David makes the point that needs to be driven home. Removing Olson may be the very feel good measure that won't solve any of the problems with the police. We also need to addresss problems with the rank and file.
I'm still convinced that the problem lies directly with the rank and file officers who exibit biased and racist attitudes towards residents and the lack of accountability. ALthough the problem is larger than just Minneapolis, I (and many people that I know) have still never been treated respectfully by a Minneapolis police officer, even after I ran for city council last year. There may be a simpler solution than buying out Olson's contract, and that is legislation at the state level. It's an election year and I'm repeating and re-repeating my call for all state candidates to address the problem of abuse of police power. So far I've only heard from Kevin Trainer (Rep candidate, Republican-LD61A) and Laverne Turner (Senate candidate, Green-SD61). I've spoken privately to the Green Gov. candidates, and Gov. Ventura who've all said that the problem is serious and should be addressed state wide. I've heard no response from any DFL candidate, and none of the DFL or Republican Gov. candidates have addressed this issue. I should also mention that if my council member (Dean Zimmermann, who's been a godsend on police accountability issues, and I will hopefully be supporting for reelction) is prevented from running in the next election cycle for ward 6 due to redistricting, I might run for the seat and will certainly work hard for the defeat of any candidate endorsed by the thugs and bullies in the Police Federation. (I still can't get past their attempt to award a medal to Dan May for shooting Tycell Nelson) I hope this gives the powers that be something to think about. Tamir Nolley Ward 6, SD 61 where police accountability one of the most important issues of the district. --- David Strand <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: > A number of people(including reporters) have > contacted > me offline and by phone to ask about whether a > Buyout > Olson Block Party was being organized. I am open to > the idea and helping folks with such an event IF it > is > determined that it would help solve the crisis in > police/community relations. The point of my post > was > primarily to make it clear that the crisis in police > community relations needs a solution. If the > question > of buying out Olson's contract is being sidelined by > the cost rather than it's efficacy or value in > moving > towards a resolution of the problem, I believe the > community believes the base problem is severe enough > that they would support the costs involved and thus > the cost issue should be mute. > > I understand that removing Olson could do nothing to > resolve the problem and prove to be only cosmetic, > aside from some cathartic value, if the change is > not > figured as a part of a plan to address the > underlying > problems. It also could be that a change in > leadership would not serve or be as efficient in > bringing about change sooner rather than later since > new leadership would need time to acclimate to the > department and explore solutions. Olson may be able > to do more sooner than a new chief. > > The point is the problem is serious and a cost of > $300,000 out of a $93 million dollar budget should > not > be the axis point of the debate over whether he > should > stay or go. If it is believed buying out the > contract > would play a significant role as part of a more > comprehensive endeavor to address the problem, it is > well worth the cost. If it would hinder rather than > move forward efforts to address the problem, by all > means-don't do it. > > Willing to help bear the cost of a solution, > > David Strand > Loring Park > > > > > > __________________________________________________ > Do You Yahoo!? > Yahoo! Tax Center - online filing with TurboTax > http://taxes.yahoo.com/ > _______________________________________ > Minneapolis Issues Forum - A Civil City Civic > Discussion - Mn E-Democracy > Post messages to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] > Subscribe, Unsubscribe, Digest option, and more: > http://e-democracy.org/mpls __________________________________________________ Do You Yahoo!? Yahoo! Tax Center - online filing with TurboTax http://taxes.yahoo.com/ _______________________________________ Minneapolis Issues Forum - A Civil City Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subscribe, Unsubscribe, Digest option, and more: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
