[Mpls] 7 Questions RE: Mayoral Race

[Gregory Luce]

Mike Thompson:

The only question I want answered is when RT is going to pay back the city
the $42,000 he owes for his blatant, but "coincidental," campaign literature
mailed out a few weeks ago.

[Greg]:

I sense that the question will be answered shortly.  The Star Tribune had an
interesting article yesterday with a Q&A with State Auditor Pat Anderson and
her agency's attorney.  I'm not sure if there was more in the hard copy of
the paper, as the online Q&A had the feel of a sidebar.  In any event, it is
at:

http://www.startribune.com/stories/587/5219864.html

I suspect Mayor Rybak will offer some dollar amount reimbursement based on
what the City Attorney says.  I doubt it will be the entire $42K, and it's
debatable whether legally--not ethically--it should be the entire amount.

My two cents:  the Mayor not only missed a significant opportunity to
underscore commitment to his push for ethical government, but he also
damaged his reputation and his past efforts.  He should have reacted
similarly to CM Zerby, who immediately offered reimbursement in an amount to
be determined by the City Attorney.  Now, it just appears reimbursement is
compelled by law, rather than offered up ethically, and it leaves a bad
taste behind amid continued questions of ethical commitment when it counts.

Likely the last you'll hear from me on this issue, as I've flogged and
flagged it enough.

Gregory Luce
St. Paul