For those of you who read my previous post about the
People's Institute you will understand what I have to
say in the context ofremarks by Ron Chisom, Co-Founder
of the People's Institute.
He urged us not to talk about each other, about what
we might feel about what another person is or is not
doing, or how the are doing, etc.
I agree with him. Like most people I've been known to
gossip. I do not particularly like that quality in
myself. I do not like passing judgement though I do.
Often it seems, on this forum.
But there comes a time when change becomes necessary
and the only way to make that point is by speaking of
another and making a judgement.
Today the Mayor arrived at the press conference for
the People's Institute 40 minutes after it began and
was accorded the respect of being given the podium
upon her arrival.
I understand the Mayor is busy. I can only imagine how
busy. I can only imagine the demands on her time. I
suspect that other Mayors would do the same. I am glad
she was there.
She began by apologizing for not having been there to
hear the other speakers. Fair enough.
She then spoke of talking to Jim Cook, executive
director of Sabathani, years ago about this. I was
unsure whether she specifically meant the People's
Institute or what.
Then she got off into talking about planting seeds and
growth and nurturing. As much as I love gardening my
mind began to wander.
As she was talking, I started to wonder why People's
Institute North is headquartered in Duluth rather than
Minneapolis.
This is not a matter of civic pride in the sense that
cities around the state in the 1850's-60's were vying
to be sites for the State Capitol, The University,
etc. That sort of competition serves no good purpose.
I think it is fine the office is in Duluth. I just
sort of like the symmetry of Minneapolis and New
Orleans and the Mississippi River running between us.
I am funny that way.
It is of concern in that I wonder "why not sooner" in
Minneapolis? It is not as though we do not have
isssues of racism in our city just as they do in
Duluth or Pequot Lakes or anywhere else throughout the
state.
As the largest city in the state with the greatest
number and percentage of minorities and, it would
stand to reason, the greatest number of opportunities
for racist incidents, it only logically follows that
we should be out front pushing the dialogue and the
process forward.
Wouldn't it be great to see the Chief of Police in
Minneapolis quoted in the literature of The Peoples
Institute saying what Chief Scott Lyons and Deputy
Chief Roger Grytdahl of Duluth have said of their
training workshops?
Instead we have our Mayor and any number of people
tripping over each other to a podium to make excuses
and to talk about "how good things are here in
Minneapolis".
Yes, in many ways it is good here. But in a lot of
ways and for a whole lot of people it is not so good.
And we can and must do better.
The Mayor said we are going to have to recruit more
people into the discussion region wide. Definitely!
All one need do is look at how the metropolitan region
has dealt with low cost and affordable housing issues
over the past 25 years to know the truth of the
Mayor's statement.
The City of Minneapolis has a dismal record as far as
insuring the availability of decent affordable housing
for all citizens but we have plenty of company.
The Mayor spoke of looking for the elements of racism
in all areas of our society. I might add we need to
look at elements of sexism as well. We need to look at
all of our prejudices.
Today I stopped a young woman exiting the construction
site at the new Target office tower. I asked her how
many women worked there. She hesitated so I asked "can
you count 'em on two hands?" She said, "less." So then
I asked, "how many workers on that site, a guess?" Her
answer: "About 400."
Now you tell me: do you think there are only eight
women qualified to work construction who are looking
for work and who would like to be making $18-$22/hr in
this city? And how many people of color work at that
site?
The Mayor continued "As Mayor and as a private citizen
I am prepared to do more."
She concluded her remarks saying "it is not acceptable
to stand on the sidelines and bark."
Your Honor, I agree. I would add that it is totally
unacceptable to sit in a third floor corner office at
City Hall, whether it be at the southwest or northwest
corner, and do no more than whimper.
We need new leadership in this city and I am putting
myself into the game.
I will file for the office of Mayor of Minneapolis on
Friday, July 13th and I will not butt in line should
anyone be ahead of me.
Timothy Connolly
Candidate for Mayor
Ward 7
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