Startribune finally reported on the Empowerment Zone Funding. I think it is suspect that they waited until after the election, and the two people most responsible for failing to put the money in the hands of the people it was intended for, were re-elected. I have been asking for someone to look at the way that money was being spent for months and no one wanted to touch it.
The Spokesman Recorder, a voice in our African American Community was the first to print something. Startribune, while printing nearly a full page article, was still soft on the city and that is unacceptable, but expected. The theft of the Empowerment Zone could only happen in low income and minority communities. Jnathan Palmer said the Empowerment Zone Funding went to organizations that "directly or indirectly benefited black people and other minorities." How does something "indirectly" benefit a person? The benefit was suppose to be jobs, financial security. CP Samuels, had the nerves to say, "It's Heartbreaking." You feel like it is heartbreaking because you are now the council person for the very ward that you failed to provide economic assistance to. Finally, I can smile about the election. Now the city wants another pot of money from the federal government. I say, "President Bush stand firm to your plan." My apologies to Representative Martin Sabo, for having to disagree with you, but you and other should have kept your eyes on the ball...or the money in this case. President Bush should have a plan that makes those with the money be held accountable for failing to utilize the funds appropriately. I hope the his administration does not give the city another dime in the name of the poor and the minority. I questioned why Heritage Park received so much of the Empowerment Zone Funding, when the Federal Lawsuit, "Hollman Decree," was supposed to pay to rebuild that area. You can create as much housing as you'd like. Without economic stability it means nothing. How will the people afford to live there? You can send as many people to social organizations as you like and they will still need economic security. $3.4 million, out of $25 million, went to the African American Community. That is appalling and our leaders sat back and let it happen. Mr. Flowers, Mr. Edwards and Mr. Hodges talked about the Empowerment Zone money so much, that the city tried to quiet them. If I hadn't watched their MTN show I would not have known about it. If my neighbor hadn't told me what happened when she applied I wouldn't have known that the rules for disbursement had changed. Now the leadership and others are outraged about that way the money was spent. Spare me! Commissioner McLaughlin said it best, when he said there are two separate cities in Minneapolis. I was emailed a request to take part in the Independent Freedom Party planned for the African American Community. It's about time!!!!! 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:mpls@mnforum.org Subscribe, Un-subscribe, etc. at: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
