I to am amazed at either the naivety of the Mayor and some Council Members who support Sabri, or in their culpability in this crime against both the community residents of Minneapolis and Whittier Neighborhood, as well as against the Somali community. Can it be possible that the Mayor and some Council Members are unaware that this same Sabri will be facing a Federal Judge in late November for a crime that was observed on television by the entire Twin Cities? Is it possible they are unaware that the bribe was to gain access to NRP and City funds as well as favorable treatment in development schemes? Did they not hear Brian Herron told by this same Sabri that he (Sabri) would be Herron's "retirement"? Even if they do not watch television news or read the newspaper reporters must have hinted about it when questioning them. Perhaps RT Rybak and a few of the council members, who might be ignorant of the facts, should talk to some Somali people about the oppression they suffer? What could possibly be the payoff for taking such a wrong headed and arrogant action?
RT, and others, if you wish to support Somali housing and business, do so by supporting them to be self sufficient and free from oppression. Do so by assisting and supporting Somali people to build developments that they own themselves, and for Somali people to control their own future. Not by supporting bait and switch schemes to continue to "own" them. Talk to the Somali Chamber of Commerce and others attempting to free and empower Somali people. If you do so, talk secretively so the Somali people do not suffer retaliation for speaking honestly (Some have in the past). It is a shame that Somali people are not given such real opportunity rather than this sham. Council Members Schiff, Lilligren,Ostrow, Johnson, Dan Niziolek, Colvin Roy, Zerby and Johnson-Lee are to be congratulated for supporting both good planning strategy and neighborhood residents. Of course each has long been known to support their own communities. All of Minneapolis should thank them for their honesty and attention to duty in this matter. And while I can understand Zimmermann supporting his good friend Sabri, I am at a loss to explain Don Samuel's vote. I am sure Don is aware of the oppression suffered by Somali business people at the hands of these same developers. I am truly amazed that Don would vote in such a way, even if it was some sort of political payback. It just does not seem in character for Don Samuels who has always seemed to put community before politics. Please Don, perhaps you were misinformed about the situation, you have always been counted on by the community, reconsider your vote and support both the community and the Somali people. It is not too late to give justice to a community. Barb Lickness expresses disappointment that the "Planning Department" was not aware of the South Whittier Redevelopment Plan. Possibly Sabri did not tell Planner Fred Neff about it? I was both surprised and disappointed at the Planning Commission hearing when Planner Fred Neff seemed to not only NOT know the conditions of the deed just signed with Sabri. But NOT to even know what a "Conditional Deed" was and its implication when I brought up the Elroy blocks sale "conditions"at that Planning Commission meeting. I was also amazed that Neff seemed to be there to represent the interests of Sabri far more than the interests of the City of Minneapolis who pays his salary. Surprised that when asked a question Neff continually looked to Sabri for how he should answer. To give justice to Mr. Neff he may well have been ordered by his political bosses to do so. Of course the "Conditional Deed" meant nothing when the people entrusted with the interests of Minneapolis ignore that responsibility and release the "Conditions". Someone with real estate or legal experience might ask, "What exactly was the payment for releasing those conditions? (There is usually compensation or 'consideration' of some kind for release of conditions of a deed) And to who, or whom, was it made?" This vote does bring up interesting political prospects for the next election. Clearly some Council People are concerned for the interests of their constituents and the communities, or for their political futures. What about the remainder? Are some elected officials looking at other "opportunities" in the future. Or, are some just so arrogantly sure of themselves that they are willing to ignore Minneapolis voters and go against the interests of Minneapolis residents. Willing to flout Minneapolis residents' interests in favor of a person watched by the entire community attempting to buy a Minneapolis City Council Member? I am amazed by such confidence. Didn't just such "confidence" and ignoring neighborhoods get the last Mayor and more than a couple of Council Members voted out of office? Perhaps some might think of the Minneapolis electorate as so stupid and short of memory as to forget such things? I can think of a wealth of political slogans and debate points that just got made. Anyone running against one of the "Sabrist" next year would do well to have this lead off any of their literature pieces and be a lead question at any debates. Perhaps a cartoon of Sabri leading a string of blind mice on a leash should be the lead logo. While some political chicanery is easily forgotten, a televised bribery and the Federal trial running during the beginning of the next election cycle is just to juicy for most people to ignore. I think they will remember! Even if Sabri is able to beat the charges, still the entire City watched the bribe take place and heard the promise of "retirement" benefits. Perhaps others might also look for the "opportunity" to retire. As my memory serves me just such arrogance and buying his own "Justice" once landed a Chicago braggart named Capone in prison. While the Federal government may be slow, its memory is long and sure. While some may think the "Justice in Minneapolis" may be bought, that slow unstoppable arm of the law is even now reaching out. To paraphrase Sabri, "That tells you there's justice and there's God out there." In December Sabri just might find both. While I might not bet on the Council, I am betting on the Fed's and a good judge! Anyone betting the other way? Jim Graham, Ventura Village, Phillips Community Planning District, Six Ward of Minneapolis >"It is always an utter folly to underestimate the lure and attraction of a great evil. The whitened bones of their victims litter the highways and byways of mankind's history. Stopped only by the few willing to pay the ultimate price and make a stand." - Toe REMINDERS: 1. Think a member has violated the rules? 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