Dear Minneapolis City Council Members and Mayor Rybak: I too am very concerned about the legality and ethics of any elected/public officials in setting up a foundation because of the perception of what's is a campaign donation and what's a contribution to the foundation? I truly hope the city attorney's office and the new ethics policy would help not only Council Member Don Samuels but also other city council members as well.
Most important, I like the fact that a former candidate for elected office is trying to fulfill his campaign promises to the people that elected him to public office. As you know, many people are turned off by politics because people often feel that a candidates for public office says one thing while running for office, then once they get into office does another thing. At least, many people will say "Don Samuels is trying very hard to fulfill many of his campaign promises." Also, some of neighborhoods in Minneapolis are in need of help not later, but now. With areas of high poverty and high crimes they can no later wait. In fact, why should they have to wait in the first place? Moreover, black people (African and African-Americans) truly expect that black city council members will provide leadership in addressing some the hardest issues facing the City of Minneapolis. If Council Member Don Samuel did not "step up" in addressing some of toughest issues facing the City of Minneapolis, I and well as others would criticize him for not doing anything. Finally, the Black community in Minneapolis truly needs new voices, leadership and strategies in helping shape the future lives of not only people of African descent, but all individuals who live here in City of Minneapolis. Thank you for your time.-Shawn Lewis ***************************************************************************** Last update: April 21, 2004 at 12:13 AM Not all buying into idea for fighting Minneapolis crime Rochelle Olson Star Tribune Published April 21, 2004 Minneapolis City Council Member Don Samuels is trying to make good on a campaign promise to fight for troubled neighborhoods with an unusual initiative. On Thursday, he will announce the creation of the PEACE Foundation, a proposal that aims to raise $500,000 to help fight violence in 12 city neighborhoods. http://www.startribune.com/stories/462/4733517.html Shawn Lewis, Field Neigborhood -- ___________________________________________________________ Sign-up for Ads Free at Mail.com http://promo.mail.com/adsfreejump.htm 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
