MINNEAPOLIS/ST. PAUL STAYS STRONG UNDER SIEGE

 

Some emotional national stories are captured by news cycles/social media, and keep growing. I am referring to scenarios that pull at the heart strings. These stories are more likely to bring Americans closer together as we share our common humanity rather than to increase our political and social divide.

Examples include Lindsay Vonn attempting to compete in the Olympics with a torn ACL. This story touched us all as an act of personal courage. Another is the kidnapping of Nancy Guthrie, the mother of Savannah Guthrie. These unthinkable circumstances lead us to consider such a horrible event in our own lives.

Also in focus, is the crisis in the twin cities, Minneapolis/St. Paul (MSP). The unprecedented “Operation Metro Surge.” conducted by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) brought normal activity to a halt. This situation compels us to contemplate such an overwhelming disruption in our lives.

This largest operation in ICE history began in January. At its peak, roughly 2,400 federal agents from ICE and other agencies were deployed. (For comparison, 300 agents were activated in much larger Chicago.) The terrifying effect on MSP has included the killing of two American citizens, the use of military tactics against protesters by untrained officers, and the violation of the basic civil rights of immigrants.

This commentary will focus on what the ICE operation looks like where citizens live and work. The impressions I am relating come from the journalists on site (There were probably as many reporters from every major news source as there were ICE agents.) and from a close relative, with Washington connections, who now lives in MSP. My intent is not to present a formal legal analysis. What follows is a description of ordinary people, reacting to a situation that is as close to a modern domestic war zone as our nation has experienced.

We all like to talk about the weather. After the ICE operation began conditions in MSP were extremely cold with temperatures and wind chills well below zero. Hypothermia was a real concern, making it unsafe for prolonged exposure. Nonetheless, as the ICE operation progressed, many thousands of local citizens turned out each day to help those under duress and to demonstrate against the brutal crackdown.

Originally inhabited by the Dakota and Ojibwe, MSP was settled in the 19th century largely by Scandinavians and Germans. Today, it is a hub for large Somali, Mexican, and Hmong communities. 

According to a reporter from New York Magazine, “It is the misfortune of ICE to have invaded the state with the second-highest level of social trust.” The citizens of MSP know how to organize and take care of each other. Local elected officials, local news agencies, small business and corporations, churches and charities all made drastic changes to their schedules to help those under siege. Average citizens reported that between their regular responsibilities and volunteering they often worked 18-20 hours each day.

Thousands of concerned citizens buy groceries and walk dogs for potential ICE targets. The church, Iglesia Dios Habla Hoy, dropped off more than 12,000 boxes of essentials in six weeks. Volunteer shuttles drive sick immigrants to doctor appointments. Volunteer tow trucks return vehicles to their owners who fled on foot from ICE officers seeking to arrest them.

In every residential community, average citizens use whistles as a nonviolent signaling device to immediately alert their neighbors who might be the subject of a raid. The whistles draw support to the scene for community protests. Ordinary people juggle daily life to look out for each other, however they can.

All over MSP, a common sight was three SUVs moving in tandem with 12 agents, suddenly ducking into a side street and surrounding a house. To counter this activity, a sophisticated tracking system was developed to pinpoint the location of ICE vehicles as they departed the federal building.

N., our relative in MSP, had some interesting facts and observations to share. He carries a whistle on his key chain and a designated phone number in his mobile to warn of ICE activity. His young child asks questions about why the ICE personnel look so threatening compared to the local police she has come to know and respect.

N. believes that ICE is in his community in such large, intimidating numbers to “stoke fear and lower the voting rates in the mid-term elections.” He reports that since the shootings “Trump/MAGA supporters are few.” N. points out that one underreported fact is that “The community has organized a volunteer network to watch over the memorials for the two killed protesters, Renee Good and Alex Pretti. Anyone is able to come mourn, reflect, and embrace their community without judgment.”

A major takeaway for N. is that you do not need to be protesting to make a difference. “There are ways of showing your support like making grocery runs for our neighbors.” He believes the impact of local businesses was under-reported. “Local shops are donating their profits, cooking meals for free, closing for a day of solidarity.”

