Why are you running for office?
Tell Us About Yourself
Pronouns: he/him/his
Party Affiliation: Independent
Do you own or rent your home? Own
Let’s Get To Know You
What is your favorite album?
Metallica – And Justice for All
Who are your heroes?
Linda Hayden (mother), Jackie Hayden (partner), Michael Demps (mentee)
How do you plan to engage with and be held accountable by community once you are elected?
First of all, you can’t have your mind made up for you before taking office. Money in politics has gotten way out of hand and I am committed to not make any promises that would interfere with genuine consideration of my constituents’ well-being.
Second, I will not be a CM who stone walls anyone who asks questions on social media. Many CMs are simply not willing to engage with constituents publically and it allows them to doublespeak and dodge accountability.
What’s your favorite thing about Minneapolis?
Potential. Minneapolis has the opportunity to show the world how to a diverse community can live in harmony to the equal benefit of all.
The Issues
Why should young people be invested in local politics?
National politics have paralyzed forward-thinking problem solving. For now, local action is our only hope of a stable, equitable society.
Where do the inequities in our city stem from?
The United States was founded on stolen land and built by stolen people. Historical revisionism has stunted our ability to identify and rectify the exploitation of vulnerable people. This is where inequity started and this is why it persists.
These inequities will continue to persist unless we reconstruct unjust social institutions, reform our rudderless government, and create opportunities for individuals to break out of generational poverty. We must do this with urgency!
What single issue could have the biggest impact in closing racial disparities in our city?
Budget reform. We spend money on all the wrong things. Prioritize affordable housing, childhood development, and jobs training.
Do you believe that we could ever have a city without police?
No
What would you do, as an elected official, to bring us closer to police abolition?
I would not try to abolish police.
How do we continue to grow our city without displacing the people that want to stay here?
Zoning + AHTF – Rent Control = Responsible growth and affordable living
We must have zoning throughout the city that allows us to develop housing near the rate of growth. This means increasing density.
However, YIMBYs might have you believe that a luxury condo highrise is good because it increases supply. Our need is too urgent to wait 30 or more years for those developments to filter into Natural Occurring Affordable Housing.
The only way to properly address the issue is to adequately fund the AHTF. First, we need front end capital to jumpstart development. This could come from streetcar TIF or selling assets like Target Center. Then we need a greater annual allocation. I propose this comes from sales tax.
Rent Control will not work.
How will you fight against state preemption of local control?
Preemption is a partisan battle. As an Independent, I hope to chair the IGR committee and build trust with state officials. More than anything, if we make a city that thrives, they will have no business telling us what we can and cannot do.
What policy changes are necessary to improve the health of all Minneapolis residents?
Every time I cross the Lowry bridge with my son in the car and have to smell the putrid air from the industrial zone, I am enraged. It is absolutely unacceptable for HERC and other polluters to poison us. We must relocate these polluters and pay reparations to the victims.
Additionally, the city must pursue solutions to making healthy, affordable food available in all parts of our city. Community gardens, mobile markets, and city supported nonprofits all help.
How can the city improve our transportation infrastructure?
First, decertify street car TIF and invest in aBRT and bicycle/pedestrian infrastructure.
We also must work with MetCouncil and State/Fed government to expand light rail.
This is a matter of environmental protection and economic vibrancy.
How will you work to improve conditions for workers in our city?
My vision for Minneapolis is that it is the most talented workforce in the nation. We should be an economy rooted in skills and opportunities for high paying jobs.
Our city needs to facilitate talent pipelines that give each worker in our city the opportunity to access education, resources, and training that allow them to thrive.
Additionally, we must ensure businesses follow the rules of our city. Increasing oversight of implementing $15/hr rollout will be crucial to the policy’s success.
How do you define sanctuary city? Do you believe that Minneapolis should fill this role and what would you do to make this happen?
