The last election remove the top three most powerful people elected in Mpls, no matter how you looked at it. (Cherryhomes/Sayles-Belton/Campbell) Joe Biernat would be fourth in my opinion. Being involved in The Hard Times Cafe I knew he needed to go too. I can say with total confidence he traded votes, disregarded due process, did not follow procedure, engaged in vote trading and counting, and illegally solictited the police to lobby against my business. There was an unflattering article about MCDA money for roofs on two of his properties. Even in my biased opinion I don't think he did anything wrong as far as that was concerned, but it did seem greedy. Rumors about money from the MCDA for his kitchen didn't materilize as far as I know, but may soon. Now his bathroom and appointments, as well as two other properties he owns are under scrutiny. To me, if it quacks like a duck and walks like a duck it might as well be a duck. His attorney's wishwashy statement and what I know of his past behavior leave me with little doubt I was right all along. He needs to go and the sooner the better.
With Cherryhomes files being somewhere in between her photographic memory and recycled as toilet paper, I wonder how far off they are on her. We must not forget the controversial 7-6 votes of the former council. Herron was also a part of this (un)magnificent seven. They abused the majority caucus meetings until they were done away with. They could pretty much decide things at these meetings and not have to keep minutes. Herron was a part of this seven and things always seemed more interconnected than admitted.
I think this list's general view of these seven is the reason for Barbara Johnson's disdain for us expressed in Doug Grow's column. This list played an important part in the last election. Unfortunately, most incumbants didn't seem to want to take a risk by posting anything but, It is open to anyone, even Barb Johnson. How could discussion and debate be a bad thing? Unfortunately, most people are not involved in local politics, so a relatively small number of people can make decisions. I would take Grow's column as a call for everyone to be more involved. You can make a difference especially on the local level.
to better days ahead,
Brian Monroe
Hard Times Cafe
Phillips resident
