Re: [Mpls] Matt Thoren

[Anne McCandless]

Mr. Fitzgerald,   I am sorry I did not reply to you sooner, but some of us have other things going on today.  To say the least, Don Samuels has been an asset to this community.  Furthermore, I know that his commitment started long before this campaign was even thought of and will continue whether he wins or loses this election.   Like many people, myself included, Don got frustrated with JACC as it was in recent years.  It had become wrapped up in NRP and real estate matters and seemed to many of us, to not respond to the needs of the community.   Through the work of  many people, Don being one of the most active, we picketed against the drug dealers, started a community garden and formed our own neighborhood organization, the Jordan Livability Committee.    When the riot occurred, Don had the guts to stand up to outsiders and questions their claims to represent Jordan since they didn't even live here or belong to any neighborhood organizations. For those of you who are not familiar with  the dynamics of the African American community, this may seem like a small thing to do.  In fact, it was not.  It took allot of guts and the risk of being ostracized by the community.  It also gave others in the community the courage to stand up and speak out.  While we could not stop the county  from paying $250 per bag to City, Inc to pick up trash along 26th Ave, I bet they will think twice before doing something like that again without talking to the community first.   We have now joined the Livability Forum, JACC and the Jordan Jam into what we hope, will be one more inclusive organization which will speak with an even louder voice.  Unlike many who gave up on JACC and organizations like it, Don looked for ways to improve and change.  He is also willing to keep trying, and is currently back on the JACC board. Unlike some who use the excuse that they tried once and it didn't work, so the heck with it, Don doesn't give up.   Finally, if Don Samuels wins this election it won't be because of mud slinging and half truths.  I questioned Toren's use of JACC connections after checking with the staff at JACC who have worked there for at least five years.  He has apparently made the claim and  it cannot be substantiated.   Anne McCandless    Jordan               ----- Original Message ----- From: Shawne FitzGerald To: Anne McCandless Cc: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Tuesday, December 24, 2002 6:57 AM Subject: Re: [Mpls] Matt Thoren Ms. McCandless,  I'm an old friend of Margo Ashmore's from college days working on her campaign - most recently affixing labels for a mailing. So all on this list knows my bias. The rumor mill has it that during the year Don Samuels served on the JACC board, he attended only four meetings.  Do you know the truth of this?  And also, what did JACC accomplish that year?  Whaat role did Mr. Samuels play in those accomplishments? Actually, I like Mr. Samuels - he and Margo are very close on the issues.  I guess the question is, is Mr. Samuels a flash in the pan, a caring man who has enjoyed some good media exposure this past year - or is he more than that, a neighbor and possibly a leader, who has done more than to be interviewed by the media. Shawne FitzGerald Powderhorn         Anne McCandless wrote: As a board member of the Jordan Area Community Council, I can assure you the  Matt Thoren is not now, and to the of everyone's recollection, has he ever been active with JACC.  In fact, nobody even seems to know him. Anne McCandlessJordan