As a nation, 2020 has been a challenging year. One of the biggest challenges has been the relationship between community and police. But thanks to the open-minded efforts of both the Saint Paul police department and members of the local African American community, this tarnished relationship has taken on a bit of a shine (“Why are these shoe shiners polishing St Paul officers’ boots? To find common ground,” Aug. 4).
Although the relationship is complicated, small steps do help to improve strained relationships. For anyone who doubts this, I take them back to the Fletcher/Finney race for Ramsey County sheriff in 2006. The race for sheriff was one of the most contested races in recent memory. I recall a conversation I had with the late John Nasseff, the son of Lebanese immigrants. I asked him what he thought of the sheriff’s race. He looked at me with a pause and said, “Those two are worse than the Arabs and the Jews.” Today, not only are Bob Fletcher and Bill Finney working together, they are doing so exceptionally well. Open-minded efforts prevailed.
Danny Givens Sr., owner of DG Express Professional Shoe Shine, and Glenn Brown — an independent shoe shiner operator for the business — are part of a team who provide some of the best shines at the MSP airport. They decided to use their talents to help bridge the gap between community and police. Their idea, along with the warm reception received from Chief Todd Axtell, has placed a pair of handcuffs on stereotypes and misunderstanding. Refusing to join a crowd of critics, Givens and Brown proudly walk into police headquarters every Monday to build relationships that will impact both communities. This is why Saint Paul is such a special city. Although the stairs to police reform go up many stories, Danny Givens Sr. and Glenn Brown may have begun constructing an elevator to the top.
M. Puente, St. Paul
New monuments
Out with the old, in with the new. Around the world there are ruins of past cities, castles, camps and historic monuments that attract tourists and fame of past things.
I read in a recent edition about the difficulties of cleanup, demolition and restoration costs. If any money comes for damaged and burned out businesses and residents displaced by the destruction it should be used to buy these piles of rubble. Leave the mess as is and promote it as a tourist attraction. Why not? It could serve as a reminder of burning out minority and community businesses, eliminating lower-cost housing for residents and obliterating a diverse community.
Replacing the mess with shiny new buildings covers up the reasons why this destruction occurred. I think Minnesota would be well served by protecting and keeping these “new monuments” and brand them as a tourism attraction.
Henry M. Votel, Forest Lake
Pause
Awhile ago, after someone had a temper tantrum, the city council voted to spend $7.5 million on Ayd Mill Road. The next day the Pioneer Press published a story about a projected budget shortage due to COVID-19. Was the Ayd Mill Road vote rescinded? No. This is what happens with elected officials, who’ve never run a business, get to spend other people’s money.
Now, surprise, there is a larger budget shortfall and the police are being asked to cut $9.2 million from their budget. The mayor says this is just the start of a discussion. I say it looks like the mayor’s backdoor attempt to defund the police.
So, where should the money come from? How about immediately halting work on Ayd Mill Road and return all unspent money to the general fund. Work just started, so there should be a substantial amount left.
Next, how about eliminating half of the mayor’s cabinet. They’re all activists with their own agendas and are beholden to their constituents. What we need how are people who are interested in serving ALL the people of St. Paul.
This should be followed the suspension of all programs that are wants not needs or provide unessential services. It should also be understood that raising property taxes, again, is not an option.
Susan Hanes, St. Paul
