneapolis isn't done when all the land is covered, if you can better utilize and bring in tourism and revenues isn't it worth a thought?  

The bus is out of gas, fill it up and get it going, is there a driver???

Chapter Thirteen - Vikings Hero's of past, Carl Eller and Company...

  Carl Eller and Chuck Foreman at MOA Kiosk, Dec. 7th.  Our Gridiron Greats, time to repay our hero's who who paid with their time, their bodies and their efforts and helped create Billions of Dollars of income for the NFL and should be repaid for their efforts, write or call the NFL, they are in need of medical help and a share of retirement benefits...

Carl Eller and William Jewell, this author.   NFL Football, it's our national passion, lets show our appreciation... GridironGreats.org    

Chapter Fourteen - Minnesota Legislature, "Part Time" or "Full Time..."

The Minnesota Legislature was formed in 1858 when the population was 160,000, now 150 years later it is over 5 million...

With a friend that died in the Bridge Collapse do believe that a more timely system is needed to handle emergencies, it has been six months since the bridge collapse and there have been floods and fire "issues" this year...

Full time, would suggest that salary's should double and the size cut by a third and be scheduled 10 years in the future.  It would even the work load to those that have more time and hopefully open the process more to the public.

It is felt that long term issues like tourism and stadium development would get more attention as they have influence "outside" the state; tourism based facilities bring in more revenue, help our image and create more jobs...

Don't feel personally that equal time has been granted to my tourism based view when I have "been allowed" to testify and the practice of allowing lobbyist's to use up the "comfort zone" of 2 hours testimony's needs to be addressed.  Rep. John Abrams and Rep. Phil Krinkie were most gracious.

A well known professor and a county employee both agreed a better system is needed.  I have toned down this part of the presentation so as to get The "Minnesota Plan for Tourism and Jobs" "suggestion" a more favorable base and hope the it gets a favorable look for the best interests of the people...

Chapter Fifteen - The Bridge Collapse, the Death of a Friend...  

The Bridge Collapse, 6:02 p.m. August 1st, 2007, that Minnesota image will be with people for years.  It wasn't 9-11, but anytime a huge structure falls without a "reason" we remember and identify with the victims, one of those victims was a friend...

Vera Peck was in our group of  friends and one of those who died along with her son Richard Chit, her car was trapped under another beneath the bridge, she had two broken ribs and her sons head was crushed in; when they found them, her arms were around her son, his body was removed in two pieces and according to the StarTribune Story they were listed as drowning victims.  The other Bridge Victims were listed as "Traffic Deaths."

www.StarTribune.com , has Bridge Collapse car locations and Cause of Death information of the victims.

Their deaths, the 11 others, and the other 100 plus victims, one could argue was a result of negligent behavior on the part of the State of Minnesota. To this day there are people hurt from the bridge collapse with back braces and other injuries who have had to rely on there own insurance and fund raising benefits because the Minnesota Legislature was not in session to vote for relief, why???  Six months, bill passed???

“Bridges in America should not Fall" and citizens of Minnesota should not have to wait for the convenience of a Minnesota Legislature under a 150 year old system just to convene and address the issue, those Bridge Collapse victims who suffered unduly are due punitive damages and with evidence of wrong doing at MNDOT, as suggested by a StarTribune Story by Mike Kaszuba and Pat Doyle, an investigation beyond the structural needs to be addressed...

Note: $4 Million for one Minneapolis undercover Police Officer shot was the award amount; here in the Bridge Collapse, the State is at cause, once you get "by" the Jan. 15th "timely" connector plates release, and tentative damages are set at $6 Million for over 144 people, please spell out the logic on that one...

The Legislative Committee working on the Bridge Collapse has voiced comparisons to other catastrophes like the flood and crime victims in discussions on compensation but it is unlikely that any constitutes a mistake in judgment more than those who ignored the advice of experts for the welding of the bridge supports...

