[Mpls] Politics of Light Rail Development
In notice an interesting article in The Pulse about the development of East Lake Street properties near the light rail station: http://www.pulsetc.com/article.php?sid=1077 The article suggests that the City Council, and particularly Gary Schiff from that ward, might be rigging the process toward a development proposal from a group that includes former council members and political operators Jackie Cherryhomes and Steve Minn, over the proposal of the owner of the properties, a developer from a controversial family. According to the article, community and political figures are keeping mum about the conflict. The article therefore provides too little information to draw any conclusions about the underlying dynamics of the process. I am surprised that this development issue has not provoked more scrutinty and discussion, including on this list. The development rights are obviously quite valuable and any decisions will have signficant impact on the surrounding neighborhood. The City Council's granting the devleopment rights to such well-connected former colleagues could reek. Can anyone further enlighten us on this matter? Jordan S. Kushner works downtwon former South Minneapolis REMINDERS: 1. Think a member has violated the rules? Email 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 City-focused Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Subscribe, Un-subscribe, etc. at: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
Re: [Mpls] HIGH ALERT - H.F. 1829
Barbara's summary of the effects of the proposed changes in drug laws are inaccurate. Someone would not have to possess 250 grams or sell 50 grams of cocaine(described by Barbara as $50,000/$10,000 worth of crack - the accuracy of Barb's figures which is questionble) to go to jail. These would just be the amounts that would lead to a presumptive prison sentence of 86 months (more than 7 years in prison). Someone with less drugs would still face 4 years in prison. Substantially less drugs would likely lead to a sentence of some time in jail (less than one year) plus probation. Anyone violating probation for any of these offenses would face time in prison. More significant is the huge disconnect between the undisputed problems related to drugs in inner cities and Barbara's insistence on sending people to prison for as long as possible. Where is the evidence of a relationship between the problem and the "solution." The current sentencing laws have been on the books for at least 15 years. For larger level drug dealing, the federal government has been sending people to prison for 10, 20, 30 years or life for the past 20 years. Apparently none of these outrageous sentences have alleviated Barbara's complaints about drugs in her neighborhood. Time has proven that the knee-jerk reaction of locking up inner-city youngsters and drug addicts and throwing away the key is ineffective (not to mention unjust). Is it not time to try something different? The main reason that the legislative changes have any chance is that the prisons are on the verge of overcrowding. A very high percentage of these innmates are non-violent drug offenders. It costs $20,000 per year to incarcerate people. That money could easily cover treatment, education and job training for each drug offender. All much more effective solutions than warehousing people in cages. Barbara's comment AND UNDERSTANDING that a motivating factor for lesser sentences being the concern with suburban methamphetamine dealers doing hard prison time like inner-city drug dealers really gets to the racist heart of the matter. The "war on drugs" is really a war on people of color. Most people incarcerated for drugs are Black, Latino, or Native American. As soon as while people start going to prison in large numbers, there is pressure to lighten the sentences. Jordan Kushner downtown lawyer former resident of Powderhorn, Stevens Sqaure, West Bank. - Original Message - From: "Barbara Lickness" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> To: "Dennis Plante" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>; <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>; <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Sent: Wednesday, March 10, 2004 10:56 AM Subject: RE: [Mpls] HIGH ALERT - H.F. 1829 > Dennis is correct. I thought about what Mike Atherton > said and I concur that legalizing drugs and zoning > their sales and public use into a certain area would > be a far better solution than we currently have. > Perhaps not for the drug addict but at least for the > innocent inner-city citizens living with the problem > now. I wonder just what area of the city would be best > to house this activity Mike? > > Because drugs are illegal, the street has been made > the supermarket and they have been contained > (unofficial zoning) in certain areas because it is a > convenient way for the government to deal with the > problem. It's not a problem most politicians or > citizens have to deal with. Growing up on Lake Nokomis > then moving to Whittier was certainly an eye-opening > experience for me. My biggest problem on Lake Nokomis > was doggy poo poo on my boulevard. In Whittier it was > making it down my driveway without getting popped. > Quite different worlds. > > This bill will effectively decriminalize drug > possession and sales for the most part. The only > punishment will be to the really big pushers. The long > and short of it is that the person will have to > possess $50,000 worth of crack and sell $10,000 of it > to a Certified Reliable Informant (CRI) in order to do > any jail time. That includes sales to minors and sales > at parks and schools. That will eliminate any jail > time for about 99% of the drug dealers in the > inner-city "containment" zones. Just how motivated are > the cops going to be to arrest someone for drugs when > they know nothing is going to happen to them. Boy, > it's gonna be a fun summer. Good Luck Chief McManus. I > hope he has cops over there testifying about the > impact this legislation will have on the inner-city. > I also hope that both Mayor R.T. Rybak and Mayor Randy > Kelly will have people testifying about this > legislation. I can't imagine the mayors of Rochester, > Duluth or Mankato are too happy about it. They all > have growing drug problems too. > > My understanding is that
Re: [Mpls] comment to (no subject)
I am quite surprised to reading such narrow intolerance on this list. Where is the social need to severely punish people with minor traffic offenses? The fact is that anyone who goes to court downtown to address several such tickets is usually be given the option of doing work instead of paying fines. Perhaps the participants in the African American Men's Project sponsored events had to do a little less time. So what?! What is wrong with making life a little easier for a group that is much more harshly targetted by the criminal "justice" system? Minnesota and Hennepin County have among the highest racially disproporionate rates of African Americas in the system. The court system should be doing a lot more to compensate for institutional racial bias. The list seems to be experience the classic white resentment for any affirmative attempts to undo racism. Jordan Kushner works downtown Golden Valley - Original Message - From: "Jason C Stone" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> To: <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Sent: Thursday, August 28, 2003 1:28 PM Subject: Re: [Mpls] comment to (no subject) > > That's fine if you want to respond solely to the race issue. > > However, the question still remains - who in their right mind decided to forgive repeat offenses > in exchange for *2 hours* of community service. That is a joke. If the offenders cared about > getting a clean slate they would have been willing, and should have been asked, for a greater time > commitment. > > http://www.startribune.com/stories/462/4058489.html > > "Gary Cunningham, director of Pilot City, said the occasion also saved taxpayers hundreds of > thousands of dollars in court costs." > > You know what this is? It is called "enabling". Have these people learned that their behavior > carries ramifications? Absolutely not. This was a tremendous disservice to the community in > exchange for a one time savings. > > Regards, > Jason Stone | Mpls > > --- Booker Hodges <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: > > Rather than comment on the fact that your comments are