[Mpls] In Ballot Box: Fifth Ward fireworks

[Tamir Nolley]

I think it's important to point out that not only is CP Samuels engaging in this type of behavior, but so are people on his campaign.  Megan Goodmunson (who works on Samuels' campaign) repeatedly accuses Michelle Hill of actually being NJL (she is not) and personally insults her (and has insulted me as well when I've posted in favor of NJL) on this list.
 
The Samuels campaign has developed a real mean streak, using derogatory words about lower income people of color (Samuels is a former corporate executive who has publicly said that he wants to replace current residents with "Middle Class" residents) and younger people who may choose to dress differently.  Samuels has also used the terms "Alpha Male" and living in the "Big House" to describe himself, something which at worst is an offensive gauntlet thrown at certain people and at best is an insensitive, misguided statement which with most of us can't really identify.

Bringing NJ L's husband in to the debate and calling him a pornographer adds a nasty, disgusting personal tone to this debate.  
 
These are the kind of campaign tactics worthy of the religious right.  As long as we're throwing accusations and innuendos out there, I have one of my own.  CP Samuels sits on the council as a result of FBI (Bush Administration, who's campaign tactics he is using) interference in our local affairs.  
 
As a former 3rd ward resident who had significant ideological disagreements with Joe Biernat, I'll say that CP Biernat at least returned phone calls and responded to e-mails of NORMAL PEOPLE, not just the ED of the local neighborhood groups.  He helped develop the "Truth in Housing" statements and the Upper River Master plan.  He led the fight against the Kondirator.  CP Samuels is definitely a few steps down.
 
When Northeast neighborhoods voted unanimously against affordable housing development, Samuels (an immigrant) wasn't there to tell them that NIMBY-ism is wrong, he simply kept quiet.  
 
Of course, let's be real clear.  The real ugliness in this race is between the SUPPORTERS of both of these candidates.  
 
To those of us who had had the doors of city hall repeatedly slammed in our faces and were threatened with lawsuits (as happened to a list member) when Jackie Cherryhomes didn't like what we had to say, Natalie Johnson Lee is the one person in city hall who let us working class folks have a voice.  The criticisms of her (an inneffective rabble rouser) are essentially the same criticisms of former CP Jim Niland and former US Senator Paul Wellstone.
 
Most of the north side supporters of Don Samuels are the people who supported our former behind-the-seens iron fisted ruler, Jackie Cherryhomes.  They resent US (working class cab drivers <NJL is the council representative to the taxicab committee>, counter culture types and people of color who wear baggy pants) for having any voice whatsoever at city hall. 
 
It begs the question, would Don Samuels have run if Jackie Cherryhomes were the CURRENT 5th ward council member?????  My money says no.
 
Megan, maybe that's why your tone is so over-the-top with hostility towards Michelle Hill.  Maybe that's why the 5th ward race is full of class warfare type language.  
 
Those avidly supporting Don Samuels seem to be economically comfortable people who seem to resent even the little scrap of power we've been thrown. Many of them have shown disturbing attitudes towards working class people. They complain about Booker Hodges' show on MTN, but don't really mind white supremacist Larry Leinenger's show.  Leinenger was a third ward primary city council candidate.  Hodges is not seeking political office. Larry Leinenger is not threatening to (most of) the comfortable, Natalie Johnson Lee is.
 
(As a free speech advocate and MTN member I support the rights of both of these men to say whatever they want provided they don't violate the rules of MTN.  Though I am simply writing my own opinions, I am an MTN board member....these opinions are mine and NOT those of MTN!)
 
Well Mr. Samuels (and supporters,)
in the age of Nixon, you may find that hypocritical, negative, nasty campaigning works, but SOME of us poor slobs who don't deserve a voice still have ideals.
 
Tamir Nolley
9-9

 
 
Craig Cox <craig at mplsobserver.com> wrote: 
In Ballot Box: Fifth Ward fireworks
Council Member Natalie Johnson Lee responds to the coverage of 
yesterday's Fifth Ward debate.
Go to: 
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