Systemic problems require systemic solutions. Let’s build those together.
Public Safety.
I believe we need a 21st century approach to public safety — one that is mindful and respectful of everyone involved. Let me be clear, I do not believe defunding or abolishing the police will accomplish this. The message is clear from residents across this city, we need comprehensive police reform and we need to provide tools to our police department to tackle the violent crime that is plaguing our city. Public safety is more than policing, policing is the reactionary part of public safety. We have to be willing to work together to identify the path forward that includes investments in violence prevention, youth focused engagement, mental health support, officer training and wellness, community engagement expansion, re-thinking how we handle non-emergency calls, and other critical steps. I am working with community leaders, neighbors, public safety professionals, and other leaders to guide my public safety policy platform…
Housing.
I believe we need a dignified, long-term solution to the growing and increasingly vulnerable homeless population in Minneapolis. Transitional housing, access to social services, and increased incentives to develop affordable housing must be prioritized for our most vulnerable neighbors. Additionally, we must leverage Minneapolis 2040 to protect the rights of renters, while also being mindful of new developments as our city and ward continue to grow. We must also work to create pathway’s to home ownership. Renters should not have to live in sub-standard conditions, anywhere in our city. We must work collectively to identify long-term solutions to support the most vulnerable members of our community. This starts by partnering across our government to identify those solutions and connect those experiencing homelessness with resources. This has to be a collaborative effort across city, county, and state governments/agencies.
Small Business.
It is imperative that we prioritize Ward 11’s small businesses to ensure they can weather the current economic crisis and thrive in the future. Part of the future success of small businesses is refining existing licensing requirements for new enterprises, as well as events that will bring our community together when it is safe to do so. Strong, convenient business districts benefit not only our livelihoods, but the environment and property values as well. As a former small business owner, I know first hand what it takes to start a business and what it takes to keep a business operating under factors that are out of your control. We must listen to our business owners, support them in the ways that we can as a city council, and be willing to create innovative programs to attract new businesses to our city. A healthy business community creates new and local job opportunities for our neighbors and youth. We must continue to identify new solutions for our businesses.
Working for You.
Serving as an elected official is not a 9-5 job. It is a 24/7/365 responsibility. I believe leaders must be available readily, listen actively, and communicate honestly — 311 is not a catch all. While we might not always see eye to eye, I will always provide the space for you to share your ideas and concerns. Additionally, you will always know where I stand on the laws and policies that impact you. Transparency is essential to building trust; I promise to always be open, honest, and available.
Justice & Equity.
For too long we have looked to the status quo to guide our decision making, which inherently benefits those who need help the least. Thus, equitable, systemic change must be made through a racial justice lens to repair the darkest moments our of history. Ensuring the most marginalized are not only considered, but have a seat at the table will be an utmost priority of mine. We can, and we must, do better to ensure that the best of Minneapolis is accessible to every citizen.
Transportation.
We must continue to identify safe, accessible, and climate conscience modes of transit in our ward. Whether you commute via bus, train, car, bike, or on foot, as a growing city it is imperative that we diversify and expand transportation offerings for all residents. Within the coming years, Metro Transit’s D-Line will make it’s way down Chicago Avenue, rapidly connecting Ward 11 to further reaches of the city. Similar enhancements to our transit infrastructure must be a priority.
Where I stand on proposed amendments:
Amendment #1 (Government Structure: Executive Mayor – Legislative Council)
Yes, I support this amendment to clarify the reporting and leadership structure in our city. This creates greater balance and accountability for elected officials, reduces the confusion for residents, and holds responsibility for leadership of city leaders at the mayors office. The proposed amendment if passed would allow our city government to operate like many metropolitan cities our size or bigger, with the goal of still maintaining proper checks and balances.
Amendment #2 (Department of Public Safety Amendment)
No, I do not support this amendment and find it important to note very specific language in this amendment that says the Department of Public Safety would “include licensed police officers if necessary”. I believe we need a 21st century approach to public safety — one that is mindful and respectful of everyone involved. Let me be clear, I do not believe defunding or abolishing the police will accomplish this. This type of rhetoric and ill-informed ideology will only continue to drive a divide in the important work ahead of us to reform our police department and public safety system as a whole. The message is clear from residents across this city, we need comprehensive police reform and we need to provide tools to our police department to tackle the violent crime that is plaguing our city. Public safety is more than policing, policing is the reactionary part of public safety. We have to be willing to work together to identify the path forward that includes investments in violence prevention, youth focused engagement, mental health support, officer training and wellness, community engagement expansion, re-thinking how we handle non-emergency calls, and other critical steps.
Amendment #3 (Authorizing City Council To Enact Rent Control Ordinance)
No, I do not support this amendment. The idea of rent control is not entirely a bad idea, we just need to do a better job of defining what this would mean for our city. I do not agree with what others have said about this amendment being what would allow the city council to dig into this issue further because that is simply untrue, even the language and explanatory note for the amendment say otherwise. Quite frankly, as a resident I am tired of hearing this will allow the city council to start looking at a particular issue, there is nothing holding back our council from starting to do the work prior to coming to residents asking for power or authority. Let’s define what support for residents, renters, landlords looks like to ensure all tenants have the protections they need, landlords are doing their part to provide safe, well kept, well managed properties, and that we invest in expanding affordable housing.