Timothy just may have the right idea, a Federal Investigation and mediation around the crime issue because of discrimination. But while doing this investigation lets include the poor people who live in the neighborhoods that have been "Profiled" to get less than adequate or equal "Protection under the law". I guess they would shift there investigation to include Hennepin County Judges for this purpose. The Poor Whites, Asian, Latino, and African populations cannot be discriminated against under federal law by being excluded from such "Mediation". Some of these groups might feel the Minneapolis Police are NOT aggressive enough in their enforcement of law in Minneapolis when it comes to their inner-city neighborhoods.
Perhaps RT Rybak is wise for having chosen the middle ground, the one mediation would come up with if "Mediating" between these groups. One group demanding less aggressive policing and the other demanding more aggressive policing and action from judges. One of these groups is talking of a "Federal Class Action" to force Hennepin County Judges and the Minneapolis Police to treat criminal behavior in the poor neighborhoods as it is treated in the rest of Hennepin County and Minneapolis. Specifically, to treat it far more aggressively I think RT Rybak has been as sympathetic and inclusive as possible of the different interests. His job is to make sure there is "equal" enforcement of the law. I think statistics would prove RT is following the correct course. If he changes his mind then other "groups" and interests need and deserve to be at the table for this "Mediation". This Federal Mediation and investigation might well be better employed looking at the past City Council and Mayor. The first time I heard the term "five pecenter" used to describe a Minneapolis City Councilperson ( who would get this amount of businesses he or she had "assisted" to be set up, AFTER leaving office), was several years before Brian Herron's problem and used to describe other council persons. The Federal investigation would be wise to look at what financial interests these people had after leaving office when their "Retirement" kicked in. Minneapolis has a tradition of "Councilpersons" and possibly Mayors being "paid" after leaving office for their "service" while in office. A certain middle-eastern businessman did not coin this "retirement", which we all heard on television news, for just Brian Herron. It was applied long before. Brian just decided to get his, like the others were, and was inept enough to want it before he left office. Brian's real crime and what he is being punished for was not following the rules about when and how one traditionally receives payment. He was discriminated against because of ignorance and not having enough practice. He actually believed it was the way you do "business", from his observation of his predecessor and his City Council colleagues. But then so did a lot of "near" South and North Minneapolis. While we are at "Federal Investigation", how about looking at past heads of MCDA. Didn't one go on to work for a major developer of a project that is still bankrupting the City of Minneapolis? Good "retirement" if you can get it. Of course that person was one of the "Good Old Girls and Boys" who taught poor Brian how to "do business". After being part of that last council it's no wonder poor Joe thought there was nothing wrong with getting some paltry plumbing work done. Perhaps RT should have a Federal "Retirement Specialist" educate the Council on "Retirement Plans" and benefits, before someone else gets "Federally retired" without benefits. I am sure this Mediation can be arranged. RT how about "Mediation" to cut the City Licensing of already State Licensed Pipe fitters, and heating specialist. State Licensing is good for us and prevents the graft Minneapolis has become accustomed to . If not we need "Mediation" because of discrimination. The City needs to remove these sources of graft or the "City" should license Lawyers, Doctors, and yes even Teachers. These have far more impact on the average person and potentially may be more dangerous to someone's well being. If you cannot trust State licensure of plumbers and pipe-fitters, how can we trust State Licensing of these important fields. I think Timothy is correct, we need "Federal Mediation" and "Investigation" into these important issues. Jim Graham, Ventura Village _______________________________________ 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
