I am in no way discounting the culpability of those who break the public trust, but I am increasingly disconcerted by the ongoing investigations in City Hall. Here's why:
The DA is spending a ton of bucks in staff time to indict and try very small buck crimes. The Plumbers Union? Give me a break. How much time has been spent on Herron, ORtega, Sabri, and Biernat? To what effect? There are thousands of other white collar crimes that affect far more people far more profoundly. What are the office's priorities? THe investigations are destroying the credibility of the DFL. The bad taste left by the Herron indictment and trial resulted in long time DFLers being swept from office last November. At the time of the Herron indictment in July, you'll recall, a Republican or Independent was expected to win the primary. Sayles Belton's reputation was tarnished, despite years of extraordinary contibutions to our community. Won't this make it difficult for Sayles Belton -- a solid DFLer -- to run for office again? Last night on the news, it was reported that the FBI is talking to Mark Andrews, another stalwart DFLer, although the reason isn't known. Today's STrib editorial notes the ambiguities surrounding the Biernat indictment. In this environment, no one needs to be convicted to create the "throw the rascals out" mentality that is clouding the futures of many DFL office holders. The Republican National Committee has targeted the Minnesota Senate race as a "must win". In their effort to regain the Senate, could Republicans be attempting to discredit the DFL at other levels as well? If so, it appears to working very well. Jude Poseley The Wedge _______________________________________ 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