Undocumented immigrants are a vital part of our community and our economy. Any threat to their safety and stability is a threat to everyone. Our law enforcement officers cannot be intimidated by our federal administration into hunting or holding these valuable contributors to our society. Further, Minneapolis must set up a legal defense fund to protect our undocumented neighbors from deportation and the threat thereof.
What is the role of city government in shaping Minneapolis as the city of the future?
Our government must be the agent of change and progress, not the obstacle. This starts with government itself. We must be willing to consider non-DFL candidates who will push our city in the right direction and charter changes that would streamline forward-thinking action and lift the veil at City Hall.
If we can get governing right, there is nothing stopping us from being the greatest, most equitable city in the world. We have the people. We have the means. Do we have the resolve?
Anything else you want people to know?
My nonprofit work has put my on the forefront of environmental, educational, and economic justice work and I am deeply committed to creating a society that works for everyone. I am sick of cliché and platitudes that only serve to get politicians elected. I am looking for real solutions to our City’s biggest problems.
I do not want to be a Council Member forever but in the next 4 years, I hope to dramatically change the priorities and processes at City Hall, so that we can close disparity gaps.
For more information ,visit www.myneighborjohn.com.
Why are you running for office?
In the last year, I talked with neighbors in Ward 1 to share stories, discuss what we are excited about, and what concerns us. People love this community and they have concerns about affordability, housing, living wage jobs, environmental justice. I hear that they want leadership from our councilmember, someone who shows up and fights for the community. I’m committed to vision, action and justice for all of Ward 1.
Tell Us About Yourself
Pronouns: she/her/hers
Party Affiliation: DFL
Do you own or rent your home? Own
Let’s Get To Know You
What is your favorite album?
My 1st album = Whitney Houston’s Whitney. Summer = Chastity’s Silhouette of Sirens. Always = Dylan’s Desire & Roberta Flack’s Chapter Two.
Who are your heroes?
Rigoberta Menchú, Winona LaDuke, Bayard Rustin, Maya Angelou, Ilhan Omar, my Mom.
How do you plan to engage with and be held accountable by community once you are elected?
The City can only make good policies if it actively listens to residents, including those who have been historically excluded. As a councilmember, the same is required of me: I will work collaboratively with community members to ensure we work together to pass progressive policies. We will host listening sessions, including language justice so that people who don’t speak English are able to participate. We can only craft good policies when we ensure those most directly impacted are at the table.
What’s your favorite thing about Minneapolis?
Dog walks along the Mississippi, the arts, the strong organizing community, urban gardens, and amazing food along Central Ave.
The Issues
Why should young people be invested in local politics?
Affordable housing, student debt, criminal justice system = key issues to many young ppl. When we show up, we have power to make change.
Where do the inequities in our city stem from?
Racism and corporate power have driven huge inequities in our city. For example a long history of redlining has caused generational gaps in wealth building and deepened segregation. Before the Great Recession banks preyed on working people, especially communities of color, by selling bad loans. To narrow the racial wealth gap we must acknowledge this history and have clear goals to reverse it.
What single issue could have the biggest impact in closing racial disparities in our city?
Housing. Invest in low income & POC communities hardest hit by redlining & discriminatory practices, invest in mixed income neighborhoods.
Do you believe that we could ever have a city without police?
No
What would you do, as an elected official, to bring us closer to police abolition?
We should aspire toward a city where communities are more able to hold each other accountable & have the resources to thrive. That means addressing root causes, including, access to affordable housing, healthcare, living wages, early childhood education. We need to stop penalizing homelessness + addiction, shift resources to mental healthcare, trauma specialists & public health programs. Incentivize law enforcement to live in the communities they serve. Bring back an empowered civilian review.
How do we continue to grow our city without displacing the people that want to stay here?
Housing is a human right. We often operate from a scarcity model instead of a perspective of abundance. I support:
How will you fight against state preemption of local control?
