Remember: our rules allow pointed disagreement, but require respectful discussion.
--
Michael writes:
> However, when one realizes that the only factors limiting
> a horrific attack on the IDS Tower are a death wish, a pilot's'
license, and a
> rental plane, it occurs to me that we need council members with a
vision
> beyond skateboard parks. Add to this the fact (if you can accept the
word
> of one firefighter) that the city has no contingency plans for
evacuating
> victims by helicopters from the downtown skyscrapers, then we have a
> major problem. I'd prefer not to see video of people jumping
hand-in-hand
> from the upper floors of the IDS tower. Just who do you believe
should take
> leadership roles in disaster planning if not the mayor and the city
council
Michael, as important as the Second Ward council member is, I don't
think he is the lynchpin of local safety efforts. The council is a
policymaking body that hires the people (police & fire chief) who design
the actual policy. They have a lot more direct responsibilities, and as
a city we have a shared level of responsibilities with FEMA, the federal
government, state, etc. for disaster prevention.
You mention Giuliani - an executive does have certain responsibilities
that a policymaking council does not. That's why you're not hearing much
about New York City city council members right now - their role is a bit
removed.
I doubt seriously the Second Ward council member will be responsible for
establishing a helicopter rescue system. But I have every confidence
that if elected, Paul or Cam will review the right people to assess
needed security without violation of civil liberties or squandering our
resources to defend against every conceivable contingency.
Me, I'm not going to give into terrorists by opportunistically reducing
every local council race to a contest for a neighborhood joint chief of
staff.
David Brauer
King Field - Ward 10
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