What about the residents’ rights?

I was genuinely pleased to read about the proposed expansion of the St. Paul Downtown Improvement District.

Now, given that I am a condo owner in the Lowertown district, that might seem a bit odd as the plan would essentially mean additional taxes I would be paying for what I believe the City already has an obligation to provide.

However, I am a realist and if it means paying more to create a safe, clean and well-maintained environment, so be it. However, my elation was quickly dashed upon reading the comments by the city attorney on the proposal. Among other things the proposal provides to add a dedicated attorney to pursue perpetrators of non-felony, quality-of -life issues downtown, especially chronic offenders.

I gather from the comments from the city attorney that she is more concerned about the First Amendment rights of the graffiti artist, the pursuit of happiness by the vandals and thieves and the due process rights of the guy peeing on the sidewalk in broad daylight.

I am completely unmoved by the comments by the city attorney alluding to preserving our core principles of democracy and constitutional protections. What about the residents’ rights? Procedures and rules certainly could be established to prevent abuse by the attorney’s office to ensure that prosecutions are fair and equitable to all.

Dave Cassman, St. Paul

Wake up, GOP

What has happened to MY Republican Party? The party that believed in less government, that life began at conception, advocated for lower taxes and small business and respected law enforcement and accountability for those who broke the law?

“Trump is king of the hill for GOP” was the headline in last Friday’s paper. A vast majority of Republicans in Washington, including the congressmen and woman representing Minnesota, have turned into Trump’s puppets. They refuse to take a stand and denounce him for his role in the January 6, 2021, insurrection, turn a blind eye to his insults, whining and lack of accountability , and above all his deplorable narcissistic behavior.

Wake up GOP! Let’s see your backbone. I for one will not be voting for “the King”.

Ann Helvick, Apple Valley

Bump-stock ban is up to Congress

In “Gun bump stocks banned” the news report makes it appear that the Supreme Court decided against banning bump stocks. While their 6-3 decision certainly has that immediate effect, it is by no means the final word on banning bump stocks.

This Court has the unique, and welcomed, practice of reading the law, considering its applications to a case, comparing it with the Constitution’s intent, and issuing an opinion. They have been consistent in this. Bravo. We have missed this for generations.

The Court also clearly stated, Congress had not passed a law that specifically bans bump stocks. I’d vote for it. I bet it would get bipartisan support in Congress, if it wasn’t for the sad reality that Congress has disdain for bipartisanship.

Write your federal House and Senate member and ask them to get this done.

Dave Racer, Woodbury

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