> So why do you continue to repeat this falsehood from the McLaughlin > campaign? > > If things are as bad as you say in the inner-city neighborhoods, why do you > have to spread lies to make your point?
Things ARE pretty bad in our inner-city, and getting worse. There should be no debate over the notion that we need more cops. We also need to make changes in how the police are deployed, and find ways to make them more effective. The coppers don't have the tools and authority they need to really have an impact on our worsening crime situation. Of course, we also have problems with administration and courts. There is a system-wide dysfunction in law enforcement which is in dire need of attention and remedies. I believe our entire city government is at fault for not tackling these problems in the last four years. Basic city services (like police and fire) should be job one for a city government. Everything else comes AFTER those items have been sufficiently addressed. It seems to me that during the past four years (yes, and longer, even), essential city services have taken a back seat to the more glamorous (and political) issues, and development. ATTENTION, NEXT CITY GOVERNMENT (may there be many new faces): Provide excellent police and fire protection. Keep our roads, paths and sidewalks in good shape. Keep the roads clear of snow and ice. Collect our trash, provide us clean water. Keep the street-lights burning. Keep our traffic signals and transit systems operating. Keep our parks in good condition, and keep them open and accessible. Keep books and staff in our libraries. Hold taxes to a level that working and retired people can afford to keep their homes. Then, If there's any time and/or money left, do the fun, glamorous stuff. Do your duty to the basics first! Dan McGrath Longfellow http://www.shegstad.us 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
