Roberta, we need everyone contributing through their tax dollars. I am glad to see that Greg Reinhardt appreciates the STOP idea, now that the Department is implementing it. I think we might have argued the fact about a six months ago on this LIST. Of course I think Greg's objection to it at that time was the lack of tax dollars to fund it. It is a good idea and our politicians should step up to the plate and be honest enough to fund replacing those officers taken from the Precincts.
It takes politicians being honest and doing their duty as managers of the City, not empty rhetoric that causes the emergency need for NRP dollars and the need for individuals considering contributing to special fund to get adequate public safety for their communities. What next? Will we see neighborhoods hiring special "Marshals" and fire brigades, because Minneapolis will not provide adequate public safety to some communities?
We have learned that covering for shortfalls from that political obligation does not increase police protection and numbers. Mayor Rybak and the Council robbing NRP of those dollars earlier last year did NOT add police officers. If anything it allowed the problem to become worse. Was there a need, of course there was, I voted to allow those dollars to be taken from neighborhood revitalization, but our few million in NRP dollars were used to cover inept political policy. Afterwards we still have the same shortage of police officers. We need sound political policy, not emergency band-aides.
So Roberta, I would gladly pay my $120 extra tax dollars a year in order for our political mismanagers to provide adequately for public safety. We need more police officers and firefighters! But bailing out the political mistakes of this administration and keeping taxes low for their wealthy constituencies is not the answer. Though Roberta may be right, even though a disgrace it might be the only way for some communities to receive adequate public safety.
Let's all contribute to that fund! Let's all support forcing the politicians to fulfill their sworn obligation or leave office. We have had enough of people running for and holding office regardless of qualifications. Some people have a dream of being a politicians and getting the limelight. Others just want a better City and are willing to work to get it.
So those contributions would do more for the police department if they went to supporting the election of officials who will provide the CITY funding that would allow adequate public safety. If a politician will not commit to doing that then it is time to get some new ones. You fully fund public safety FIRST, then you tax whatever amount that is palatable for all those other things the voters want. Right now our politicians are partying first then worrying about the rent later. They need a reality "check", one sent to their opponents.
You can not have a "Quality City" if you do not provide public safety for everyone. By the way, who do the Firefighters and Police on the street think will give Minneapolis the public safety and quality of life its residents deserve?
Jim Graham, from the porch steps in Ventura Village.
REMINDERS: 1. Be civil! Please read the NEW RULES at http://www.e-democracy.org/rules. If you think a member is in violation, contact 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 Civil City-focused Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: mailto:[email protected] Subscribe, Un-subscribe, etc. at: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