racist I will > > hopefully encourage you to get better informed. The Star Tribune and other > > main stream media sources dubbed this event as one that directly benefited > > African-Americans, but that is not entirely the case. I attended part of the > > event and I saw a considerable amount of white people participating as > > violators also. The notion that blacks can handle their business like the > > normal population is asinine. I understand that you are white and angry > > that�s fine, but I would suggest that you research you information before > > making broad sweeping comments indicting an entire group of people. For the > > record I attended as an observer. > > > > > > > > Booker T Hodges > > North side > > > > _ > > Get MSN 8 and help protect your children with advanced parental controls. > > http://join.msn.com/?page=features/parental > > > > TEMPORARY REMINDER: > > 1. Don't feed the troll! Ignore obvious flame-bait. > > 2. If you don't like what's being discussed here, don't complain - change the subject > > (Mpls-specific, of course.) > > > > > > > > Minneapolis Issues Forum - A City-focused Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy > > Post messages to: mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] > > Subscribe, Un-subscribe, etc. at: http://e-democracy.org/mpls > > > __ > Do you Yahoo!? > Yahoo! SiteBuilder - Free, easy-to-use web site design software > http://sitebuilder.yahoo.com > TEMPORARY REMINDER: > 1. Don't feed the troll! Ignore obvious flame-bait. > 2. If you don't like what's being discussed here, don't complain - change the subject (Mpls-specific, of course.) > > > > Minneapolis Issues Forum - A City-focused Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy > Post messages to: mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] > Subscribe, Un-subscribe, etc. at: http://e-democracy.org/mpls > TEMPORARY REMINDER: 1. Don't feed the troll! Ignore obvious flame-bait. 2. If you don't like what's being discussed here, don't complain - change the subject (Mpls-specific, of course.) Minneapolis Issues Forum - A City-focused Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Subscribe, Un-subscribe, etc. at: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
Re: [Mpls] Omar Jamal Somali Justice Advocacy Center ED Jailed By INS
I think the arrest of Omar Jamal should definitely be interpreted as political persecution, not at all withstanding denials by authorities. http://www.startribune.com/stories/462/3795298.html The investigation apparently began "more than a year" ago - about the same time period when Omar became a highly visible and controversial activist. The INS is not likely to randomly choose to carefully investigate an application filed five years previously, for a person who has since obtained permanent legal residence. There are millions of immigrants who cannot be investigated, and the INS is already overburdened with pending applications and people whose status is not legal or questionable. The only plausible explanation in this case seems to be that Omar's visibility triggered the INS to conduct an investigation. The fact pointed out the the US Attorney that the investigation was conducted by the INS office in Memphis is also irrelevant. The INS is obviously a national agency. The investigation could have easily been triggered in Minnesota, and then conducted in the office where the application is filed. I do not know the legal merits of the charges, but based on the summary, it does not appear that the allegations are serious, and certainly do not suggest any threat to anyone. There are obviously many people who are desparate to get into this country, and should not be persecuted for that reason - five years after the fact. Jordan Kushner works downtown - Original Message - From: "ken bradley" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> To: "List Manager" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>; <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Sent: Thursday, April 03, 2003 11:09 AM Subject: [Mpls] Omar Jamal Somali Justice Advocacy Center ED Jailed By INS > Hello Minneapolis Folks: > > I just returned from the west coast and this story > sure made my stomach turn. > > Omar Jamal the executive director of the Somali > Justice Advocacy Center in St. Paul was thrown in jail > by the federal government (INS). Are we to believe > this is a coincidence that one of the leading local > critics of the Homeland Security, Patriot Act, > legislation, is arrested by the INS because he made a > mistake on his paper work 5 years ago? > > He was accepted to start law school this fall and now > he sits in jail, does this make sense? > > The Bush Administration and the federal government has > declared war on the immigrant community, and has > stripped away our civil rights. We need to speak out > against this treatment of people from our community > now. > > > http://www.startribune.com/stories/462/3800196.html > > Ken Bradley Corcoran Neighborhood > 612-728-8962 > 651-726-7568 > > __ > Do you Yahoo!? > Yahoo! Tax Center - File online, calculators, forms, and more > http://tax.yahoo.com > > TEMPORARY REMINDER: > 1. Send all posts in plain-text format. > 2. Cut as much of the post you're responding to as possible. > > > > Minneapolis Issues Forum - A City-focused Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy > Post messages to: mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] > Subscribe, Unsubscribe, Digest, and more: http://e-democracy.org/mpls > TEMPORARY REMINDER: 1. Send all posts in plain-text format. 2. Cut as much of the post you're responding to as possible. Minneapolis Issues Forum - A City-focused Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Subscribe, Unsubscribe, Digest, and more: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
[Mpls] Small laws and Big laws
I have trouble understanding how people can get at all worked up and distracted over civil disobedience such as occupying offices or blocking building entrances, when our federal government is committing mass murder. At the same time, how clever of Pawlenty to distract people's attention from the $75 billion that the national leaders of his party are taking from taxpayers to commit mass murder on behalf of specific special interests, by acting as though protests are somehow responsible for our budget problems. I have not received any feedback from any city officials about my suggestion a few days ago that the city should refuse to spend money to suppress protests against the federal government. Jordan Kushner work downtown TEMPORARY REMINDER: 1. Send all posts in plain-text format. 2. Cut as much of the post you're responding to as possible. Minneapolis Issues Forum - A City-focused Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Subscribe, Unsubscribe, Digest, and more: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
[Mpls] City's Donation to Feds and Proposal
Why does the City agree to pay for the Feds' policing? In response to the anti-war protest at the Minneapolis federal court building this morning, there were hundreds of Minneapolis cops who monitored the protest and arrested people allegedly commiting civil disobedience by blocking access to the entrances. There were uniformed cops, plain clothes cops, horses, MTC buses used for arresstees - undoubtely requiring a lot of money. To the extent that protesters are held in jail, that will also cost the city or county. I wondered if the city of Minneapolis, its tight budget, was paying to protect business as usual for the federal government. Deputy Chief Greg Hestness pretty much confirmed it, telling me that the "Minneapolis small property owners" would be paying. He suggested that the "violators" should pay. Predictably, I don't have much use for that suggestion, and suggested billing Dick Cheney and his oil buddies. But why should Minneapolis be paying to do the Fed's dirty work? What are is the Federal government doing for Minneapolis? In fact, not only are the Republicans at the state and federal level cutting Minneapolis' funding, but the war that is the subject of the protest is undoubtedly going to be draining many more resources needed for cities. ($75 billion for the first month). Proposal - I suggest that the City administration refuse to provide any more policing for protests directed at the federal government, and refuse to arrest people involved in these protests. Why should Minneapolis pay for the federal government's security given its own dire needs and the lack of federal assistance? If the Mayor is really anti-war as he always suggests, this would be a great opportunity for him to take some concrete action to refuse to help the federal government's war effort. Jordan Kushner work downtown TEMPORARY REMINDER: 1. Send all posts in plain-text format. 2. Cut as much of the post you're responding to as possible. Minneapolis Issues Forum - A City-focused Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Subscribe, Unsubscribe, Digest, and more: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
