[Mpls] Peter McLaughlin

[m1r3201 at aol.com]

I am following up on Guy Gambill's comments regarding his reasons for 
supporting Guy Gambill.

I do not agree with all of Peter's decisions. But, then again, I think Gail 
Dorfman is an incredible Commissioner and I don't agree with every decision she 
makes either.

What made me decide to openly and actively support Peter McLaughlin?

1. Unlike our present Mayor he does not sugarcoat or dodge controversey or 
controversial issues and people.
    Instead of devising some top secret Public Relations Campaign to stop 
panhandling,
   Peter took a hard look at what really needs to be done to address 
livability in the      
   Downtown Area and he was willing, not only to listen to us advocates, but 
put into action the Hopper Work Group, based on the feedback of those of us 
who told him there 
    must be a paradigm shift from simply recycling people in and out of the 
criminal justice 
    system who truly need intervention and help. 
    He has set in motion the seeds for a win/win situation for both downtown 
residents (of whom I include homeless persons) and downtown business.
    And he invited so many to the group.He has people there, including 
myself, who have
   criticized him. Unlike our Mayor he not only tolerates, he values 
criticism...as long as he
   knows the person doing it isn't just full of talk and no walk.

2. Peter understands the value of critics and advocates.
    He includes them in his work. He understands that he does not want a 
bunch of yes men and women pandering to whatever they think Peter wants.

3. He is accessible.
    I never expect him to rush and answer my e-mails and meet with him just 
because
   I feel like it. But he always, always surpises me with his responsiveness. 
 And his
    responsiveness is based on concern about the issues presented.
    Unlike our current Mayor, who constantly puts out this image that he is 
too busy, much
    too busy, always rushing...can't find the time..

    Peter projects calm in the midst of what I can only imagine is an 
incredibly busy schedule.

4. He is also able to challenge those of  us who claim we are advocating for 
poor and homeless folks to put our money where our mouth is. he does this in a 
wonderful manner, but it is clear he does not tolerate BS.
    The Hopper Group is one such example of us advocates needing to put up or 
shut up. We have the opportunity with this group to truly move forward, away 
from the old, dusty ways of dealing with homelessness.
    Peter has given us that opportunity. 

We don't need PR campaigns, we don't need a Housing Czar at $80,000 a year. 
we need to use the people and resources in better and innovative ways.

He is not impressed by titles...he does recognize true grass roots efforts.

I believe Peter McLaughling provides the best hope for this city.

Margaret Hastings
Kingfield