Readers Write for Friday, Oct. 30

MINNEAPOLIS MAYOR

Carney and Flowers make their cases

While endorsing the incumbent Minneapolis mayor (Oct. 25), the Star Tribune acknowledged that his challengers have raised serious issues. Anyone who tours my website, www.republicancontract.com, will see that. Unfortunately, the "mainstream media" paradigm is "objective standards": How much money? How many supporters? It's harder to "objectify" the quality of ideas.

I've filed suit over Gov. Tim Pawlenty's unallotment of the Political Contribution Refund program and over the city's refusal to allow me to use the "Moderate Progressive Republican" label I sought to appear with my name on the ballot.

I'm a real Republican, as in "republican form of government." I admit to spreading a humor virus. And there's a side effect of that virus: symbiotic serious ideas. Hundreds have already been infected with my Sky-Bi transportation plan.

The Star Tribune said I'm "not in Mayor [R.T.] Rybak's league." True. I don't play his game. All I ask for is your vote.

BOB CARNEY JR., MINNEAPOLIS

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On Nov. 3, Minneapolis residents will make a decision about who they believe is best qualified to lead our great city.

During this campaign, I have talked with countless parents about the importance of providing supplemental education services to students who need additional help in school.

I have had numerous conversations with residents about the need to increase the number of entrepreneurs in traditionally impoverished neighborhoods and have heard the call of voters to remove the "us vs. them" mentality between community members and the Police Department.

If elected mayor, I will implore the Civil Rights Department to put clarity and teeth into the Contract Compliance Unit so that more city residents are employed in the construction trades industry. I will work with the Finance Department to draft a proposal to create a short-term, city-secured fund to assist homeowners who fall behind in mortgage payments. I will put people to work to fill the never-ending path of potholes on our streets and require city staff to immediately step up efforts to maintain our lakes, parks and wetlands. In addition, I will direct city departments to view youth violence reduction as a public education issue, not a public health issue.

The public isn't complaining of how the Park Board is maintaining our great system. During a time of severe financial challenges, it did not close any of its 49 neighborhood centers. Most municipalities are not faring as well. In St. Paul, for instance, the city is considering reducing neighborhood centers from 41 in 2007 to 25 next year.

One of the reasons cited for my not getting the Star Tribune's endorsement was that I would "continue the war against City Hall." Many City Council members support folding the independent park system. In addition, they assessed parks with huge storm water fees, are reluctant to abide by the service redesign agreement negotiated a decade ago and put heavy constraints on park funding.

BOB FINE, MINNEAPOLIS;

COMMISSIONER, MINNEAPOLIS,

PARK AND RECREATION BOARD

LONG AND WINDING FLIGHT

Pilots' fiasco gives the new Delta its slogan

As Northwest Airlines merges with Delta, the new airline may be looking for a new slogan. How about "Going the Extra Mile"?

DAN BECK, MINNEAPOLIS

THE WAR IN AFGHANISTAN

A resignation that should raise questions

I can't fathom U.S. foreign policy in Afghanistan and Iraq. I can't condone blowing up people in the midst of a civil war. Why does Congress fund nation-building with little evident oversight or forethought, while human needs and infrastructure woes go unmet and ignored at home?

It is telling that a Foreign Service officer and former Marine captain resigned from his post because he "no longer knows why his nation is fighting" (Star Tribune, Oct. 27). Is anyone listening? I sincerely urge President Obama to pull the plug on the nondefense-related, elective wars in Afghanistan and Iraq.

BOB MACNEAL, ST. PAUL