Re: [Mpls] Death of Minneapolis man in custody ruled a homicide
Now that the Medical Examiner - the government medical expert, has found that the police committed a homicide, the prospect of criminal charges needs to be taken seriously. Unfortunately, the current process for considering criminal charges against police officers is not serious. The Hennepin County Attorney's office - whose prosecutors work with Minneapolis police on a daily basis - will present evidence to a grand jury to decide whether to indict the police for any crimes. There is no legal requirement in Minnesota that criminal charges be presented to a a grand jury except for 1st degree murder cases. (The actions of the police in this case would not fit with 1st Degree Murder because they were not premeditated or fitting in other specific categories for that crime. The killing could be 2nd or 3rd Degree Murder). The county attorneys in fact do not use a grand jury to bring criminal charges in any other cases except for rare politically controversial cases. They otherwise bring criminal charges by simply drafting a document called a complaint and having it signed by a law enforcement officer. When the county attorney does use a grand jury voluntarily, it is to make it APPEAR that the process was not political. This appearance is nonsense. Only the prosecutor presents evidence to a grand jury, and the prosecutor can pretty much present evidence it chooses. The prosecutor can usually get whatever result he/she wants. The common saying is "you can indict a ham sandwich." If there is no indictment, it is most probably because the county attorney did not want an indictment. I cannot recall hearing of any case where a Minneapolis police officer was indicted for a homicide (has anyone else?). This is despite some highly suspect cases, such as killing an elderly couple (Lloyd Smalley and Lillian Wiese) in their apartment with a flash bang grenade explosion in 1989, shooting a seventeen year old (Tycel Nelson) in the back in 1991, shooting Abuka Sanders dozens of times a couple of years ago, to name a few. The most recent case is simply too serious to allow the Hennepin County Attorney to go through its normal process/cover-up. THERE NEEDS TO BE A SPECIAL PROSECUTOR APPOINTED. This would be an independent attorney who is experienced in criminal law, but does not have any meaningful ties to local police. Other states, such as New York, commonly use this process. A crebible special prosecutor is the only way that I can think of to give credibility to the outcome of this case. Jordan Kushner Golden Valley work downtown ___ Minneapolis Issues Forum - A City-focused Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Subscribe, Unsubscribe, Digest, and more: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
Re: [Mpls] Mayor Rybak and his promised veto of a City Council Anti-War Resolution
I would like to second the very thoughtful posts of Brandon Lacy and Paul Rohlfing articulating why it is appropriate and ethically necessary for the City Council and Mayor to take official positions on certain issues that are not strictly confined to the boundaries of the City of Minneapolis. I made some arguments on this issue in a previous post: http://www.mnforum.org/pipermail/mpls/2002-September/016944.html The bottom line is that we live in a global society and are citizens of a global empire, where the federal actions done around the world are in our name, paid for with our tax money, and ultimately affect our local communities. A war will have people from this city (at least who are in the military) killing innocent people and being at risk of losing their own lives. A war will take a huge amount of resources that should be spend on addressing serious social and economic urban problems that the City of Minneapolis government cannot possibly address by itself. It is necessary for elected officals to demand that the federal government refocus priorities. The refusal to take a position on an unjustified war is a cop-out - both ethically and pragmatically. The real question is not whether to take a position on the imminent war against Iraq, but how to do so effectively. An anti-war resolution must be anti-war, but should also tie in policy issues (such as those suggested by Gary Hoover), and should declare Minneapolis to be a war-free zone where the City affirmatively refuses to cooperate with the war effort in any way that it might be expected to. Jordan Kushner Golden Valley works downtown, lived in Minneapolis for 14 years, and will someday return. ___ Minneapolis Issues Forum - A City-focused Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Subscribe, Unsubscribe, Digest, and more: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
Re: [Mpls] QUILTY, QUILTY, QUILTY, QUILTY, QUILTY
A verdict of guilty is not the same as a "conviction." In the federal court process, a conviction becomes official after sentencing. This usually takes a couple of months. Meanwhile, Biernat has the opportunity to file motions for the judge to set aside the verdict. (This rarely happens but is an option). After the conviction, Biernat has the right to appeal. It is debatable whether a conviction by the trial court should be sufficient to finally determine someone guilty, or if the right of appeal should be honored. The Minneapolis City Charter is characteristically vague about what should lead to removal from office. I have attached a copy of the provision at the bottom of my message. It allows removal "for cause" but has very little example of what is enough cause, and mentions nothing about crimes. The Charter also requires that a council member be provided with a due process hearing before the council before removal. Can anyone imagine the City Council actually conducting a hearing on a fellow council member? I believe that based on the guilty verdict and the City Charter, the City Council now has an ethical obligation to conduct a hearing to decide for itself whether Biernat should remain in office. I predict, however, that if Biernat does not resign, the City Council will continue to avoid dealing with the issue at least until the completion of all court appeals. Jordan Kushner Golden Valley --- City Charter excerpt: [Chapter 4] Section 4. City Council--Power to Remove Officers--Place and Manner of Trial. The City Council shall have power to remove from office any officer of said City whether appointed by the City Council or elected by the people, but no officer elected by the people shall be removed except for cause, nor unless first furnished with a copy of the charges, nor until such person shall have had reasonable opportunity to be heard in person or by counsel in his or her own defense. Continued absence from the meetings of the Council in case of Council Members, and neglect of duty in case of other officers, unless for good reason, shall be deemed a good cause of removal. The City Council shall fix a time and place for the trial of such officer, of which not less than ten days' notice shall be given, and shall have power to compel the attendance of witnesses, and the production of papers, and to hear and determine the case, and if such officer shall refuse or neglect to appear and answer such charge the City Council may declare the office vacant. -- - Original Message - From: "Terrell Brown" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> To: "Minneapolis Issues List" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Sent: Thursday, November 21, 2002 4:27 PM Subject: [Mpls] QUILTY, QUILTY, QUILTY, QUILTY, QUILTY > > -Original Message- > From: Rosalind Nelson > > http://www.startribune.com/stories/462/3447992.html > > "City officials would not speculate on whether Biernat's conviction > would automatically force him to quit the council." > > [TB] How does someone not resign after being convicted of 5 felonies? > If he hasn't resigned by then the Council should remove him from all > committees when they meet tomorrow. The last thing we need is a > convicted felon serving in elected office. The other coucil members > can't be happy about this. > > Doesn't one need to be an eligible voter to serve in elected office? > Doesn't a felony conviction bar one from voting? > > > > Terrell Brown > Loring Park > terrell at terrellbrown dot org > > > __ > Do you Yahoo!? > Yahoo! Mail Plus - Powerful. Affordable. Sign up now. > http://mailplus.yahoo.com > ___ > > Minneapolis Issues Forum - A City-focused Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy > Post messages to: mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] > Subscribe, Unsubscribe, Digest, and more: http://e-democracy.org/mpls > ___ Minneapolis Issues Forum - A City-focused Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Subscribe, Unsubscribe, Digest, and more: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
