There has been some good discussion of the gang issue in the last couple days. A point or two I'd like to clarify:
First, the help we sought, and got, from the state is not for Jordan alone. The request was for help for key neighborhoods that have seen drug and gang activity, Jordan being one, several south Minneapolis areas being others. In the discussion with the Governor I made it very clear that the approach should be to go after drug and gang hot spots, which include Jordan, but also other areas. Second, I requested, and the Governor agreed, that the additional people should be under the direction of the Minneapolis police. Strategy on these issues is best made at the local level so choices about what type of tools to use and when and where will be made in Minneapolis. Third, an immediate action has been needed but twelve people alone for a month will not solve the problem. This needs to be mixed with an ongoing effort by the state to be more aggressively involved in fighting drugs and gangs, whether they are in Minneapolis or anywhere. The Governor agreed with our request for an ongoing group to coordinate statewide efforts with a higher profile. While the Gang Strike Force has played part of this role, I felt the Governor's office could be helpful in also bringing various other important parties to the table, esp. the courts. Council Member Dan Niziolek, who heads both the Public Safety Committee for the city and the Criminal Justice Coordinating Committee (which includes Hennepin Co. participants across many jurisdictions) will be an important player in this. CMs Schiff and Lillegren, who have been working on these issues in the areas they represent will also be involved. The Governor is appointing Rich Stanek to lead the state's coordinating efforts. So in general the idea is to have a quick response followed by ongoing coordination. Feedback will be very helpful as we look for ways to bring as many resources to the table at once, in Jordan, and other hot areas. R.T. Rybak 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, Un-subscribe, etc. at: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
