[Mpls] 137 Minneapolis cops to lose jobs through 2008

[David Brauer]

> Vicky Heller replies:  I don't think they are paying attention, and I 
> don't
> think any journalists are covering the subject.

Vicki has said this in a public forum, but she's wrong. If you don't 
believe me, go to Skyway News or Southwest Journal archives and search 
for "LGA" "debt" "budget" or "Pat Born" or "Patrick Born" (city finance 
director) or "Scott Russell" (reporter).

The links are:
http://www.skywaynews.net/archives/?search=advanced
http://www.swjournal.com/archives/?search=advanced
>
> Between 2001 and 2002, the City's spending INCREASED by $62 million.
> Between 2001 and 2002, Tax collections DROPPED by $11 million.
> Between 2001 and 2002, LGA subsidies to Minneapolis INCREASED by $11
> million.

Please note that this data is three years old (or three budget cycles 
ago), and does not reflect the actions of the current Council, whose 
actions began with the 2002-03 budget (we're now in their third cycle, 
'04-'05).

As Terrell Brown noted, the 2001 election was a referendum on the 
actions of city leaders, and its probably fairer to judge the current 
crop with fresher data.

Also, 2001-02 was a big recessionary year, and one also afflicted by 
the state cut in local property tax rates. I've made the latter point 
before, but it bears repeating, for fairness.

David Brauer
Kingfield
Editor, Skyway News & Southwest Journal