Sometimes I get a bit concerned that the Target here in Longfellow could close. The parking lot seems about four times bigger than needed. Yet, it is the ONLY Target anywhere south of Hennepin within the city limits. And lots of people do visit via the bus system, so maybe there's hope. Plus the K-Mart is closing, so the shoppers from there are most likely to shift to Target.
What I wonder is how many people who are suddenly looking at no Target actually took the trouble to go there. There can't be many places to buy stuff cheaper on the northside. Unless maybe the dollar stores. Or Salvation Army. I probably go to my Target store a couple of days each week. Would do more if my job weren't in St Paul and the midway Target weren't on my path home. So maybe I'm supporting two inner-city Targets. The midway one seems a little less in need of support. And it's been expanded, so they won't close it for being too small. Next mayoral election: I think Rybak has positioned himself so that re-election is his for the taking. He realizes that as influential as upscale residents are, you can't be as conservative as Lisa McDonald and win in Minneapolis. We turn our MASSIVELY to vote, and not too many conservatives get our votes. Too bad in a way. I read things Lisa says, and I find much to agree on. But she may not hold the liberal tilt of Minneapolis in much esteem, and that will hurt her. Democracy is about being responsive to the view of the voters. So, you really have to see the merit of views on both sides so you don't get marginalized. You have to understand and empathize with BOTH sides of the I35 project and try to respond to both sets of concerns. We don't have much patience with candidates who show they have "character" by sneering at the views of thousands of voting residents of the city. Rybak may have some flaws, but I think he has a better handle on that aspect of democracy. Those who disagree with you have a right, and if you really want to represent them, too, you have to seriously and respectfully consider their views. I would hope all politicians would be like that, but a lot of them do not. Partly that may be a result of playing to enthusiastic backers who respond strongly to forceful statements, statements that stir up the faithful but hurt the bargaining aspect of ruling in a democracy. Jim Mork Cooper Neighborhood Longfellow Community Wonderful Minneapolis, the vibrant alive city I call home. TEMPORARY REMINDER: 1. Don't feed the troll! Ignore obvious flame-bait. 2. If you don't like what's being discussed here, don't complain - change the subject (Mpls-specific, of course.) ________________________________ Minneapolis Issues Forum - A City-focused Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Subscribe, Unsubscribe, Digest, and more: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
