Joe Biernat, I recently read the article in Pulse (http://www.pulsetc.com/V4I27/hardtimes.html) regarding your actions regarding the Hard Times Cafe. You have violated the trust placed in you by your constituents. As a Council Member, it is incumbent upon you to set an example of upholding the law, not circumventing it. As a resident of north Minneapolis, I must deal with the criminal element that is pervasive in my neighborhood. On a weekly basis, I see people engaged in illegal activities, such as prostitution and substance abuse, on the street in front of my house. Every week, I have to deal with the consequences of vandalism and petty crime. In the last month, two of my neighbors have been burglarized. My neighbor across the alley from me had their garage broken into and the car looted. My neighbor on the end of the block had her house broken into and many of her son's possessions were stolen, including his new school clothes! In the prior month, my neighbor to the immediate north had his car broken into, right in front of his house! In March of this year, my own house was broken into and my laptop was stolen. As you can see, I deal with crime on a frequent basis. I am dismayed and ashamed that my Council Member has circumvented the legal process. I have already lost my trust in the police as a result of their actions with regards to the ISAG protesters. Now, I have lost my trust in you. I can no longer view you as an advocate for me in my fight against crime. Please resign your position immediately. Scott McGerik 2825 North Third Street Minneapolis, MN 55411-1508