The “Bridge Victims” are now seeing the collapse of a Government System that as of mid-February only has provided limited wage help and the rest are not getting the help they need and deserve; and though working to solve their problems it will not be until the “Citizen Legislature” begins it’s 2008 session that the real work begins, how long will it be???   Bridge Victims, hang in there…

Chapter Sixteen - Minnesota, is there a plan???

Jesse Ventura had "The Big Picture," a phase though the contents were not all that visible, but yet wasn't he on to something???

Minnesota where are we going, what are the plans for tourism, for jobs, highways, for tax reform, and what about quality of life issues, schools, clean and safe downtowns and safety from aggressive police?

Governor Tim Pawlenty, Minnesota Legislature, is there a "Planning Committee" that actually thinks about where the state is heading?  If we need development in a certain area do we create a "Development Plan" and seek those that would fill in the pieces or just "react" to that thrown in front of us.  

A "Minnesota Plan for Tourism and Jobs," a Pawlenty Plan???" 

A plan that incorporates a Vikings Stadium and a revitalization of both Downtowns, we have a "meeting" set up with the "media" at the Republican National Convention, will we have a sales pitch, a "Minnesota Story" ready???   "Priceless" media coverage, will we make the most of it???

"Where's the beef?" a slogan, "Where's the Plan?"

Chapter Seventeen - The People of Minnesota, Are They Cheap??? 

Charitable giving, Minnesota near the bottom??? December 10, 2007, 10:00pm news reported that some of the neighboring states, North and South Dakota, Iowa?, were in the top bracket in giving and according to the news release we were above Road Island which held the bottom slot.  An "after" statement stated "we" were kind-of in the middle???

5 Cent Gas tax, we sit for hours in traffic wasting time and money and yet say "no" to a 5 or 10 cent a gallon gas tax that will save twice the amount and with a 60 cent a gallon fluctuation 5 or 10 cents has no significance...

We want new highways but are too cheap to pay for them.  And otherwise, it's okay to spend a little money on the "Arts" that 5% of the people use or identify with, but with Sports which 70% care about, "No Tax Money for Billionaires," whine, and try and bring in the "usefulness" of combined development, new jobs, "they" can't see that, and nothing happens, except... 

Minnesota's "March to Mediocrity..." 

Minnesota, Tourism creates jobs, brings people to our state and is a quality of life issue that attracts talented people to our state.  We need a plan and leadership to implement it, Business where are you???

Target Center being outdated and now 17 years as the “life” of a Sports Venue, is an example where a single use facility good only for house events, acoustics lousy, it just doesn’t work anymore.  The City of Minneapolis, or Bloomington, needs a multiple use facility available 365 days a year and we have in place an experienced team, Roy Terwilliger and Bill Lester and the MSFC ready to manage and bring people and tourism back to Minnesota...

Minnesota is "The Hub" to the upper Midwest and supplying our “Guests” with an all weather venue and other events all year long like Tractor Pulls and even Gopher Baseball in March is a good thing...

Metrodome - World Largest Indoor Waterpark and Playground, just another "innovation" where we can create tourism and jobs.  State Capitol Planning Task Force why not A Tourism Planning Task Force for the whole state?

 Minnesota, we need a movable domed facility with a climate controlled interior for use 365 days a year... Minnesota, we are a proud people, when we hear the results of the latest survey we expect to be Number one, a Twins Ballpark will be with us 30 years and no-one can provide leadership to get us a movable dome with a climate controlled interior, why???

StarTribune prints “Letters, and now combined with other media it is the time to bring this issue to the people, who wonder about a Ballpark without a dome.  We’ve have the ambience of domed Baseball and Football for 25 years, outdoor baseball is about ambience, why not provide the “World’s Best,” perhaps a “Target Field?” with a Skyway Mall Concourse, to keep Minnesota No. 1...

