Remember: our rules allow pointed disagreement, but require respectful discussion.
--
While I have no doubts that Paul Ostrow is quite capable of responding to this attack
himself, I really must offer some comments, being a fellow Ward 1-ite.
As you may know, I ran against Paul in the primary because of disagreements with Paul
on issue stands he took. As you probably also know (if you knew I was running against
Paul), I did not survive the primary. Regardless of this situation, Mr. Sumner's
comments regarding Paul are really rather unfair. To begin with, I have little doubt
that Jackie Cherryhomes is/was actively working to secure her position as President up
to this point also. I don't see where having the discussions with other Council
Members is all that unexpected. I would expect that both Paul and Jackie began their
discussions before Sept. 11th. Furthermore, it is completely unreasonable to expect
anyone to have foreseen the events of Sept. 11th. As such, it is again unfair of Mr.
Sumner to cast Paul Ostrow as some heartless individual interested only in parisan
politics. I have spoken with Paul since the 11th and it is clearly my impression that
Paul is as concerned about the tragedy as everyone else is.
While on the topic of Mr. Sumner's accusation of being only interested in partisan
politics, I must share my suspicions that Steve Sumner is engaging in partisan
politics of his own. It is well known to some of us in NE Mpls. that Steve Sumner is
heavily involved with the local Republican Party. It is also known that Steve Sumner
has taken an "anyone-but-Paul" position for Council Member-Ward 1. It is a blessing
for Steve that he had many choices in this election round. It is also a blessing that
Paul's current opponent happens to be one who claims to be a Democrat but takes mostly
Republican positions. For the record, Mr. Sumner is also supporting Paul's opponent.
With all that said, we can say that it is less than ideal timing for Paul's
announcement. However, it is uncalled for to make the blanket accusations that Mr.
Sumner is making, especially in light of Steve's pre-standing and obvious bias against
Paul.
Gary Bowman
Ward 1, Precinct 1
On Tue, 25 September 2001, "Steve Sumner" wrote:
>
> Remember: our rules allow pointed disagreement, but require respectful discussion.
> --
>
> This is a copy of a letter that I had published in the latest edition of the
> Northeaster newspaper.
>
> I was shocked and appalled by the article in the StarTribune September 13
> noting that Council Member Paul Ostrow is seeking the presidency of the city
> council. Considering what our city, state, and nation are going through I
> find this public announcement to be completely self centered, arrogant and
> opportunist. Two days after the worse attack in our nation's history, Mr.
> Ostrow is concentrating on partisan politics when everyone else is more
> concerned about loved ones and public security. Leadership decisions
> normally aren't made until after the elections and this public announcement
> really shows a serious lack of respect and concern for the current events.
> To Mr. Ostrow I say shame on you.
>
> Steve Sumner
> Ward 1
> P.S. Based on the number of calls it has generated to my home, all in
> agreement with my assessment, I'm finding that I'm not alone in this
> viewpoint.
>
> _______________________________________
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