Tom Welling wrote: Mayor Rybak has been fighting on behalf of the French Meadow Bakery's Hemp Bread - boy, that's an important quality of life issue for our city Mr. Mayor! Some people have been saying "What would Sharon (Sayles-Belton) do?", I do think she'd be developing a creative approach and focusing less on hemp bread and the important but not all-important ROAR.
David Brauer wrote: You know, these are not the most important issues in the city - but they are not the only issues Rybak has talked about. For example, he was the guy (along with others) who went over to the state capitol and cut the deal with Pawlenty for more cops. He also spent countless hours on a 2004 budget that preserves police and firefighters amid tens of millions of dollars in lower revenues. snip "More important" problems require more time and more complex solutions - but there's no evidence Rybak is ignoring them. David Piehl writes: I think there is a growing perception, right or wrong, that Mayor Rybak is "doing nothing" to deal with the deteriorating quality of life in some parts of the city. I do think it's a mistake to say the mayor isn't doing anything; however, the crime statistics suggest that more and possibly different things need to be done. I agree with Barb Lickness, Ann McCandless, and others on the list who have expressed concern that the judiciary branch is not understanding the magnitude of criminal acts in the neighborhoods. The city attorny's office also plays a role, they are doing little or nothing to pursue prostitution, beggars, etc. which not only affects the areas that these folks do "business", but also doesn't help them help themselves by getting them into the numerous social programs available. What can our leaders do? Well, Mayor Rybak successfully advocated for Pawlenty's assistance regarding policing efforts; maybe he could create some sort of forum where residents of high crime areas and victims of crime can educate the judges and city attorney on the impact and the need for real accountability. I really don't think some of them have a clue about the impact of their actions - demoralizing both residents and the police force when criminals with 100+ convictions receive little or no punishment for some fairly serious crimes. Interestingly, you can spend time in jail for bouncing checks!! David Piehl Central __________________________________ Do you Yahoo!? Yahoo! SiteBuilder - Free, easy-to-use web site design software http://sitebuilder.yahoo.com 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