[Mpls] Biernat Trial
Based on press reports about Joe Biernat's trial, it appears that the federal government's case against him is based almost entirely on his signed confessions. There does not seem to be a question that he got free plumbing work through a union official, and then supported that official's appointment to a board. This much raises serious ethical questions but would not serve as the basis for a federal extortion case - it is more accurately categorized as "politics as usual" in traditional Minneapolis local government. The essential evidence is Biernat's signed statement that he specifically accepted the bribe in exchange for the political favor. A recorded or signed confession is probably the most sure piece of evidence for obtaining a criminal. conviction. Unfortunately, confessions are highly overrated. There have been some high profile cases in Texas and Illinois in the past several years where people have been released from death row where confessions got them there, but scientific evidence later exonerated them. There is a large body of literature and educational seminars for police and law enforcement agents on conducting interrogations and getting confessions. While physical brutality is mostly passe, the experts now emphasize the many psychological tricks to get people to confess. The big misconception is such a confesssion is automatically equivalent to the truth. There could be many reasons why someone could falsely confess - fear, exhaustion (some interrogations go on around the clock), misunderstanding, emotional weakness, etc. While getting a confession can be challenging, it is not as difficult and not necessarily the same as confirming the truth. It is simply the most convenient way to secure a conviction and get the cops, agents, prosecutors credit for solving a case. By all indications, Biernat's interrogator, FBI agent Sean Boylan is an expert at getting confessions and his prior work might be a prime example of how confessions do not equal the truth. Apparently, the judge prevented Biernat's attorney from bringing out some evidence about Boylan's background, which will make it all the less likely that the jury will be able to fairly evaluate the reliability of the confession. From my limited observation of Biernat, I could easily see him making a false confession. What always struck me (before the indictment) was Joe's unyielding reverence to power and authority. This "strength" in the Minneapolis DFL machine turned out to be his fatal weakness when dealing with the skilled FBI interrogator. I seriously question how much this weakness has to do with guilt or innocence. Jordan Kushner Golden Valley ___ Minneapolis Issues Forum - A City-focused Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Subscribe, Unsubscribe, Digest, and more: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
Re: [Mpls] good news bad news
The other time that Wellstone got arrested was in a protest against the war against Vietnam . His two arrests were brought out vigorously by Boscwitz in the first campaign. Wellstone was rightfully proud of both of them. BTW, brilliant analysis of Wellstone and the election situation by Steve Perry in a just released City Pages article: http://newsletter.citypages.com/nlrd.php?url=/databank/23/1144/article10857. asp Jordan Kushner Golden Valley - Original Message - From: <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> To: <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>; <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>; <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Sent: Thursday, November 07, 2002 4:11 PM Subject: Re: [Mpls] good news bad news > The only time I am aware that Wellstone ever was arrested was when folks went > in to "foreclose" on a bank in Paynesville in the mid to late 80s (?) over > FMHA foreclosures on farms. > tom taylor > NE MPLS > ___ > > Minneapolis Issues Forum - A City-focused Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy > Post messages to: mailto:mpls@;mnforum.org > Subscribe, Unsubscribe, Digest, and more: http://e-democracy.org/mpls > ___ Minneapolis Issues Forum - A City-focused Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: mailto:mpls@;mnforum.org Subscribe, Unsubscribe, Digest, and more: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
[Mpls] More on Judicial Races
--- Judge Seymour Crump v. Kevin Kolosky This is a slam dunk. Kevin Kolosky has run for a judgeship in every election since 1994 (right after he became an attorney). I have heard that he waits in the county elections office until the last minute and then randomly chooses an opponent. He has never, to my knowledge, ever articulated a serious reason for any of his challenges. While I am a believer in judicial elections to enforce some sort of accountability, this argument is undermined by someone like Kolosky who treats the process like a game. Judges have powerful jobs that can have profound effects on people's lives. I am very familiar with Judge Crump. He has one of the most affable and easygoing personalities. Judge Crump is not the most scholarly jurist, but does apply a common sense approach which seems to work very well becuase of his extensive experience, and understanding of people in general and the dynamics of the judicial system. His decision in the Twins case is a great example. I have heard that Judge Crump is often too prosecution-oriented in serious criminal cases, but he has been fair in my cases. --- Judge Herbert Lefler v. Liz Pierce I do not know Liz Pierce. I have appeared extensively in front of Judge Lefler, and have no significant complaints. He is easygoing, respectful of the attorneys and parties, and listens to all sides. Judge Lefler is another judge that seems to emphasize a common sense approach to decision making. I would be interested in hearing more about Liz Pierce and why she is challenging Judge Lefler. Judge Tanya Bransford v. Pat McCormick I am familiar with Judge Bransford, and know nothing about Pat McCormick. However, I have no idea why anyone would challenge Judge Bransford. She is highly capable both intellectually and in understanding and relating to people. It is curious while six out of twenty-seven judges are being challenged, two of them are among the fewAfrican American judges (Judges Bransford and Crump). Judge Bransford is particularly conscious and active in dealing with the extremely problematic issues of racial bias in the justice system, and is effective at doing so because of her affable personality. -- Judge James Swenson v. Robert Schwartz I have appeared in front of James Swenson, who does exclusively family law, for one divorce trial. Although he is brash and I did not get a positive result, in hindsight I cannot substantively fault his handling of the case or his reasoning. He has a no-nonsense and common sense approach to expediting and deciding cases which is important in divorce cases which can unnecessarily consume family's lives. I do not know Robert Schwartz. Based on what I have read, I cannot see a good basis for the challenge. - It feels strange and uncharacterstic that I have spoken positively of all the incumbent officeholders. There are some other judges that I would like to see challenged. Maybe in the future. Jordan Kushner Golden Valley ___ Minneapolis Issues Forum - A City-focused Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: mailto:mpls@;mnforum.org Subscribe, Unsubscribe, Digest, and more: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
Re: [Mpls] Don't Forget Judge Crump!!
