The Bridge January article, “As city grows, so does vision for the future” seems to describe an analysis that is missing an important consideration: the improvement in Minneapolis’ governmental structure.

There is a basic problem with the structure of Minneapolis government that needs to be improved if we are to avoid wasting our resources, including taxpayers’ money.
We have a number of powerful public officials in Minneapolis government who might be labeled “mini-mayors.” These individuals seem to be empowered to do what they please without really answering to anyone. For example, there are the mini-mayors of Regulatory Services and Public Works.

The domain of Regulatory Services includes the traditionally dysfunctional divisions of Inspections and Licensing.

The mini-mayor of Public Works has allowed the sloppy installation of boulevard lights and incomplete boulevard restoration. Public Works has also caused the unnecessary plugging of crosswalks and driveways through antiquated snow plowing practices.
Citizens suffer when they are not able to elect responsible and effective public officials. It seems obvious that we need to make changes in the basic organization of Minneapolis government.

—Neal E. Simons
Prospect Park

last revised: February 12, 2008

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