Editorial

by Sheila D’Amico

Remember that scene in the movie Casablanca, when Claude Raines’ character has to close down Rick’s Cafe? He utters one of the movie’s memorable quotes, “I’m shocked, shocked to find that gambling is going on in here.” Before the words are completely out of Raines’ mouth, the croupier interrupts, hands Raines a roll fo bills, and says, “Your winnings, sir.” Earlier this summer, when the reaction began to come down to reports that the City Administrator had questioned a police officer who was in the process of towing her nephew’s car and that she made or threatened to make a telephone call to the officer’s superior, I felt that I was watching a modern version of that Casablanca scene.

Putting aside for the moment the very serious accusations that the City Administrator may have interfered with a police investigation, I wondered, what exactly was causing all the surprised reaction to the telephone call? Isn’t the ability to pick up the telephone and call someone you know in high places the ultimate perk? Or is it networking run amok? Have we created a climate where you have to know someone to solve a problem or get a job? Have we made a sham of civil service in favor of someone we know putting in a word for us, moving us through the process? Have we created a scenario where the “usual suspects” continuously cycle through all the elected and important appointed positions?

As we look into the workings of the city, it is beginning to look as though we have created a mess. Possible nepotism—enough to cause the auditor and the city attorney to propose new regulations on hiring. Possible faulty budget figures. The appearance of election irregularities in a mail-in vote. A city seemingly in the grip of an unsolvable homicide epidemic.

It will be interesting to see how our elected officials and others in high places deal with this crisis. Meanwhile, the people keep on going. The Maxwell Park community organizes to create a more friendly eponymous park. Melrose High Hopes works toward a solution to illegal sideshows. Redwood Heights creates an urban park. Dimond revitalizes an NCPC and gives it a new name more in keeping with neighborhood goals. Laurel participates in an international music festival and a destination community street fair. Leona neighbors rally to support a Metro writer and help him gather information to communicate neighborhood stories to the greater community. Hundreds of ordinary people speak out on neighborhood listservs. They communicate with neighbors on everything from the city crisis to criminal activity to loose dogs to notification of government meetings to exchanging theater or sports tickets.

The people, especially when organized, know the questions to ask. When elected officials and appointees listen and acknowledge community wisdom, it can be the “beginnings of a beautiful friendship.”