Ask not what you’re able to traverse, but what those least capable are
I am able bodied but have combat related PTSD and have a service animal. I use ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) seating a lot and as a result have become an amateur proponent for disability rights.
There is a multi-family property I walk by every day that does not maintain its sidewalks well. There are five other properties on the street and all those sidewalks are very well maintained. On the property in question, snow/ice built up on the northeast corner that would prevent anyone in a wheelchair or other mobility device from easily transitioning to/from the sidewalk and street. Another area has piled snow completely blocking the sidewalk. There is standing water or glare ice, depending on the weather, on another portion.
On Jan. 5 I notified the city of this via the online complaint system. A few days later I got a response stating a letter would be sent to the property and subsequent fines would happen if not corrected. When no changes to the property occurred, I sent two more complaints to the city that went unanswered.
After almost a month from my initial complaint, I sent an email to Mayor Her’s office pointing out the failure in this city service. I got no response. I sent an email to my council member, who forwarded my email to the same office I filed my initial complaints to. Over five weeks after my initial complaint, the problem had not been resolved. I’m at a loss for understanding how a city that gets as much snowfall as it does does not have better ways to compel a property to maintain clear sidewalks.
If you are responsible for a property, I ask you to consider not what you are able to traverse, but what those least capable are able to. Contrary to the response, or lack thereof, of the city and some of its leaders, it’s the law.
Ryan Radunzel, St. Paul
The attitude of legacy media
As a longtime Pioneer Press subscriber, I look forward to the Sunday edition; the frequent inclusion of Soucheray columns; and, a couple of syndicated columns on subjects of national interest.
As to inclusion of The Los Angeles Times film critic Amy Nicholson’s column on the “Melania” film — I consider her column to be deservedly undistinguished. Although, she does well document the attitude and culture of America’s legacy media.
A few extracts from Nicholson’s column:
–A vapid, airless, mindless time-waster
— Trump getting to actually make public eye contact with his wife
— Baron’s goodbye, as he turns his back to lope down a hallway
— a black comedy, perhaps?
— a metaphor for Melania herself: a gown constructed with no visible seams
— the feel of a soothingly looped AI screen saver, a trance-inducing spell
— there is a truth in her SUV-to-tarmac-to-SUV-to-tarmac insularity.
God Bless America.
Gene Delaune, Arden Hills
Sainted
A big shout out and Thank You to Good Samaritan Elizabeth of Roseville for helping my auntie after she fell and did a slow slide down her front steps.
On Jan. 16 I took my 83-year-old aunt fabric shopping. We had a pleasant morning shopping, lunch, and I drove her home. When climbing the stairs, she missed the handrailing and fell backward, landing on the sidewalk.
Elizabeth was walking by with her dog and asked if we needed help, which we did. She was trained in safe, medical lifting and instructed my aunt what to do. With Elizabeth ‘s calm coaching and direction, my aunt was able to get her knees and feet in place to be able to stand. We were very thankful for Elizabeth’s help. My aunt is fine and busy sewing baby blankets.
So thankful for the help,
Liz Biagi, North St. Paul
Sainted
To Regions Hospital Cancer Center, once again I feel compelled to express my most sincere and heartfelt thanks for the wonderful and professional treatment that I’ve received therein. We are indeed privileged to have such a wonderful medical facility in our midst.
The wonderful and professional doctors, nurses, medical technicians, and other support personnel are like a well-oiled machine; each knowing her/his responsibility and executing their training and skills perfectly! How thankful I am for their ability to enhance my quality of life dealing with multiple cancers. From day one of my diagnosis and treatments, without them and their compassion more than likely you would be reading my obituary.
To Dr. Kumar, my primary oncologist, my deepest gratitude for your exceptional care. Your expertise and, more importantly, your compassionate approach have made a profound impact on my palliative treatment journey. I truly believe that I am in the best hands possible.
To the oncology nurses/staff, especially Kathy, Kaitlin and Anne, and of course Rachel, the dedicated RNs in the infusion center, words alone cannot express how thankful I am for your kindness during my treatments and beyond. You turn a very scary and difficult time into a more manageable experience with your warmth, patience and smiles.
As I reflect on my journey, I am filled with gratitude for the incredible care I receive from the Cancer Center and this team.Their dedication to not just treating the cancers, but caring for me as a person, has meant the world.
Mike Howard, St. Paul
Related Articles
Newspaper delivery delayed on Tuesday
Letters: Why no ICE surge in red states?
Fleet Farm settles MN lawsuit over straw purchasing, promises to make policy changes
In downtown St. Paul, Aldi seeks permits to move into former Lunds & Byerlys
Naked burglar who entered St. Paul home and teen’s closet sentenced to probation
Leave a Reply