http://startribune.com/stories/462/3193644.html
A few weeks back, I criticized the Police Federation for their over the top statement that compared Martha Donald to Timothy McVeigh. I thought their reaction was an insult to the memory of the heroic police officer, Melissa Schmidt, who was shot and lost her life doing her job. However, they are correct in criticizing the Chief's $6,000 contract with the City Inc. And I understand that General Mills is now going to provide a grant to City Inc for street patrols. According to this article, Mayor Rybak has not authorized the use of city funds for this purpose. I guess my question is, does the chief need the mayor's authrorization for a $6,000 contract? >From the article: Council Member Natalie Johnson Lee raised concerns about inserting patrols from outside Jordan into the neighborhood, where a community group already is working hard on improvements. "When you go into a community to try to alleviate the problem, you've got to talk to the community and the people who have been dealing with the problem for a long time," she said. ===================================== EY: Bingo. I'm not clear that the law abiding citizens in Jordan trying to turn the neighborhood around really want the City Inc Neighborhood patrol. Natalie Johnson Lee hit the nail on the head this time. The article continues: Dennis Plante, who lives in Jordan and is a member of the Jordan Livability Forum, said he was offended by Olson's offer to pay the patrols. "What is the plan here? What happens when the money dries up?" he said. "We don't see that as an option." He also questioned why the city would hire citizens to do the work of police officers, who are armed and trained to patrol in potentially dangerous areas. He took issue with Moss, Price and others -- who he said live outside Jordan -- coming in during a crisis and then leaving again. "Why go to Spike and not us, who live here?" he said. ============================ EY: Good question. I would urge others to call the Police Administration 612-673-2853 to express your concerns about this. This idea -- funding Moss seems to undermine the police. Aren't we paying the police to patrolling? Certainly I would like to see citizens working with the police more -- but isn't that what CCP SAFE is all about? I would also encourage people to write letters to the editor ([EMAIL PROTECTED]) about this one. When the City pays the City Inc people to patrol, does that also mean that should something go wrong with the patrol, the city would have liability? Eva Eva Young Near North Minneapolis "You do not have the right to never be offended. This country is based on freedom, and that means freedom for everyone - not just you! You may leave the room, turn the channel, express a different opinion, etc., but the world is full of idiots, and probably always will be." --Article II of the Bill of Non-Rights. _______________________________________ 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
