In a recent post Russ Peterson wrote, "A citizen can only do so much. Sooner
or later you need a real partner in City Hall and believe me after trying for
two years I know that there is no partner in City Hall."
This sums up the feelings of a lot of us who are fed up with city leaders
telling us one thing and doing another. He makes a good point in mentioning
the fact that these newly adopted policies focus on downtown with no
provisions made for other parts of the city.
I'd like to remind those of you who feel as Russ (and me) does that we have
the perfect opportunity to change things when we vote. The neglect to provide
city services in EVERY neighborhood, which should have already been provided
for as part of a concise and balanced city plan YEARS AGO, clearly
illustrates the need for a change in our entire city government.
I agree that one person can only do so much, but together we can do a lot! We
can elect new leaders who will remember that their job is to work for US, not
serve their own best interests. If we really want someone at city hall who
will be a "partner" to us, we have to remember -- it's up to us to put them
there. It's also unrealistic to think that a DFL dominated city council can
be nonpartisan or nonpolitical. There should be a balance of some kind.
I urge every voter to look closely at the many ads, fliers, web sites and
other campaign materials they'll be seeing over the next few months. What are
the candidates promising to do for you? Are they telling you what they'll do
for your community or just complaining about current officials without
offering practical solutions? Do their promises sound realistic or too good
to be true? Are they telling you what they think you want to hear? Try to
contact them; do they respond? How long does it take? Is the response you get
clear and concise or vague? A candidate who avoids answering tough questions
is one we should avoid.
If we really want to change the way our city is being managed, it's up to us
to make it happen. We have to see past campaign tactics and let common sense
guide us. If we see or hear of a candidate with the potential to bring about
a change in city hall,
let's do whatever we can to get the word about them and hopefully get them
elected so that they can fulfill that potential.
Speaking of being informed about the candidates, is anyone still interested
in the "Candidate Survey" mentioned in previous posts? I'll be happy to
participate if I can get a copy with issues the list members would like to
see addressed.
Lori McCready, NE Minneapolis
Candidate for First Ward City Council