"Interrelationship" of tourism, sports, community, jobs, a future Superbowl, perhaps an Olympics and yearly Final Fours all “intersect” with our image and we need for leadership to get the job done…

That TV Anchor in September, who "forced" me out of Stadium  "retirement" could changed the History of the State of Minnesota if the Legislature will listen.   Why can't we have a Safeco Field, we can’t let his efforts go unheeded; Media and everyone, for “The People” of Minnesota and our future call Governor Pawlenty and the Legislature and tell them a thing or two...

Vikings Tourism Based Stadium with a Superbowl, Final Four's, a College "Snow Bowl," and much more the "Pre-View" Naming Rights will get maximum media exposure around the world, who will be the first to step up and create a new image for Minnesota and a media windfall???

"Target Field," "Best Buy Ballpark," naming Rights and a Ballpark with a dome, buy the naming rights for the next 25 years for $30 Million but only if it's a Ballpark worthy of the name, a movable dome with climate controlled interior available for "Community" use 365 days a year...

Gopher "Stadium on Campus," the dream of a West Bank Riverfront Campus with real recruiting capabilities is gone.  Even myself, see the "Glory" in having it near the "McNamara Alumni Center," Williams Arena and the Hockey facility and adding a new Gopher Ballpark will make it "Picture perfect." (Opps, late word the U. wants a basketball practice facility and Williams Arena, the Barn, is getting too old and needs to be replaced...)

Vikings Stadium, Metrodome site or Riverfront with hotel and atrium next to the Guthrie???  One is "World Class," gets Minnesota a Superbowl, brings back tourism "jobs" and revenues, and with a "Riverfront image" makes us Number 1 again.

Minnesota Legislature, it's a "Billion Dollar House," scenic riverfront lot, in a jumble of buildings, or we could put it next to the Garbage Burning Plant???  Most of the "Citizens" of Minnesota probably would like the Riverfront overlooking St. Anthony Falls, the Stone Arch Bridge and take in the "community aspect" that space provides???

StarTribune or MSFC survey???, maybe someone could do a survey on what the citizens would like?  Bill Lester of the MSFC said their would be enough space in a new Vikings stadium that we could have March indoor Gopher Baseball, that would help us compete with southern teams.

Volunteer's, people informed is the only way to get the best Ballpark and the best Twins Teams for the future, present plans won't be changed unless we "suggest" to our "Leadership" that change is needed, call Governor Pawlenty and your Legislator and e-mail your friends to do the same, a little "Grass Roots" will lead Minnesota to a better future...

Chapter Eighteen - Common Sense Consumer Protection items that are small but need attention:

*  Upgraded HD-Digital TV Antenna Systems in Apartments and Condo's.  

*  Freshness Dating on food items, candy bars, boxed chocolate and food gift items, pudding, packaged cookies and consumable items without dates.  

*  Long Distance, Quest charges $5.99 a month and then 10 cents a minute, why not just 7 to 10 cents a minute so everyone has access?    

*  No More Rebates; Computers, TV's, this and that, Best Buy ended, why not take the aggregation out of Minnesota? Fair prices and marketing...

*  "Condominium Governing," are their "laws" and facilities managed for the good of the people they represent or counter laws on the books and should there be a resource besides legal for evaluation?

*  Speed Traps and DWI License renew fees of $600, are they safety issues or money makers for local communities, time for audits and correction.  Police should be used for citizen protection and not as revenue machines.

StarTribune, Laurie Blake, "Wanted: Tickets with less sting," Feb. 27, has story of the "need" for "middle" tickets.  Is the real story that police are a "revenue source" for cities and the state and things are out of hand?  http://www.startribune.com/local/16006542.html     

Legislature, what are the numbers?  Is it okay to use the police as another  revenue source for the general fund???  

 pull-over, a new code name for that and with minorities in cars, have story's that will be on the Blog soon...