N.’s final thought is that “This is not about left vs. right or about criminals. It’s about fear. Our devotion and hope are stronger.”

On February 12, the massive ICE surge began winding down. Mayor Jacop Frey proclaimed: “They thought they could break us, but a love for our neighbors and a resolve to endure can outlast an occupation.”

 

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INSANITY IS MAKING THE SAME MISTAKE OVER AGAIN

 

The Republican Commissioners, Sherman and Janis, are about to repeat one of the most embarrassing public relations disasters of their administration. On March 12, they will sponsor their second annual Washington County Real Estate Expo. Instead of burying the memory of the under supported and badly planned, first Expo, our majority commissioners have decided to double down on a bad idea. There is no evidence that the results will be different.

The problems associated with the first Expo were well publicized.

First, the commissioners paid HGTV television actor Hilary Farr more than $30,000 to appear as the keynote speaker for their inaugural Real Estate Expo. According to reporting in the Observer Reporter, “the county also paid for Farr to fly first class on an airline of her choosing and stay at a Pittsburgh hotel of her choice while being transported to and from the event in a chauffeured luxury vehicle.” She was only on site for several hours.

Farr is a British-Canadian designer, businesswoman, television host and former actress. She now spends her time renovating her Toronto home, after leaving the reality television show Love It or Leave It.  

Farr lacked qualifications or knowledge to address the real estate/economic issues facing South Western Pennsylvania. She was hired as celebrity eye candy to shake some hands and amuse the participants.

Second, following the Expo, an initial audit by County Controller, Heather Sheatler, revealed that the Expo did not break even and was supported by unrelated grant funding, The initial Expo cost was $122,877 and only $71,000 was collected from vendors.

The $50,000 deficit was eventually recouped, well after the event. Sherman and Janis, hat in hand, went to Chapman Properties (who has now received $6 million from the county for demolition expenses for the Costco project) and to the county’s Tourism Promotion Agency (with whom the county now has a running battle for control) asking for substantial contributions.

Minority commissioner, Larry Maggi, was critical of these actions. He told this newspaper, “I didn’t think county government should be going out and asking for contributions with vendors we’re doing business with to fund an Expo.”

Third, the audit by Controller Sheatler revealed that the majority commissioners had opened an unauthorized bank account, not subject to Controller review, to fund the first Expo. More troubling, withdrawals were improperly made from the newly formed Blight Mitigation Fund to bankroll the Expo.

The announcement of a second Real Estate Expo on March 12 was met with skepticism. Commissioner Larry Maggi tried to block the no bid hiring of Richardson Communications for consulting services and Drive Marketing Inc. to promote the event. He also complained that county resources and staff were being improperly utilized to organize Expo II. It is unclear how or how much the private companies are being paid.

While the Expo is only a month away, a posted schedule of programing does not exist. There is a general description of presenters to include the two commissioners, local county agencies and an unnamed “array of industry experts.” As of February 8, the identity of the keynote speaker has not been announced. A participant searching for interesting sessions to attend is out of luck.

It is inevitable that Sherman and Janis’s ill-advised Expo II will be compared with the upcoming Washington County Chamber of Commerce Member Forum to be held on February 19, 2026. The county recently terminated the longstanding economic development contract with the Chamber. The majority commissioners now refuse to cooperate with the Chamber. If last year’s event is a guide, they will not attend the Forum and will lose the opportunity to network with its many business leaders.

The Chamber’s Forum is a well-established occurrence that presents a broad range of issues of interest to our diverse business community. This year, Dan Rooney III, Vice President of Business Development, Pittsburgh Steelers, will be the featured speaker. He will bring the regional business community up to date on the opportunities afforded by the April 2026 Pittsburgh NFL Draft.  Other scheduled panels of announced experts include: 1) the region’s economic outlook, 2) infrastructure development, and 3) workforce development.

Washington County only needs one well-organized winter event to discuss economic development. Sherman and Janis’s vanity project should not have been repeated.

 

 

ADJUSTING TO A CHANGE OF SCENERY

 

When my wife and I decided to move, we were told to prepare for a few difficult months. Because we were traveling less than a mile, at our own pace, in excellent fall weather, we laughed off the warnings.

