Photo: Chris Steller

Photo: Chris Steller, Minnesota Independent

Proponents of amending the Minneapolis charter by referendum this fall say they’ll appeal a judge’s decision today to keep the measure off the November ballot. They had hoped to afford the city’s quasi-independent park and recreation board greater autonomy in raising tax levies. 

Campaign manager Justin Fay told the Minnesota Independent that the judge’s ruling effectively shuts the amendment effort out of this year’s city elections. A deadline for putting a referendum on the ballot will pass Friday.

Here’s Fay’s official statement on behalf of Citizens for Independent Parks:

We are deeply disappointed that Minneapolis voters have been denied the right to determine the future of their parks, lakes, and open spaces. While we strongly disagree with today’s decision, the need to ensure the best possible leadership for our public lands and waters remains critical for the future health of our city. An independent park board would provide the best protection for our park system and the most accessibility for city residents. We intend to continue working to ensure that our children and grandchildren inherit the park system that they deserve. We truly believe the citizens of Minneapolis have the constitutional right to decide how to best protect the parks. We intend to appeal this decision and believe that the courts ultimately will give the citizens the right to decide.

Here’s what Assistant City Attorney Peter Gindner told members of the Minneapolis City Council, who voted 11-2 to stop the measure from reaching the ballot, on the grounds that it was likely unconstitutional:

I am pleased to announce that the Hennepin County District Court, the Honorable Cara Lee Neville, has denied the Petitioners’ motion for a Writ of Mandamus and motion for Correction of Ballot Error which would have required the City of Minneapolis to put the proposed park board charter amendment on the ballot. The court granted our motion to dismiss their claims and has upheld the council decision to not place this on the November ballot.