Stop the press: Congratulations from the Minneapolis Shadow to Minneapolis City Council

As much as I, the Minneapolis Shadow, will condemn the Minneapolis City Council when they do something dumb and crazy, which is most of the time, I’ll also give them a “that a boy/girl” when they do something right and in the best interest of the public. Council Member Paul Ostrow, who has been out front on the issue noting that there is no need for an investigation into the police conduct regarding the RNC, deserves a pat on the back. The police followed all the proper procedures, acted in the best interest of the public, and went to great extra-ordinary lengths to do the right things. Kudos to the police, chief, and the council members who voted down Cam Gordon’s attempt to cost the city unneeded expense. Bravo!

Cam Gordon is once again wasting government time and money tilting at windmills

For political reasons “silly” councilman Cam Gordon is asking for an accounting (short of calling for an investigation, but really lets call a spade a spade here) of a house raid in regards to committing crimes during the RNC convention. What’s up Cam? Calling into question the cops, the judge who approved the action, or just again tilting at windmills? I would think that the police wouldn’t have requested and taken action if they didn’t think there was a good chance of preventing something of happening. I think you are just trying to blow smoke here in order to be chummy with a bunch of protesters and look as if you are a champion of freedom of speech. Well Cam, you look like nothing more than a fool. Stop wasting everyone’s time and money and get back to the real work, and there is lots of it to do. Go and put on your Superfool cape on your own time!

Council Committee passes cab fare increases without the Republican National Convention increase

For the record :
The Republican National Convention cab fare increase was proposed by Gary Schiff and backed by Cam Gordon. The proposal was rejected by Barbara Johnson, Paul Ostrow, and Diane Hofstede. The Minneapolis Shadow applauds the rejecters and jeers the supporters.

However, Minneapolis will now rank 5th highest among 20 cities in cab costs. Remember, public transportation costs are one of the livability factors of urban areas.

BTW, the increase will be in place before the convention. Screw the Republicans anyway.

Why not to do business with Minneapolis

All the “Silly Council” wants to do is soak you if you want to do business with or in Minneapolis. Here is a good example of the type of “stick it to them” business approach that the city takes, which you’ll never see unless someone is watching closely.
Take a look at the agenda for the Public Safety and Regulatory Committee Agenda item number one on taxicabs. The time period for the fare increases are during the Republican National Convention.
http://www.ci.minneapolis.mn.us/council/2008-meetings/20080808/PSRS20080730agenda.asp#TopOfPageInstead of being happy to allow the increase in revenue from the activity that the convention brings, such as income from cab rides, they need to raise fares. I find this practice appalling. It is another example of how the city officials purposely go out of their way to discourage business growth, or are just plain stupid when it comes to long term thinking on economic development.

Fiddle while Rome burns with another 2 Million Dollars down the hole

The focus of the Mayor and the City Council isn’t on the priorities of the city, or maybe 2 million dollars means nothing to these people. We have the Mayor focusing on water fountains, city council members worrying about police treatment of protesters, while members of the police department will end up costing the city taxpayers 2 million dollars over something that should have been taken care of internally. It is irresponsible for the “elected” to just allow this type of waste of taxpayer money to occur. Just plain irresponsible and they need to be held to account for it!

Republican National Convention demonstration police restrictions … what is Cam Gordon really up to?

Once again the Minneapolis Shadow is questioning the reasoning for Cam Gordon’s “town crying”. See his blog for details: www.secondward.blogspot.com.
I have two questions for Cm Gordon.
1. What are you afraid of happening … police abuse of power? Is that what you think of the Minneapolis Police department? I would think that the Police department would not take unnecessary and unconstitutional restraint of clearly constitutional demonstrations.

2. Would you be in favor of making your proposed police reaction to public assemblies and demonstrations a permanent policy? How would you feel about a taxpayer demonstration for lower taxes that would reach the same level of furor as that of the groups you are protecting for the convention? How about a pro gun rights group? How about a anti smoke ban group? Does your furor for the right to assemble apply equally to those who may run counter to you own beliefs?
Please clarify.