- Original Message - From: "WizardMarks" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> To: "Barbara Lickness" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Cc: "Dean Carlson" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>; "'Mpls list'" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Sent: Thursday, October 31, 2002 10:23 AM Subject: Re: [Mpls] Don't Forget Judge Crump!! [snip] >She has worked hard > and pitched in where she was needed. She has several years of litigation > experience as a city attorney with the kind of crimes that make > livability difficult for us. Her opponent, Zimmerman (no relation to > Dean), had no litigation experience before being appointed a Judge by > Ventura. It makes him slow to come to decisions on the issues raised in > misdemeanor criminal cases. Wizard has yet again provided completely incorrect facts. Lloyd Zimmerman worked for more than 20 years as a TRIAL attorney with the U.S. Equal Employment Opporunity Commission. His job was to litigate. He obviously has more litigation experience than Julie Delgado O'Neill, although it is in a different area of law and that is not to say that litigation experience is everything, But at least make some efforts to check your facts! And Wizard, what is your basis for saying that Lloyd Zimmerman is slow to come to decisions on the issues raised in misdemeanor cases? Have you observed him in any such cases, or did you hear this from some unidentified source? This sort of statement provides nothing but confusion if not accompanied by specifics. Jordan Kushner Golden Valley ___ Minneapolis Issues Forum - A City-focused Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: mailto:mpls@;mnforum.org Subscribe, Unsubscribe, Digest, and more: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
Re: [Mpls] Don't Forget Judge Crump!!
I suppose that Julie Delgado O'Neill can handle being judge (although I hope that her agenda from being a city attorney is not to fill up the jail with low-level misdemeanor offenders), but I cannot understand why the incumbent Lloyd Zimmerman should be unseated. His background consists of many years as a trial attorney with the EEOC prosecuting complex discrimination cases, and is highly thoughtful and intelligent. I tried to ask Julie why she was running against Zimmerman, but unfortunately it was at the city attorney's office so she could not go into detail. Can someone please explain? Jordan Kushner Golden Valley - Original Message - From: Barbara Lickness To: Dean Carlson ; 'Mpls list' Sent: Wednesday, October 30, 2002 9:49 PM Subject: Re: [Mpls] Don't Forget Judge Crump!! As long as we are endorsing judges, I hope everyone will vote for Julie Delgado O'Niell. She is currently a city attorney. She has been very visible in crime ridden neighborhoods like Phillips, Central etc. She has a good view of criminal issues in Minneapolis from the side of the neighbors as well as with prosecution of misdimeanor crimes as a city attorney. I think she will be an asset to the court system. Barb Lickness/Whittier "Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed,it's the only thing that ever has." -- Margaret Mead Do you Yahoo!?HotJobs - Search new jobs daily now
Re: [Mpls] Voting by Non-Citizens - by mail or in person
- Original Message - From: "Duke Powell" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> To: "Erik Riese" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>; <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>; <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Cc: "Phyllis Kahn" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Sent: Tuesday, October 22, 2002 11:56 PM Subject: Re: [Mpls] Voting by Non-Citizens - by mail or in person > I have read Rep Kahn's proposed bill, HF 2448, and I have an idea to improve > it. > > If we are going to allow non-citizens to vote in local elections, why don't > we allow them to run for elective office as well? Why not? Jordan Kushner Golden Valley > > Duke Powell > Burnsville ___ Minneapolis Issues Forum - A City-focused Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: mailto:mpls@;mnforum.org Subscribe, Unsubscribe, Digest, and more: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
Re: [Mpls] City Council Cops Out on Iraq
Barbara, i can sympathize (and empathize) with the perils of living in the central city. This is exactly why it Dean Zimmermann is doing the right thing by speaking out against war. Why?: First, if the crime in Phillips has such an impact on daily life, can you imagine how life must be in a country where there is a lack of food and clean water due to U.S. economic and military aggression, and then literally have bombs dropping on one's house and neighborhood, and now the threat of an invading army? Local elected offiicals, as the rest of us, have an ethical obligation to speak out against atrocities being committed in our name. Anyone in an official and visible position has more of an obligation because they are in an official and visible position. Second, there ARE connections between what the U.S. is doing (?)12,000 miles away and what is happening in Phillips. The hundreds of billions of dollars wasted on the war machinery to invade countries 12,000 miles away needs to be directed at the problems in our inner-cities. Imagine how much a small portion of that money could do to improve housing, stimulate economic development, provide job training, drug treatment, etc. The only hope for urban problems is for city and community leaders to stop responding to problems in a reactionary manner, and address the underlying causes. This includes recognition that what happens in the city of Minneapolis is not just based on what happens in the city of Minneapolis. Our problems are connected to what is happening elsewhere. In particular, the problems are rooted more in Washington then the disenfranchised teenager in Phillips. If more communities recognized that and directed energies accordingly, we get some real change. Jordan Kushner (now moving from Powderhorn to suburb) - Original Message - From: Barbara Lickness To: Jordan S. Kushner ; Minneapolis Issues Forum Sent: Saturday, September 28, 2002 10:34 AM Subject: Re: [Mpls] City Council Cops Out on Iraq Personally Jordan, I wish Dean Zimmerman would spend more time passing resolutions that would help his war torn ward than concentrating on issues that are 12,000 miles away from here. While I am not diminishing the significance of the ward in Iraq, we elected our city council people to concentrate on the city. I expect that to take precedence over everything else. If I have a passion about the war in Iraq, I am calling Paul Wellstone or Marty Sabo, not Dean Zimmerman or Robert Lilligren. Since Dean has taken office he has offered resolutions for us not to watch T.V. for a week, against some human rights offenses in some country in the way beyond and now the war in Iraq. HELLO, he has people that fear for their lives every single day in Phillips and sleep with one eye open. I haven't seen one resolution from him that might help them. In fact, I hear very little from him on the horrendous crime issues in Phillips other than the police are brutal. Mostly, he shows up at meetings late, stands in the back of the room, says nothing and then leaves. So far R.T. is the only city leader that is taking a leadership role about the crime problems in Phillips. Many of the people I speak with in war torn Phillips are wondering when he will put their safety and well-being ahead of his other passions in countries far away. This is why he was elected. If Dean wants to debate the war in Iraq, then run for U.S. congress or U.S. Senate. In the meantime, Phillips needs his attention here in Phillips. Barb Lickness/Whittier "Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed,it's the only thing that ever has." -- Margaret Mead Yahoo! - We Remember9-11: A tribute to the more than 3,000 lives lost
Re: [Mpls] Posting