We were wrong. Leaving a three story 1875 home in East Washington for a top floor condominium in South Strabane Township was a challenge. It was physically exhausting and emotionally stressful; beyond anything we imagined.

Our extensive planning was never enough to anticipate all the unforeseen issues. The parting with cherished items was painful and often time- consuming. The tedious packing, loading our car, and unpacking made us cringe at another banker box.  Waking up in the middle of the night with yet another task for our checklist was a common occurrence. Moreover, the mental adjustment to a new, smaller living space, and the inconvenience of owning two homes still has us running in circles.

The move was designed to simplify our lives. We are both in our mid-70s with ailments that make step-climbing a painful adventure and outdoor maintenance an unpleasant chore. Single level condominium living, where the property was professionally maintained, seemed like the answer. However, all the work in getting there was as arduous as running a marathon with little training.

We have now learned that the two abutting Washington County communities of East Washington and South Strabane, are nothing alike. Our community of 22 years, the Borough of East Washington, is only 0.45 square miles. It is surrounded on three​ ​sides​ ​by​ ​the​ ​City​ ​of​ ​Washington​ ​and​ also ​borders​ ​South​ ​​Strabane​ ​Township​ ​to​ ​the​ ​north.​ Because of the many older, ornate homes, the East Washington Historic District is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.  Only 2000 people live in the borough. The community prides itself in its residential setting. The zoning regulations discourage commercial enterprises.

South Strabane offers a very different living environment. It encompasses 23 square miles with a population of 10,000. Due to its location astride Interstates 70 and 79, it has undergone rapid commercial and residential development. Modern retail centers and the Tanger Outlet Mall are within its borders. A Costco store is planned for the site of the former Washington Mall in South Strabane. A proposal to place an AI data center within the township on 1,500 acres owned by CNX Resources is being considered, despite objections from concerned residents.

South Strabane contains several high-rise buildings (including senior citizen facilities) and extensive commercial structures. It was encouraging when a friend and former South Strabane Supervisor forwarded a video of the new aerial fire truck practicing rescue techniques at the top floor of the unit we were about to purchase. The video helped convince my wife that she could rest easily, many stories above the ground.

After moving in, we were shocked by news reports that the new South Strabane board of supervisors planned to reopen the budget process and terminate the contract for the lifesaving aerial truck. We were prepared to voice our objections when we learned that further discussions apparently convinced the supervisors to retain this valuable piece of equipment.

However, the supervisors now plan to eliminate a public safety specialist from the payroll.  As reported in the Observer-Reporter at a recent budget meeting, “the South Strabane Fire Department Chief sharply criticized the decision.”

Tax rates and budgets are determined by local township supervisors. South Strabane has a larger tax base with many commercial contributors. Consequently, the tax rate (including a “fire tax” add-on to help pay for the new aerial truck and other funding to create and maintain a professional fire department) is much lower than East Washington. The total millage in the township for 2026 is 1.85 mills and, in the borough, 2.43 mills.

East Washington has significantly higher municipal taxes, but must still rely on the City of Washington for fire protection. South Strabane taxpayers pay lower municipal taxes for benefits that now include a full-time professional fire and public safety department to respond quickly to all emergencies.

It makes little sense for the current supervisors, in a thriving and growing community, with an expanding tax base, to reduce public safety funding that protects everyone. Residents of South Strabane should be alarmed by this misguided plan to reduce services.

We were not familiar with how condominiums are administered before moving into our unit. The condo owners elect a board of directors to make day-to-day management decisions, collect homeowners’ association fees and to help new owners like us get adjusted. These board members do an extraordinary job of keeping things running smoothly. Forty-two owners have many questions and issues. Getting information out to the owners on a timely basis is critical and time consuming.

The two indispensable individuals are the building manager and the maintenance man. Both know the inner workings of the structure and are familiar with many of the individual units. Checking with them and following their advice before making important decisions saved us time and money.

As I write this commentary, we are safely tucked away as a major snowstorm swirls around us. Two days before the storm, I looked out my office window to observe a bald eagle gilding by. While we miss our neighbors, we are beginning to become accustomed to the change in scenery. There is no confusing it with our former East Washington back yard.