Have a friend who is being prosecuted for a .05 DWI because the prosecutor doesn't like them.  Also, lately have observed South Metro Police Department's pulling people over without "probable cause" because of the type of "car" "Shabby Car" they were driving.  When is enough, enough???

Chapter  Nineteen - StarTribune and Pioneer Press, Public Informed???

StarTribune, Pioneer Press, media, isn't it time for survey's that ask the people what they want and see as practical?  Ballpark with a dome, Riverfront Stadiums, you could have asked the questions that would have changed the history of the state but failed to do so, why???  Here is the result...

Is Downtown Minneapolis Going Downhill???  by Jackie Crosby and Susan Feyder, StarTribune, Jan. 14, 2008, p. 1...  Great story on "What" and "How" Downtown is failing but not "Who" and "Why..." 

Does Government "manage" Downtown Minneapolis???  Are they the ones that set the policy that create the environment or development for the area???  Which level of Government has the greatest responsibility for the failure of downtown Minneapolis; City, County, Met. Council, or the State???

The following was a piece written by this author the evening of the "Downhill" Story and was submitted to the StarTribune on Jan. 15th...

Downtown, a Government Failure…                               January 14, 2008

The decline of Minneapolis Downtown can be measured by the effectiveness of government to supply the public a reason to visit.  The story by Jackie Crosby and Susan Feyder do a good job to show the numbers and the results of another city’s downtown demise and hopefully a follow up will show the lack of government willingness to aggressively solve the problem.

Starting from the Minneapolis City Council who chose to sell prime Riverfront property to the Guthrie instead of the Minnesota Twins and insisted that their development job was done with all land covered rather than evaluating the overall use of land with buildings or not.

Hennepin County got the Twins job “half done;” but in a limited outside the Medtrodome Ballpark survey, 100 % of the people over 25 wanted a movable domed ballpark with the word “Stupid” being used most commonly; with a poor venue and limited future income are fans being “robbed” of a viable Twins Team?

The Minnesota Legislature and Governor Pawlenty also got the job half done, they, with interest, got a Billion Dollar Ballpark without a roof that will be one of the worst in the country and all they needed to use is a little land from 394 or the Garbage Burning Plant.

When Governor Pawlenty, Speaker Margaret Anderson Kelliher, and Senate Majority Leader Larry Pogemiller were presented with a suggested “Ballpark Upgrade Bill” at noon on a Thursday “The Fasted Flood Relief Bill in the History of Minnesota” “Session” was agreed on 18 hours later and in the theme of “half-done” not one bill to help the 100 Bridge Collapse Victims.

The Minneapolis City Council should have been jumping up and down at the Legislature that a “summer only” Ballpark only got the tourism job half-done but the “circus” animals still get more attention.  Meanwhile a $15 Million a year Auditorium expense is incurred because Meet Minnesota is developing software instead of bringing conventions to Minneapolis.

Hennepin County’s land purchase was half-done when the Twins Bill passed but they again forgot Minneapolis is “Host” to Twins Fans from the five state region and a climate controlled domed facility could have many uses beyond baseball, ask Bill Lester of MSFC.

Minnesota Legislature’s “half-done” attitude is the most to blame, a “Part Time” Legislative Structure allows a “Planning Commission” for the State Capitol’s 150 year Celebration but there is no overall “Tourism and Stadium Development Plan,” for Minnesota, why?

Minneapolis Downtown is going downhill but so is the Tourism in Minnesota, New Jersey’s Xanadu Sports and Shopping Mall opens in 8 months, bigger than Mall of America it is built around the Continental Arena home of the NBA Nets and the NHL Devils with events 300 days a year and Giants and Jets Stadium and soon a triple A Ballpark…  And just 5 miles from New York Cities 45 Million yearly visitors.

Minneapolis Downtown is but the temperature of the State of Minnesota, how many times have we heard it, “So goes the Downtown, so goes the state.”  

