Remember: our rules allow pointed disagreement, but require respectful discussion. -- Since several members of the list have posted questions about the Mayor's response to the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks, I thought it would be useful to provide an overview of her activities to list members. This was all well-reported in the media and much of the information can be found on the City's web site at: http://www.ci.mpls.mn.us/news/emergency.asp On the morning of September 11, the Mayor was preparing for a full day of campaigning. I had taken a vacation day from work to campaign as well. Upon hearing news of the terrorist attack, the Mayor immediately suspended her campaign activities to focus all of her attention on her duties as Mayor. I was called to City Hall as well. The following activities unfolded: Within an hour of the attack, Mayor Sayles Belton was meeting with the City's Police Chief, Fire Chief, Deputy Fire Chief in charge of Emergency Operations, President of the City Council and City Coordinator to assess the situation, determine what action the City should take to ensure public safety, and how to communicate this information to the public. At 11:00 a.m., the Mayor and City leadership held a news conference to inform the public and the media of the City's public safety plans and to call on the community to remain calm. The Mayor also called for tolerance among all Minneapolis residents. The following decisions had been made, and the following measures were in place: * City government would remain open. * Polling places would remain open. * The City was on alert status, with security and preparedness measures in place. * Additional police officers and were stationed in government buildings and in the central business district. * Within neighborhoods, all officers were put on the streets and CCP-Safe personnel were called in for back up. * The Police Emergency Response unit was activated. * The Minneapolis Bomb squad was placed on alert. * The Minneapolis Police Department began assisting Fridley and Hennepin County at the Water Control Plant. * The Emergency Communications staff was beefed up. * The Police Chief had established liaisons with federal and state agencies. * The Emergency Operations Center was activated. * The City's Emergency plan was reviewed. * All fire stations were activated to full security with extra firefighters. * Firefighters were stationed in the Emergency Operations center. * Hospitals and other primary responders and support agencies were on preparedness alert status. * The Fire Chief asked mutual aid fire departments in the Twin Cities to be on alert. * At 4:30 p.m., the Mayor and City leadership updated the public and the media about public safety actions and to inform the public that there had been no direct threat to Minneapolis throughout the day. Additionally, Mayor Sayles Belton send a letter to faith leaders in Minneapolis asking for their help in providing guidance and support to citizens during this crisis. Mayor Sayles Belton also sent a call to youth workers and youth serving organizations throughout the City to work with young people to help them address their questions about this tragedy and to guide them in their response to it. Since September 11, there have been some reports to the police of telephone threats to Islamic businesses. The police have responded by keeping squad cars parked by the business and working directly with the business owners. The Mayor has continued her call for calm, unity and tolerance. On September 21, the Mayor met with leaders of the local Islamic community to offer her support and listen to concerns. It is also important to note that the City and County have had emergency preparedness plans in place for years and the elected leadership and professional staff have participated in preparedness exercises. The Mayor has also worked nationally on emergency preparedness issues. She was appointed to President Clinton's Advisory Committee for the Commission on Critical Infrastructure Protection. When the attack occurred on September 11, the City's swift response was possible because of it's long-established preparedness measures and experienced leadership to carry those measures out to the extend that was needed. This is not about campaign rhetoric. This is not about politics. This is about qualified public servants doing their job. Ann Freeman Communications Director Minneapolis Mayor Sharon Sayles Belton (612) 673-2156 _______________________________________ Minneapolis Issues Forum - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subscribe, Unsubscribe, Digest option, and more: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
