Vanessa L. Freeman-Hawthorne wrote: I felt like a kid at Christmas time after hearing and reading the budget for 2006. RT spoke about making diversifying the police department. I don’t know about you, but this too was music to my ears.
Michelle Hill responds: Is this the first time, in his term as mayor, that he realized that his police force was not diversified? If many would recall, or if you have read the agreement between the police department and the community in the mediation agreement, the mayor should have already taken steps to diversify the police department, now at the end of his term his pledge to diversity should mean something to the rest of us. This from a mayor who has refused to even participate, acknowledge or respect a process, mediation, that was ordered by the Justice Department. Thank goodness we have community leaders who keep us informed. Oh yeah, you can diversify all you want, but until you change the mindset you will always have issues with gaining community trust. Vanessa L. Freeman-Hawthorne wrote: First, youth funding, and how the mayor was able to go to the private sector and ask them to help with funding; without questions the money was given RT spoke about the vision of our young people, he recounted a story of when he rode through the North side, which let me know how much in tune with what young people and their families face on a day to day basis on this side town. Michelle Hill responds: We have been asking for jobs for our youth during the mayors whole term. If he was able to go to the private sector for funding, "without question," why didn't he go to them before now? I would love to know the story he recounted from "his ride through the North side." How did that ride make him suddenly become in tuned with what young people and their families face on a day-to-day basis in North Minneapolis? Doesn't he read the Startribune? Doesn't he read the Spokesman-Recorder, One Nation News or Insight News? Hasn't he watched the news or listened to KMOJ? Hasn't he attended those mediation meetings? So, on the eve of election he suddenly gets it!! Our youth have no jobs, are poorly educated (not always the fault of our teachers), are joining gangs for whatever reason, becoming parents at a young age, are selling drugs or have friends who have been murdered for gang or drug affiliation and Mayor Rybak, through his ride through the community is suddenly in tune. He could have improved the quality of life through Empowerment Zone money for small businesses in North Minneapolis, but he and the council failed to do so. Vanessa L. Freeman-Hawthorne wrote: for those who seem to think to little to late, shame on you. I was proud to be there and am proud to call him Mayor. Michelle Hill responds: I, for one, do think that it is too late. While some has referred to Mayor Rybak as a pretty decent guy, I too believe that he is not what the city needs and I am not ashamed to say it. Now I do not believe any mayor can change all of the things people in North Minneapolis face daily, but if you haven't tried in the first 4 years why should I waste a vote giving you another 4 years. Unlike Vanessa, I would be proud to call him the "ex-mayor." Since I do not know McLaughlin, I cannot say whether he would do any better, but I'm willing to give him a shot. If Rybak wins again I will have to accept that it was the worse Christmas gift I have ever received. I hope I do not offend anyone, but this is the way I truly feel. Michelle Hill Cleveland 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