True Story: Two thirty-year-old girls from San Diego, a Friday night last summer at about 10:15p.m.approached me at 7th and Hennepin, “Where can we buy some fast food so we can go back to our hotel room and eat?” With a reply "E-Block," also suggested that even though they were shell-shocked about downtown Minneapolis they should visit the Mall of America; a reply that spoke of a vacation that was done before it started, “We just want to get on a plane and go home…”

Wm C. Jewell Jr., Bloomington, MN  (Submitted to the StarTribune on Jan. 15th.)

Minnesota Legislature, a Twins Ballpark discussion with a lady who could have been a Legislator, "There's no money for a dome."  Could they "blame" the City for such a poor site or should they have "dug deeper" to "see" space for a dome or to "see" the economic benefits a tourism based ballpark would have brought? Should they "see" outside the box, was there ever a cost benefit analyses, dome vs. no dome, extra Twins revenues for better teams???

A Side Note, Sports Show on Sunday Night, Ch. 23, Hosted by Mike Max with Sid Hartman, Dark Star and Patrick Reusse, discussion about the future of Sports teams in Minnesota, general opinion was there's nothing to look forward to, their livelihood and poor teams as far as the eye can see.  Timberwolves, Twins, Vikings, even the Gophers at the time, what's needed , Sid, "Talent" is 90% coaching is 10%.  What is Minnesota doing to attract "talent?," are our "new" sports venues the type that will bring the talent here over the image of bad weather and a small town mystic, does anybody care, is there any leadership out there to get the job done???

Side Note Two:  "Fast Light Rail" vs. "Slow Light rail..."  Love the Hiawatha Light Rail Line, except when they put those ugly advertisements over our beautiful light rail cars, but I never use it.  Light Rail takes 45 minutes to get downtown, I can drive it in 15 minutes and even the "former" Express Bus took only 20 minutes, so "mostly" only the people without a choice use it and rider-ship numbers are inflated due to the Express Bus Service being closed down.

Light Rail Central Corridor has a primary function as a means of transportation, getting people from one place to another in a timely matter, the main development issue is not one about speed or time its how many restaurants can we put at a stop.  A Completed Light Rail should take people from Wayzata to 3M in thirty minutes, guessing 30 miles.  Surface Light rail will never do it, elevated Light Rail like they use in Chicago from Downtown to O'Hare and in Miami from the Tri-Rail to Kendall, a 30 mile line???

Minnesota Government, some times you have to make the hard choice's and decide in the long run that Minnesota Pride and Tourism Development and the tax revenues that will follow will make those decisions valid: you were elected by the people for that purpose and they will see your courage and keep you in office...

Chapter Twenty - The Judging of Illicit Logic or Behavior…

When wondering how someone can take on a course of action in government when clearly it seems that the behavior is so clearly in violation of the overall needs of the people, or of the overall sense of what is right, have sought to put a quantifying thought on how it can be judged and expressed. 

First you have to take an example where the needs of a group, or special interests, are more than marginally put ahead of the overall good of the people or those who elected them to office.  Some might use the starting of the Iraq war as an example and if that is "envisioned" how do you quantify it into a usable statement.  Perhaps some Professors with more brain power can help???

"Illicit logic or behavior" may be defined or described as...  (First statement.)

“When a person or group puts the needs or wants of that entity ahead of the needs or best interests or what works best for the overall populace.”

Or…

"The test of validly in anyone’s actions can be measured when they place their actions for the outcome of a particular facet above that for which they represent.”  

((An elected government employee places their vote, or actions, on an item, say war, that knowingly harmful effects of that vote or belief.))

Can it be said that one political party has put “their” agenda ahead of the good for the county for their own good.  A discussion of Republicans and Democrats and how they match up on the subject is how I got started on the subject.  

Three points:

  1. An example to examine.
  2. Solidifying it in a statement.
  3. Discussion of Political entities as a whole and/or individual interests or agendas.

