I am sure that General Mills hasn't cured all the ills of Hawthorne and that is a pretty unrealistic expectation of any philanthropist. I am sure they not unlike Honeywell, Wells Fargo and Allina/Abbott Northwestern GM was just trying to make a difference and ensure their foundation dollars were invested in an area that really needed the help.
The southside corporations I mentioned have a much larger vested stake in improving the surroundings because they are located directly in the mix. GM is not. However, it makes sense for them to partner with a northside neighborhood. I believe that the residents and community activists in Hawthorne were very much involved in the partnership just as the residents and community activists in Phillips West were involved in the partnerships that developed there. If there is any question about the success of these partnerships just drive through Phillips West these days. I affectionately refer to it as the Edina of Phillips. These partnerships have not cured all the ills or rid the neighborhood of all the problems but they have gone a very long way to improve livability there and that was the purpose. You can slam the corporations all you want for a variety of reasons many of which have been stated on this list but let's give credit where it's due. These corporations have made significant contributions to this city and more than in just their tax base. Barb Lickness Whittier ===== "Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it's the only thing that ever has." -- Margaret Mead REMINDERS: 1. Think a member has violated the rules? Email the list manager at [EMAIL PROTECTED] before continuing it on the list. 2. Don't feed the troll! Ignore obvious flame-bait. For state and national discussions see: http://e-democracy.org/discuss.html For external forums, see: http://e-democracy.org/mninteract ________________________________ Minneapolis Issues Forum - A City-focused Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Subscribe, Un-subscribe, etc. at: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
