Instead of being honest, addressing this issue, and correcting this inequity, the politicians are silent about it. When I originally brought the subject to the attention of List readers I asked that our political leaders address the issue. Has anyone seen any answer. All we have heard is a few political toddies attempting to throwing dust in the air about the reason for such an assessment. Just as with crime issues the political leaders are using "statistics" to justify discrimination against poor neighborhoods and to justify this regressive tax. How could a real "progressive" leader allow a good idea and program to become a regressive tax? For a supposedly "Progressive" Democratic City our leaders do seem to have some regressive answers to some City problems.
The operative word above was "supposedly". Progressive leaders attempt to fix such inequities when they are brought to their attention, even when embarrassing. It is time we started having some real leadership from City Hall on the inequities suffered by "Impacted" neighborhoods. Promises and lip service does get old. I wonder if I will be accused of giving just another "Sermon" in three or four years, when the politicians still have not answered and adjusted for Stormwatergate, as they have ignored public safety "sermons".
Hopefully David Brauer's Southwest Journal and Southside Pride can run articles on the issue. In that way some homeowners can become aware of the inequity and appeal their overcharges. Isn't it ridiculous when poor people have to appeal being overcharged, while wealthy homeowners being improperly billed to their advantage have to do nothing but sit back and enjoy the rewards of their political friends? Exactly where is that progressive leadership?
I have found that the Mayor and some Council Members do indeed read the List, and certainly post on it when pushing their own agendas, but have you ever noticed how silent they are when faced with REAL issues coming from possible discrimination against poor neighborhoods. I guess being true politicians, rather than leaders, they stay away from such issues. They probably know that stirring the pot when you do not care to fix the problem will only make the crap smell more, Smell so great, and smells so bad, that the voters decide to cure the problem themselves.
Do not give up hope folks, there are some leaders at the "Hall", they just have not stepped forward so we can know who they are. We need the few leaders in City Hall to do so! . Minneapolis voters may begin to realize that though it does not seem like much, there really is a difference between action and talk. We voters of Minneapolis need a little more BEEF from City Hall and a lot less BULL!
Jim "the Sage" Graham
From the porch steps in Ventura Village
"If you're ridin' ahead of the herd, take a look back every now and then to make sure it's still there.
- Will Rogers
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