While I appreciate Peter McLaughlin's information about his work, he fails to respond to the criticisms raised by his opponent. The willingness to respond to legitimate questions is what makes the difference between issuing PR statements and showing true accountability to voters. In the hope of starting a genuine dialogue, I pose the following questions for commissioner McLaughlin: 1) Why have you appeared to consistently support public funding for a private sports stadium? 2) What was your role in the decision to have Highway 55 fly over Lake Street while causing a much larger delay in the traffic lights at that intersection? 3) Why did you sign your names as one of the co-authors of an op-ed piece in the Star Tribune on March 27, 2001, in which you appeared to denounce the Minnesota Attorney General's investigation of Allina Health System's unethical practices? 4) How do you justify your consistent past support for the Highway 55 reroute near the Mississippi river which was destructive to the environment, the community, Native American culture, and has actually led to more rather than less traffic? 5) How do you compare or distinguish your political agenda from your allies in the city of Mineapolis' DFL leadership who were defeated in last year's elections? Thank you in advance for taking the time to respond. Jordan Kushner Powderhorn - Original Message - From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Thursday, September 19, 2002 4:23 PM Subject: [Mpls] Posting David, Please post. I have often commented on how difficult it is to catch the attention of the voters when you are runningfor County Commissioner. My hat is off to the issues list and those of you who participate in it for paying attention and providing the opportunity to present information. Thank you to those of you who have written words of support. Please excuse the length of this posting, but I have been busy, have gotten a lot done and have a lot more that I want to accomplish. During the time I have been privileged to serve on theHennepin County Board of Commissioners, we have accomplished remarkable things. In 1992, no one gave Light Rail Transit much of a chance, and yet, at the end of 2001, the HiawathaLine was more than 30% completed! During the past few years, I have helped bring, for the first time,significant Hennepin County resources to the fight for affordable housing. In 2002 alone, the Hennepin County Affordable Housing Incentive Fund will provide $4 million for projects throughout the county,adding to the hundreds of units we have already helped create in the last two years. And the Midtown Greenway has gone from an abandoned trench to a multi-use trail that will soon be built to Hiawatha Avenue, and in the years to come, all the way across the Mississippi River. As hard as we have worked and as much as we haveaccomplished, there are challenges that remain. I am excited about the work ahead and the opportunities that wehave to make Hennepin an even better county in which to live and work. AFFORDABLE HOUSING: During the past three years, Hennepin County has dedicated millions of dollars to developing affordable housing. But the County alone cannot spend enough to solve the problem,and we must be creative in our efforts. I am working with local and state veterans and housing organizations to secure State bonding money for the Fort Snelling Veterans Housing Project –218 units of efficiency housing. We have used County bonding to turn over 1000 new market rate units into critically needed affordable units. I also authored a resolution providing funding to support development of a land trust for affordable housing in Minneapolis. And County Sentence toService crews (men and women) are rehabilitating boarded properties and getting them back into productive use. These are the kinds of creative, effective projects I will continue to fight for on the County Board. ENVIRONMENT: The picture on global warming is clear and frightening. I am doing all I can to make Hennepin Countya partner in reducing dangerous emissions and an innovator in new and greener forms of energy. With my leadership,Hennepin County’s capital plan calls for investing in a large gas turbine atHennepin County Medical Center and in gas turbines and experimentalfuel cells at the County Home School, making us less dependent oncoal- and nuclear-fueled electricity. Hennepin County has also distributed thousand of below-cost compostbins to reduce solid waste volumes. And, perhaps most new and old all at once, I am working on the development of a Community Energy Coop in the Phillips Neighborhood. If successful, this would be the first urbanelectric coop in Minnesota and the first new coop statewide since the late1930’s. T
[Mpls] Court Decision on Defamation on List
Today, the Minnesota Court of Appeals filed a decision regarding a lawsuit by list member Jana Metge against list member Basim Sabri for defamation and interference with her contractual relations. http://www.courts.state.mn.us/opinions/coa/current/c202249.html The case involves actions in the ongoing CNIA dispute. Of particular interest to the list is that one of Metge's defamation claims was based on a posting on this list by Basim on April 23, 2001 in which he accused CNIA leadership of misappropriating $110,000 of NRP funds.* The post did not specifically mention Metge, but Metge claimed that the post implied that she was responsible. The court of appeals, in upholding the dismissal of this claim, stated as follows: "Sabri's posting was part of a continuing on-line dialogue related to the CNIA and NRP. Discussion of matters in the public interest and involving public persons justifies robust, and sometimes even caustic, debate. [Diesen v. Hessburg, 455 N.W.2d 446, 453 (Minn. 1990)]. We conclude that the posting represents a statement of opinion and does not contain such an omission or juxtaposition of facts as would be necessary to establish genuine issues of material fact for defamation by implication." This should not be interpreted as any legal advice for people posting their opinions on this list, but it seems that this court believes that there should be some latitude in expressing views in this sort of forum. Jordan Kushner Powderhorn * The following is the excerpt of the post that was alleged to be defamatory: "And in fact, there were many files pertaining to NRP [Neighborhood Revitalization Program] funds and programs, along with many other materials that were necessary to operate the organization and NRP business that had disappeared when the new board came into office. Not only is there $110,000 of NRP funds currently missing, but as we all know, it costs a lot of money to generate those files and reconstruct those files that are now missing. I hold the NRP * * * responsible for filing formal charges and investigating this matter. However, to this date, they have done nothing to resolve this very important issue after a formal request was given to them. Isn't it ironic that the ED at that time (Jana) is currently the ED of another neighborhood group that receives NRP funds? I am wondering when the NRP office will start holding individuals accountable for their actions. Frankly, I don't see it happening under the current operation of the NRP. We must have reform and we should start holding people accountable for public money that is clearly misappropriated." ___ Minneapolis Issues Forum - A Civil City Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subscribe, Unsubscribe, Digest option, and more: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
[Mpls] County Commissioner District 2
Apparently there are five candidates for Hennepin County Commissioner in District No. 2. (Mark Stenglein is the incumbent). Does anyone have information about any of the candidates? Jordan Kushner Powderhorn ___ Minneapolis Issues Forum - A Civil City Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subscribe, Unsubscribe, Digest option, and more: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
Re: [Mpls] HCBA launches judicial-evaluation website
