opinion

PIT BULLS ATTACK MAILMAN

Charge their owner with aggravated assault

So Otello Pitts of north Minneapolis will pay $475 in fines after his two pit bulls mauled his letter carrier Brian Bloomquist ("I had no fight left in me," July 29).

Bloomquist's physical recovery from this attack will take time, and the psychological recovery period can only be guessed at. His career and health were changed in a matter of minutes by two vicious, uncontrollable dogs (legal weapons, really).

Is this adequate punishment and restitution for the grievous harm caused by Pitts' dogs? Hardly. Charging Pitts with abetting aggravated assault with a deadly weapon makes much more sense.

KATHRYN JOHNSON, MINNEAPOLIS

After looking at too many units in my price range -- most worn and not well attended by management -- I found the new Cedar Square West. I rented a modest studio unit and was delirious over a clean, convenient place to start my new life.

Over the couple years I lived in the complex, I was able to feel safe and secure. I enjoyed the quick bus trip to work, felt "in the mix" of the city, and met people who were kind and shared my dreams.

This development was emblematic of the utopian visions of the times. The community was just that: We were singles and families; an ethnic, economic and generational mosaic, all learning, growing, and building futures. I appreciated those assets and have fond recollections.

Each time I pass the area I look out my window to view the building. I have noted the gradual decline and have heard stories of the deterioration and blight inside. To read "Rehabbing a rundown Minneapolis landmark" (July 28) about the devastation in the buildings and the plight of the residents is heartbreaking.

At 60, my utopian dreams are a bit dusty. I am not sure which course to take on this complicated matter. Nevertheless, I am sure that the estimated 4,440 residents of Cedar Square West deserve all that I had -- either there or elsewhere.

JUDITH A. GASTON, VADNAIS HEIGHTS

• • •

As long as a government agency can bond a project, there is no need to worry about the viability of the project. If a project cannot financially support the debt, eventually a default will occur and others will have to step in to pay back the bonds.

The checkered financial history of this project alone brings into question why any more money should be spent to rehab the buildings. The initial quality of construction was poor; the size and layout of the units is abysmal at best. It appears the only real attraction is the promise of low or subsidized rents for those truly in need.

When you boil down the numbers, it becomes very clear that a better plan needs to be considered. Financing $113.7 million for 30 years at an interest rate of 3 percent results in a monthly payment of $479,363. Dividing that by the 1,303 units produces a monthly unit obligation of $367.89. On top of the bond obligation for each unit, you have to add expenses for utilities, property management and continued maintenance, as well as a reserve component. When you add up all the costs, including the repayment of the debt, it is clear that this is anything but an affordable housing complex. If Minneapolis approves the financing, city residents need to fully expect their taxes to eventually increase in order to repay the debt for this concrete white elephant.

BRAD STEVENS, ELK RIVER

Children

Protect, advocate for our future parents

I'm in love. Even before she was born, my new granddaughter stole my heart. She also gave me a gift: an affirmation of my commitment to children.

When I watched as she was carefully examined by the pediatrician, I thought all babies should receive this same kind of health care. When I see her parents hold her, love her, talk to her, sing to her, I want all babies to be loved, held and sung to. When I read to her, I want all babies to have the opportunity to know the joy of learning. When I watch her explore plants and bugs and flowers, I want all of our babies to delight at the world around them in a safe environment, in the arms of those who love them. And when she is hungry and cries, I want all of our babies nourished and fed and responded to.

Let us all reaffirm our commitment to babies and children. We have the ability to vote and shape public policy. Let's ensure that all children are loved and cared for, live in safe environments, have enough to eat, receive a good education and thrive. After all, they are our babies. They will be our future teachers, workers, leaders and parents.

SYBIL AXNER, associate director, Children's Defense Fund of Minnesota