Time for change
By: Warren Kaari 11/01/2013
Have you ever heard the phrase, “She is an honest, hardworking politician?” Perhaps it was in a dream because our current 4th Ward City Council Member Ms Barb Johnson is none of the above. She is running for office again—but it is time for a change. Let some facts be revealed. After the last election in 2009 Johnson was brought to a hearing before three judges in St., Paul on Jan. 26, 2010. She was found guilty of violating Mn. Statute 211B.12; using campaign funds for personal expenses. She was also fined $200. This is our City Council representative folks. She has betrayed the public trust!
In 1997 a referendum question was on the Mpls. ballot. It provided for the people to have a say, or vote, on any city expenditures over $10 million for a professional sports facility. While 69 percent of Mpls. voters and 74 percent of our 4th Ward voters indicated a preference to have a say, Johnson ignored this mandate when it came to the new Viking stadium. We the people never had a chance to vote as required by law. So much for honesty in following the law.
Johnson had an opportunity to attend a candidate forum on Sept. 26 at North Regional Library. It was sponsored by the Northside Community Organizations of Color and Community Allies. Some sponsoring organizations included the Jordan Area Community Council, Lao Assistance Center and the Northside Residents Redevelopment Council. Not only did Johnson decline to attend, she also refused to fill out a 21 question questionnaire. Another candidate for 4th Ward Council representative, Kris Brogan, did answer the questionnaire and also attended the forum. Johnson knew about the forum well ahead of time. Obviously she did not want to discuss the concerns of those she supposedly represents. One of those concerns is about providing support to those who choose to start a small business in our Ward, thereby creating jobs. This newspaper has in the past published concerns of business owners who were not receiving any support from Johnson. It is time to replace Barb Johnson as our 4th Ward City Council representative. The position has been in the family for decades and that indicates “machine politics” folks. Let’s reward honesty and hard work. It is time for a change. Vote for Kris Brogan for our 4th Ward City Council representative.
Warren Kaari,
Victory