While the statistical data about judges provided on the Hennepin County Bar Association website is interesting and could be useful, it is still most unfortunate that the HCBA governing council decided to do away with the judicial evaluation surveys sent to lawyers in Hennepin County which actually addressed attorney's opinions of the judgess performances. This was the only mechanism for obtaining feedback from people who encounter the judges on regular basis. Although there were limitations with this process, it was better for the public to have this information, as opposed to having no information about how attorneys perceived the judges. This process had been in place in election years from 1992-2000, and the only group that a problem were most of the judges. The county bar association's duty to perform a service to the public was overwhelmed by pressure to please the judges. Jordan Kushner Minneapolis - Original Message - From: "Melendez, Brian" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> To: "Minneapolis Issues (E-mail)" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Cc: "Brent E. Routman (E-mail)" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>; "Duane Stanley (E-mail)" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>; "Jean F. Holloway (E-mail)" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>; "Joan M. Schulkers (E-mail)" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>; "John M. Dornik (E-mail)" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>; "Laurence Buxbaum (E-mail)" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>; "Marlene Garvis (E-mail)" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Sent: Wednesday, July 03, 2002 2:04 PM Subject: [Mpls] HCBA launches judicial-evaluation website > A few weeks ago, in response to questions posted by Michael Libby on > a thread titled "Watching the judges," I mentioned that the Hennepin County > Bar Association also evaluates judges and would be launching a three-year > experiment with a new judicial-evaluation process, including a website with > judge-by-judge information. I promised that I would follow up that message > when the new website had gone live. Here is the announcement about the new > website. The recommendation and report adopting the new process are > available online at http://www.hcba.org/news/news-home.htm. > > (I ought to mention that, while I signed the enclosed message as > HCBA President, my term ended over the weekend. The new President is Jean F. > Holloway.) > > BRM > > Brian Melendez > St. Anthony West (Ward 3) > > > > -Original Message- > > From: Melendez, Brian > > Sent: Wednesday, June 26, 2002 9:19 AM > > Subject: HCBA launches judicial-evaluation website > > > > The Hennepin County Bar Association is launching a three-year > > experiment with a new judicial-evaluation process, in which more > > information, and more relevant and useful information, will be available > > to the practicing bar and to the public. The Bar Association's > > leadership--whose Governing Council unanimously approved the new process > > in February, after a six-month study--hopes that this new process will > > dramatically better serve the essential purposes of judicial evaluation: > > informing the public about how well the community's judges are exercising > > their offices and upholding their public trust, and returning honest > > feedback to judges that will help them function as effectively as > > possible. > > > > I am writing in order to announce the launch of the new process's > > most visible feature: a website that allows "one-stop shopping" for > > information about each judge. This website will collect and publish hard > > factual data about judges' performance, including but not limited to-- > > > > --how promptly the judge disposes of pending cases; > > > > --how often the judge disposes of cases by summary judgment, > > alternative dispute resolution, and other methods short of trial; > > > > --how often the judge gets removed from cases; > > > > --how often the judge's decisions are appealed from, and how often > > such appeals result in those decisions being affirmed or reversed; and > > > > --how often the judge attends or is absent from his or her judicial > > duties. > > > > This information has hitherto been unavailable in any meaningfully > > accessible form to the practicing bar, let alone the public. Furthermore, > > the old process surveyed lawyers about each judge only every sixth year, > > so that the information about a given judge might be years old. The new > > process will publish current information about every judge, updated > > regularly, so that the best available information about every judge will > > be as up-to-date as possible. > &
[Mpls] ISAG persecution continues
Most will remember the International Society on Animal Genetics conference in July, 2000, when the City of Minneapolis spent an estimated $1.15 million and deployed 831 cops from several agencies to crush 150 peaceful environmental and animal rights protesters (35-40 of whom were undercover cops). Many will also recall that some of our recently elected officials campaigned on the ISAG fiasco as an example of the police abuse that they planned to stop. Some called for an end to the criminal prosecutions of the protesters during their campaigns. [The City Attorney responsible for the prosecutions, however, was unanimously reappointed by the city council, and the police chief has of course prevailed politically and remained in office] In June, 2002, this political persecution is not over. The City plans to proceed with a trial of one of the ISAG activists this Monday who is accused of various misdemeanoros and a gross misdemeanor charge of Riot. [Disclaimer - I am representing this individual]. A couple of interesting aspects of this case: First, the City has no video or photographic evidence to support its charges against this individual despite having several cops filming and photographing the demonstration. Second, the case against this individual is based exclusively on the claims of undercover cops who recognized him from attending organizing meetings and then got together and made various inflammatory [but false] allegations. He was not arrested at the protest like others, but charged more than a month afterward. This activist was also more easily recognizable because he was the only person of color involved in organizing the protest. In other words, the Minneapolis police of targetted this individual based on their spying on his political activity, and possible racial profiling. While the media's interest in this saga has apparently passed, the City's abuse continues. Jordan Kushner Powderhorn ___ Minneapolis Issues Forum - A Civil City Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subscribe, Unsubscribe, Digest option, and more: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
Re: [Mpls] Police Arrest Bike Riders
The police have been going through this routine of attacking and arresting critical mass riders for at least the past couple of years. I have personal questions about what the riders politically accomplish by knowingly riding into these futile confrontations, but that is really besides the point. The importance is the police deliberately reppressing people's expression. The question now is what are the new elected officials who got elected on platforms that included addressing police abuse going to do about this? The "accomplishments" of the new administration so far include eliminating the Civilian Review Authority WITHOUT first setting up a replacement, so far just talk about exploring the string of police shootings, continuing the criminal prosecutions of the ISAG protesters arrested in July, 2000 because 831 paramilitary police wanted to justify their presence to combat 100-150 nonviolent protesters. Jordan Kushner Powderhorn - Original Message - From: "Cameron A. Gordon" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> To: <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Sent: Saturday, March 30, 2002 7:40 PM Subject: Re: [Mpls] Police Arrest Bike Riders > I talked to two (of about 60) people today who were at the Critical Mass bike > ride Friday. > > It sounds like this was a carefully planned raid by the police. Several police > cars were waiting. Once the ride got under way, riders were ordered to ride > single file and then they were "pinched" off at the front. > > A flatbed truck was there and bikes were taken by the police and loaded onto it. > Some folks are very concerned because these are their only means of transit and > they use them to get to work, school etc. Apparently those bikes without > licenses and registration will be keptat least this is the impression that > the riders were left with. At least one bike with proper registration has been > returned. > > Does anyone else question if this is a useful or valuable use of our police > resources? > > It might be helpful if we could read what motivated this police action. > > If there were concerns about safety or violations of law there must have been > better, more productive and less costly alternatives to this approach. > > > Cam Gordon > Seward ___ Minneapolis Issues Forum - A Civil City Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subscribe, Unsubscribe, Digest option, and more: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
[Mpls] redistricted boundaries
The maps of the new legislative districts that have been posted to not have any clear street delineations. Does any one know the precise boundaries of the new Minneapolis legislative districts? Jordan Kushner Powderhorn ___ Minneapolis Issues Forum - A Civil City Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subscribe, Unsubscribe, Digest option, and more: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
[Mpls] Need for Independent of Investigation of Police Shooting
