I just got back from San Francisco and New York City and feel that Minneapolis can learn from both cities.
In San Francisco where there's a tight race for mayor. The "moderate" republocrat Gavin Newsom, is having to relent on some of his more Draconian positions related to homelessness. Responding to effective pressure from Matt Gonzalez, his opponent who's a member of the Green Party, Newsom is now supporting a proposal to keep homeless shelters open all day. I would suggest that Minneapolis consider doing the same. I know some people will balk at the idea, citing current revenue shortfalls. But if we really are in an economic recovery, that excuse should become moot. In New York City, which has had its share of police brutality problems in the past., each police car is emblazoned with the slogan "Courtesy, Professionalism and Respect". In Minneapolis we no longer have the "Protect and to Serve" motto on our police vehicles. Why is that? I also noticed a couple of police officers in action on Bleecker Street when a young man was verbally abusing his female companion. One of the cops said to him: "How would you feel if someone talked that way to your mother or sister?" No unnecessary force was used. While housing costs are slightly higher in both cities, they're slightly offset by a mass transportation system that is accessible, far reaching and inexpensive for consumers. Very few people are forced to own a car which helps to compensate for higher housing costs. (Though rent has been declining in San Francisco since the dot.com industry crashed.) Let's hope that the first light rail line in Minneapolis succeeds so that more lines can be built and more people in Minneapolis can give up their cars.----------Peter Schmitz CARAG REMINDERS: 1. Think a member has violated the rules? Email the list manager at [EMAIL PROTECTED] before continuing it on the list. 2. Don't feed the troll! Ignore obvious flame-bait. For state and national discussions see: http://e-democracy.org/discuss.html For external forums, see: http://e-democracy.org/mninteract ________________________________ 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
