Dennis Plante writes: "Many individuals that had the guts & fortitude to go back into some of the more blighted neighborhoods in MPLS have received very attractive terms (in the form of taxpayer sponsored loans) to do so."
Vicky Heller replies: It sounds more like financial self-interest than a virtue. [Plante] It appears that your contention is that they should have all been willing to roll-up their sleeves and go it alone. [Heller] Some may have chosen to do so, others may have gone elsewhere. When the government takes money from some and gives it to others, there is no free market decision making process. Some call this interference "offering incentives," others call the act "paying bribes." [Plante] Why did you stay in the market so long? [Heller] So glad you asked. I've been trying to leave since 1995 when I discovered that the MCDA had contractually promised my property to George Sherman, et al. at Riverside Plaza. I spent nine years in court, as a Plaintiff against the City, to clear title. By the way, the City wasted well over $1 million, just in legal fees, in its failed effort. Out of kindness, I am allowing the City, via rental agreement, to use my property through June 2005 -- at which time I'll be gone. [Plante] Is it possible that you're missing some of the hard-to-quantify benefits to yourself and other investors that don't live in MPLS), from these activities? [Heller] No. All I want from local government is safe streets, good schools, and low taxes - to attract quality businesses and residents. Minneapolis comes up short on all three of my priorities. [Plante] There were numerous investors (from outside the city) that came into my neighborhood, speculated and purchased at the bottom of the cycle and have unloaded at a substantial profit. [Heller] I'd be curious to know who they are. Any names? [Plante] I didn't see any of them out working with neighborhood kids, or faithfully patrolling our streets to prevent crime, or just generally working hard to improve the livability of the neighborhoods they speculated in. Yet, they ALL reaped the financial benefits of these activities. I'm still here trying to make my neighborhood a better place to live and work. [Heller] What you describe truly IS a virtue. Vicky Heller North Oaks and Cedar-Riverside 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
