On Tuesday I was informed that a group of 80 young Indian people were
traveling across the country to different reservations to combat drugs and
gangs. The group made up of young people from several tribes has apparently
been to 17 different reservations across the country this year, attempting
to reach young people with an alternative. Little Earth of the United
Tribes is unique being what is considered by many to be the only "Urban
Reservation" in the country. East Phillips Park, which adjoins Little
Earth, has long been a place where one might find gangs and drugs if one was
interested, so it apparently seemed a perfect location for their efforts.
I was informed that a local person making arrangements in Minneapolis was
having trouble getting the required permits for amplified sound and Park
Board permits to use the East Phillips Park for the event. He apparently
was just not familiar with the maze of bureaucratic red tape and the maze
one must negotiate to accomplish anything. He believed that simply visiting
with a park manager was enough for such a worthwhile project, because he
would be "led" through any requirements. He now can apply better judgment
having gained the experience of that bad judgment. I was asked for help to
unravel his problem in one day. When i initially contacted Park Stff I was
told that it was impossible to do this in one day, proper procedure and
policy would not allow it.
Knowing that the case was impossible without the help of some Council
members I contacted Council Members Dean Zimmerman's and Robert Lillegrin's
offices. Neither was in, but I left a message with both. I also received a
lecture from Zimmerman's secretary on proper procedure and how to start at
the bottom of staff to work through this problem. (Over the next month.) It
seemed impossible to relay to her the necessity for speed, and how I was not
really concerned with normal procedure, so I gave up and just left the
message. I received a call from Robert Lillegrin a couple hours later due
to Robert being in "Committee". Robert agreed that young Indian people
attempting get and keep others out of "gang" lifestyles was indeed a
worthwhile effort.
Robert did not bother to lecture me on procedure, he immediately started to
work. This effort would have indeed been impossible without those efforts of
Robert Lillegrin. Robert immediately began to sort through the City of
Minneapolis permit process. By late that same day he had called back to say
to not worry about the City permits he was working to take care of it. At
8:30 Wednesday morning those permits arrived by fax. The park officials were
a little more problematic, but Anne and Marie helped some and I was able to
strike a deal with the South East Minneapolis Park District Supervisor, then
got the young man to get the proper forms filled out and "also insured"
certificate filed. And yes, the event did start last night.
Last night, tonight, and Friday night these 80 young people will be bringing
a different feel to the park. Stopping by for a while last night, I was
amazed by how full of life these young people had made that park.
"Cockroach Park" was full of people of all ages having a fun time. There
were a couple of hundred youth and children having a good time. Quite a
difference from "normal". In a survey a few years ago East Phillips and
Peavey Parks were identified as the "Most dangerous place a mother could
have an unattended child". Last night it seemed different. It seemed safe
and welcoming!
That difference would have been impossible without the efforts of Robert
Lillegrin. Leadership is seeing how things can be accomplished, Not what
roadblocks of procedure can be erected. Leadership is taking care of the
small things that improve the community you represent. So even if he lacked
color, Robert Lillegrin showed how that leadership can work in our City to
make it more beautifully colorful for our community.
You folks who are interested go out to East Phillips Park and Cedar Field
tonight or tomorrow night. See what those wonderful A bunch of young people
are having a good time in our parks for a change. I think they are running
a 3 on 3 basketball tournament tonight. I cannot say I really appreciate
their hiphop music but they do, and hey seeing good kids having fun in a
Phillips park can possibly make me appreciate it more.
Jim Graham,
Ventura Village, Phillips Community, Sixth Ward of Minneapolis
"Advances are made by those with at least a touch of irrational
confidence in what they can do."
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