I don't think you've added any light to an urban legend at all, just heat.Brian C is sadly is no longer here, but Tony Scallon, Brian Daniels, Jim Graham, and others who were there at that meeting are. They probably all remember and can shed some light upon this ultimate of ironies. The truth was attempted to be covered up by creating an urban legend that the truth was an "Urban Legend". Business as usual in Minneapolis.
Your vague recollections don't convince me at all since Bouza's remarks as you claim them can still be taken as not denying a gang or drug problem in Minneapolis. For example, one could say they were akin to Jesse Ventura's remarks about hunting and not having hunted until one had hunted man. Crass and arrogant maybe, but still completely differing in meaning than what you claim. There is today still no comparison between the gang and drug problems we do have and those in New York City. That may well have been Bouza's meaning.
The scenario may have been this: Fact -- one Chicago gang moved into Phillips.
Phillips resident: "Holy moly! Gangs are taking over Minneapolis! Our city is being turned into endless drug houses! Gangs are shooting everybody! The sky is falling! The biggest problem we face is gangs! Do something!"
Chief Bouza: "Gang problems? I'll show you gang problems. Look at NYC. Minneapolis doesn't have a gang problem. Your neighborhood has a problem with what appears to be a gang."
You praise Scallon for listening to the people. I've never met a CM in a non-political event until Lisa McDonald. But Tony Bouza showed up at St. Joseph's day parties every year with his wife, and made the time to talk with everyone. And these people were not movers and shakers -- they were 20-somethings (in the 1980s) who could barely make rent. Having been there, I'd say Bouza listened to the people than most CMs we've had.
Regardless, how important is it to come along 20 years later and assassinate his character on this list?
Incidentally, the name is Brian Coyle.
Chris Johnson Fulton
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