Rosalind Nelson wrote: Two additional charges of mail fraud against Biernat:
http://www.twincities.com/mld/pioneerpress/3308104.htm Could this be what the subpeonas a couple weeks ago were about? Or were they holding off on the mail fraud charges as a bargaining point to get him to cooperate in getting other council members? Anybody have any theories? [GDL] Steve Brandt also has an article on-line and presumably in tomorrow's paper: http://www.startribune.com/stories/462/2851329.html [GDL again] It's time for CM Bienat to step aside, no matter the outcome of the federal case, which we presume will drag on for a bit. It's one thing for a private individual to hold on to his or her job pending criminal charges, but the fact that a sitting council member is indicted now on numerous charges ultimately calls into question public trust and the continuing ability of that CM to do his or her job. Two paragraphs in the article by Brandt state: "Since the indictments were first returned, City Council President Paul Ostrow proposed that the city licensing boards be eliminated. Biernat insisted on conducting the first hearing on the proposed change last week as chairman of the council's Public Safety and Regulatory Services Committee, despite Ostrow's fears that it might appear to be a conflict of interest." The honorable position would be for Biernat to resign so that questions of honesty, integrity and fair dealing do not haunt the city as he simultaneously moves forward with the trial and with his public position of trust. From all that I've read to date, I don't see a partisan federal campaign to oust a DFL council member, nor do I see or have I seen an adamant denial of wrongdoing. I've seen only a denial that it is criminal or, more accurately, a denial that it rises to the level of "public corruption." I'd like to see a complete denial of any wrongdoing or, if not, a resignation. There, I've said it. Now, presumably I'll be punished in some way down the line. Gregory Luce Project 504/Minneapolis (North Phillips) _______________________________________ 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