((Thinking how a Republican friend feels that President Bush’s argument of WMD was correct and justified going to war and staying there led me to this conclusion, or the standard or test, “One that places the outcome of a course of action for the entity for which they belong over what’s right for the people they represent in particular situation or area is the measure or test of fallacy of their actions.”))

Welcome thoughts.  Perhaps a good subject for a School paper and welcome those as well.  Talk Show people what ye say???   Law School Grads???

Chapter Twenty-One - Minnesota's Future, the "Interrelationship" of tourism, sports, community, jobs and our image to the World...

New Jersey, Dallas and Ford Field in Detroit are examples of the "New Wave" in Development.  Sports, Shopping, Entertainment, Hotels and even Office Space are co-developed to achieve the "critical mass" needed to make the development as a whole succeed better than the individual parts and like in Condominiums or Home Associated Developments there are economies in building and managing them together.

Minnesota is spending a Billion, with interest, for a so-so ballpark with no movable dome even though over 90% think it a "must" for Minnesota.  

The Gopher Stadium for $500 Million subsidizes every ticket sold $100, it's a stand alone venue, for the next 25 years and now a new basketball arena and training facility is in the works, and we know about the need for a baseball field and now the Bell Museum wants a new place and the state to pick up "the rest" of the tab, is there a pattern here??? 

The Vikings remain our last hope for tourism to combine a hotel and atrium with other attractions in a "location" that the world will notice, the best being at Mall of America.  We will spend another Billion for a Vikings Stadium, the Metrodome site get us no tourism "Bang" for our buck and no new jobs.  Site selection needs to be done this year or it will cost us another $100 Million.

The Republican Convention will be here next year will we have a "Story" for them???  If we could all get along and "Agree" on a "Plan for Minnesota" we could tout it before a National Audience.  Also, trying for an Olympics, a Superbowl and Final Fours for-ever, we have a chance to be noticed and turn our image around, it's up to leadership in State Government???  Image & PR Plans???

St. Paul, you need to wake up...                           You have a natural "walkway" from the Minnesota History Center to the Science Museum and "space" for hotels and entertainment right on the riverfront, just connect it to the Landmark Center and Macy's.  The concept of a Skyway Mall gives controlled indoor space for development and "space" for people to visit Downtown, how can you not "see" your future.  Send people, send school bands, send skydivers and hot air balloons, send whoever, make some noise, it's a natural, make it happen...

In Closing...

  The United States of America was once...

thought of as the greatest nation in the world because we were for peace and justice for all of mankind, we no longer hold that to be true in the hearts of people around the world.

The State of Minnesota was once...

thought to be on the epic edge of innovation be it laws, culture, sports and the general belief that we were cool and progressing ahead of the rest of the country.  We were an example of energy, innovation and image, we have since lost it and there is no sign of "anybody" trying to help us regain our former glory, this is a sad time in the history of a great state...

Minnesota has lost its Mojo... 

and our status in the country and around the world.  Our highways are jammed, our bridges are falling down, tourism and manufacturing jobs are down and we've built an outdoor ballpark next to a Garbage Burning Plant, and if we want people to look up at us, we need to change what were doing.

Is this a "Marketing Plan" for the State of Minnesota? Business Executives, Ad Agency's and P.R. Firms might reach that conclusion, is Minnesota a product?, you betcha, and we need to share The "Minnesota Story" with the World...

"Minnesota Plan for Tourism and Jobs" is the start of a new way of thinking for the state of Minnesota and the means for a "proactive" change for our future.  It starts with leadership and the people we have both elected and chosen as Business and Civic Leaders to lead the way, the people are waiting.

Thank you...

Wm C. Jewell Jr., wmjewell6@yahoo.com       Also, see:  Minneapolis Crime

  Minnesota Government         is it Broke???

MNGvt.Broke, Point-to-Pointfor Media,Teachers andStudents.

Minnesota...   We Lost our Mojo?, Tourism Plan needed...

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