[Mpls] "Feeling less than empowered in the zone"

[Michellehill64 at aol.com]

Startribune finally reported on the Empowerment Zone Funding. I think it is 
suspect that they waited until after the election, and the two people most 
responsible for failing to put the money in the hands of the people it was 
intended for, were re-elected. I have been asking for someone to look at the way that 
money was being spent for months and no one wanted to touch it.

The Spokesman Recorder, a voice in our African American Community was the 
first to print something. Startribune, while printing nearly a full page article, 
was still soft on the city and that is unacceptable, but expected. The theft 
of the Empowerment Zone could only happen in low income and minority 
communities. 

Jnathan Palmer said the Empowerment Zone Funding went to organizations that 
"directly or indirectly benefited black people and other minorities." How does 
something "indirectly" benefit a person? The benefit was suppose to be jobs, 
financial security. 

CP Samuels, had the nerves to say, "It's Heartbreaking." You feel like it is 
heartbreaking because you are now the council person for the very ward that 
you failed to provide economic assistance to. Finally, I can smile about the 
election. 

Now the city wants another pot of money from the federal government. I say, 
"President Bush stand firm to your plan." My apologies to Representative Martin 
Sabo, for having to disagree with you, but you and other should have kept 
your eyes on the ball...or the money in this case. President Bush should have a 
plan that makes those with the money be held accountable for failing to utilize 
the funds appropriately. I hope the his administration does not give the city 
another dime in the name of the poor and the minority.

I questioned why Heritage Park received so much of the Empowerment Zone 
Funding, when the Federal Lawsuit, "Hollman Decree," was supposed to pay to rebuild 
that area. You can create as much housing as you'd like. Without economic 
stability it means nothing. How will the people afford to live there? You can 
send as many people to social organizations as you like and they will still need 
economic security. $3.4 million, out of $25 million, went to the African 
American Community. That is appalling and our leaders sat back and let it happen. 
Mr. Flowers, Mr. Edwards and Mr. Hodges talked about the Empowerment Zone money 
so much, that the city tried to quiet them. If I hadn't watched their MTN 
show I would not have known about it. If my neighbor hadn't told me what happened 
when she applied I wouldn't have known that the rules for disbursement had 
changed. Now the leadership and others are outraged about that way the money was 
spent. Spare me!

Commissioner McLaughlin said it best, when he said there are two separate 
cities in Minneapolis. 

I was emailed a request to take part in the Independent Freedom Party planned 
for the African American Community. It's about time!!!!! 




Michelle Hill



Cleveland