Minneapolis neighborhoods beating the odds

By |

David Brauer put together a ten-year map of homicides in Minneapolis, finding a depressing murder moat. Yet when I compare that same map to a poverty map, I find a string of successes where Minneapolis neighborhoods are beating the odds. There are poor neighborhoods that are doing better than what poverty would predict. Northeast is certainly better than its reputation. Indeed two areas of high poverty had no homicides. Most of the southern part of Minneapolis beats the odds. The sad part of the story is North Minneapolis. Focusing on why some neighborhoods beat the odds is where we might find more success for all neighborhoods. Continue Reading

Joining the grassroots revolution in the Catholic church

By |

The Head of Catholic Church, Pope Francis is leading in a new direction that moves from a preoccupation with sex and back to the principles that Jesus taught – like caring for the poor. However, the head of local Catholic Church, Archbishop John Nienstedt, is the ultimate in a preoccupation with sex. Not only has Archbishop Nienstedt been involved in condemning gays and condemning women, he lobbied against the Child Victims Act that removes the statute of limitations for child sexual abuse cases going forward. One of Nienstedt’s priests has been convicted of child molestation but went free because the statue of limitations ran out. Over a million church dollars has been spent since since the year 2000 in lobbying for laws that allow priests to get away with sexual crimes while trying to force sexual laws on everyone else. Not only did the Archbishop Nienstedt coverup and defend priests accused of sexual crimes, he rewarded them with extra funds. His actions put others at risk. Continue Reading

The Maplewood race that could and did

By |

A small hard-working group of volunteers waited tensely for results to come in. Maplewood has a strong independent contrary streak, there is no certainty. Sidewalks are rare and sometimes the need for curbs are still questioned. Yet there are great parks and trails. Only a small number of people get involved in local city politics, so getting out the vote is really critical. Recent elections have been volatile. Continue Reading

St. Paul Ward 1 happily goes for no endorsement

By |

This was the happiest no-endorsement convention that I have ever seen. It was all very well run! The chair, Chuck Repke was stern, but gave clear fair instructions. Many other DFLers from other wards came to help out. The convention ran quickly with a fast turnaround by tellers. The audience outnumbered the delegates, yet they were considerate in keeping down noise. There was the best convention food that I have ever had. Kazoua Kong-Thao’s campaign won the best-chef award. Continue Reading

Johnny Howard answers questions for St. Paul city council

By |

Johnny Howard had actually answered all of the questions quite promptly, however I did not recognize his email. I thought it was a fundraising request. So that is my fault. Johnny was prompt. Johnny is the last of the candidate answering a standard list of questions for all the candidates of Ward 1 for St Paul City Council. I requested brief answers, no more than 300 words. Hopefully, this first answer will entice you to read more. Continue Reading

St. Paul Ward 1 city council excitement as convention nears

By |

Up to 117 Delegates of the Ward 1 will meet to endorse for city council, on 9AM Saturday July 27th. It will happen at the Heat and Frost Insulators Local 34 Union Hall at 95 Empire Drive in Saint Paul. While 117 delegates are invited, more like 70 delegates are expected to show up, This means that a candidate with 42 delegates could already have 60% of the vote needed for endorsement. This is a convention where small numbers will make a big difference for a very important city council endorsement. Continue Reading