I attended the press conference and vigil at Franklin and Chicago Avenues this morning for the Somali man whom Minneapolis police shot and killed yesterday. The very diverse turnout of about 100 people was impressive. RT showed up early and talked to all of the reporters. He gets credit for being at the scene in the community - which would be unimaginable with at least the past two mayors. His commitment to concrete meaningful action, however, is the more importantant and difficult test. RT's talk was limited to getting the information and listening to the community's concerns. The irony of just having eliminated the Civilian Review Authority and cutting the budget for any independent oversight by more than 50% illustrates the contradiction between talk and commitment. As far as concrete and meaningful action goes, I do have a concrete suggestion: hire an independent investigator to gather the facts about this killing, as well as evaluating the policies and practices connected to this and the numerous other shootings by the Minneapolis police department in the past couple of years. As of now, the case is referred to the Hennepin County Sheriff investigator, the regular practice in these cases. The problem is that the Hennepin County Sheriff investigators will only focus on the specific incident, almost definitely exonerate the officers involved, and will not look at underlying policies and practices. The Hennepin County Sheriff is separate from the police deparment only in the most technical sense, but in reality works hand-in-hand with the police department on a daily basis. Its "investigations" of these incidents are superficial and focused on corroborating the police officer's accounts. In order to really "do something" about the trigger happy culture in the Minneapolis police department, we need an expert and in-depth investigation by investigators who really have no connection to the department. Although RT mentioned at the press conference his usual emphasis on not spending more money because we are in a recession, the city recently spend $150 to examine the circumstances behind an elected offiicial taking a bribe. It is certainly more important to spend money necessary to find out answers why the police are killing people. The type of investigation conducted will be a real indicator about whether the city officials really care to find out why. Jordan Kushner Powderhorn ___ Minneapolis Issues Forum - A Civil City Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subscribe, Unsubscribe, Digest option, and more: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
[Mpls] Budget Cuts/Civilian Review
Apparently, the city council has allotted $200,000 for a "replacement" Civilian Review Authority ( http://www.startribune.com/stories/462/1628811.html ). Since the CRA was not effective with a $457,000, it is unlikely to accomplish anything with less than one-half that amount. Although the problems are not just based on money, $200,000 might cover a staff of 3 plus essential overhead expenses - clearly not enough to investigate and enforce proper police procedures for a police department with about 1000 officers. The short term savings from a meaningless Civilian Review Authority will likely result in more money from lawsuits in the long run. Given the limited funds now allotted, it seems that giving the oversight powers to the Civil Rights Commission may be the only promising solution. This would be more cost effective because it would use the infrastructure and staff of an existing agency that already does similar tasks. The City Council, however, would have to pass or amend ordinances to expand the Civil Rights Commission's powers and responsibilities. These changes would have to include the power to investigate and make findings regarding the violation of police department policies. Additional powers should also include the following: 1) the ability to award damages for police misconduct for ANY case, regardless of whether it is based on discrimination; 2) the power to impose discpline on officers rather than just make recommendations to the chief as is the case with the current CRA; and 3) the power to investigate and require the police department to make changes in police department policies and practices that are determined to cause systemic problems. The Civil Rights Commission already has subpoena power which is a signficant advantage over the CRA. Jordan Kushner Powderhorn, Ward 8
Re: [Mpls] reply to Jordan Kushner
Ed, were are you getting your information about the Civil Rights Commission? First, the Minneapolis Civil Rights Commission DOES have currently have jurisdiction over the Minneapolis the police. This power was granted by a charter amendment passed by voter referendum in 1997. Second, however, the Civil Rights Commission ONLY can investigate DISCRIMINATION as defined by the civil rights ordinance. This power is far more narrow than you suggest. A. The discrimination provisions do not automatically protect non-white males from police misconduct. The civil rights ordiance only applies if it can be proven that the misconduct was motivated by discrimination. Therefore, if a cop (of any gender or color) thumps someone not because he or she is racist or sexist, but simply because the cop is a thug - there is no remedy with the civil rights commission. B. It is possible that white heterosexual males could have a remedy under the civil rights ordinance, but only if the police discriminated against them specifically because they were white, heterosexual, or male. C. There is not any special exception for people getting beaten up by cops at demonstrations. The Minneapolis civil rights ordinance does not have any protections related to political discrmination or free speech. Conclusion is the same - significant changes to the power of the Civil Rights Commission would need to be made in order to allow it to deal meaningfully with police misconduct. Meanwhile, our elected officials are avoiding their responsibilities to protect the public from abusive police by elimating the Civilian Review Authority without any attempts to create a meaningful independent mechanism to monitor the police. BTW, I received a suggestion offline that perhaps RT might be repaying the Police Federation for its high profile endorsement. The Police Federation has always vigourously opposed the creation and maintaining of an independent authority, and has effectively used its clout to make sure that it could never be effective. Given the controversy around RT's courting of the Police Federation after campaigning so much as a reformer, these connections need to be questioned. Jordan Kushner Ward 8 - Original Message - From: Ed Felien To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Wednesday, February 13, 2002 2:18 PM Subject: [Mpls] reply to Jordan Kushner reply to Jordan Kushner Yes, Jordan, you're right. Giving the Civil Rights Commission power to investigate the actions of the police would not solve all the problems, but it would begin to solve the most serious ones. The only people not covered under the proposal would be white males (that's you and me), and we'd be covered when we're at demonstrations, which is where we get into most of our trouble, anyway. If people of color or women or gays felt they were victims of the use of excessive force in their arrest, then they could get a fair hearing before the Civil Rights Commission, and the police could be compelled to testify. Damages could be awarded and a police officer's conduct would become a matter of public record. It's not perfect, but it would be a step in the right direction and it would save money. Ed Felien - Original Message - From: Ed Felien To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Wednesday, February 13, 2002 2:18 PM Subject: [Mpls] reply to Jordan Kushner reply to Jordan Kushner Yes, Jordan, you're right. Giving the Civil Rights Commission power to investigate the actions of the police would not solve all the problems, but it would begin to solve the most serious ones. The only people not covered under the proposal would be white males (that's you and me), and we'd be covered when we're at demonstrations, which is where we get into most of our trouble, anyway. If people of color or women or gays felt they were victims of the use of excessive force in their arrest, then they could get a fair hearing before the Civil Rights Commission, and the police could be compelled to testify. Damages could be awarded and a police officer's conduct would become a matter of public record. It's not perfect, but it would be a step in the right direction and it would save money. Ed Felien