The Chamber of Commerce along with republicans at the state capitol want to prevent the progressive victories for Minneapolis workers and the environment. I will work with partners at the state capitol to push back. I have been endorsed by Rep. Ilhan Omar, Rep. Karen Clark, and State Senator Dibble. In 2018 we must elect a Democratic governor and take back seats in the state house by keeping up the organizing we are already doing to increase participation in 2017 and beyond.
What policy changes are necessary to improve the health of all Minneapolis residents?
Republicans are cutting healthcare at the national and state. I will work to create affordable, accessible healthcare for all. Prioritize healthy communities over big polluters, work to mitigate industrial pollution in Ward One and work with community to increase access to the river for neighbors in North and Northeast Minneapolis. Prioritize investments in community safety programs beyond policing like mental health co-responders and trauma specialists.
How can the city improve our transportation infrastructure?
We need to build our city for people walking, biking & taking transit to connect people across neighborhoods. The city recently passed a complete streets plan that prioritizes investments in walking, biking, and transit infrastructure. In too many cases the current council member voted against the best plans. I would have voted differently. We should work with the Met Council to quickly expand the rollout of Bus Rapid Transit routes. I would also advocate for better east/west buses in NE.
How will you work to improve conditions for workers in our city?
We must enforce $15 minimum wage and fair sick days policy, fund inspectors and worker organizations who educate about standards. I oppose subsidies for already-successful businesses. If even a fraction of tax dollars funneled to US Bank Stadium were put toward small businesses, our local economy would be much stronger. I oppose “right to work for less” laws and will work for election of pro-union DFLers. I will work with unions that represent Minneapolis employees to move toward shared goals.
How do you define sanctuary city? Do you believe that Minneapolis should fill this role and what would you do to make this happen?
No human is “illegal.” Everyone should feel safe in our city. Cities are the last line of defense for many in our communities. We cannot allow our immigrant neighbors to be targeted by the Trump administration. I reject programs like CVE and support the creation of specific ordinances detailing the ways in which the police should not violate the separation of city and federal immigration office duties. I support a legal defense fund and a county-wide sanctuary status.
What is the role of city government in shaping Minneapolis as the city of the future?
The city must bring more voices to the table and be committed to increasing accessibility and transparency. We must take action on a progressive vision for our city since that progress is being blocked at both the state and national level. Cities must lead to address the crises we face. My team is committed to increasing participation for the election and long term.
Anything else you want people to know?
[Not answered]
For more information, visit www.jilliaforwardone.com
Why are you running for office?
I grew up here and I know our community’s strengths and its challenges. As an organizer, neighborhood project director and policymaker I’ve forged partnerships and collaboration to bring renewed vitality to our small local business community, increase affordable housing, add street and bicycle infrastructure and increased mass transit service, clean up polluted land, and augment resources for local schools. I’m running for re-election to continue bringing real change to our Ward.
Tell Us About Yourself
Pronouns: he/him/his
Party Affiliation: DFL
Do you own or rent your home? Own
Let’s Get To Know You
What is your favorite album?
Hendrix – Are You Experienced; Joy Division – Substance; Coltrane – A Love Supreme
Who are your heroes?
Jane Jacobs, Thurgood Marshall, Floyd B. Olson, Walter Payton, Claude Johnson
How do you plan to engage with and be held accountable by community once you are elected?
I have always vowed to my constituents that I will listen to all sides of each issue before acting on legislation. Fostering an engagement process that allows every community member a voice and ensures that every one of those voices is heard and responded to is at the heart of what we’ve accomplished in the past 8 years. I will continue to attend neighborhood meetings, host frequent community forums, and always make myself available to all who wish to communicate with me. My door is always open.
What’s your favorite thing about Minneapolis?
Our City’s optimism and pride in civic engagement. We never stop believing we can be the best possible city, and we strive to do better.
The Issues
Why should young people be invested in local politics?
Local politics have the most direct impact on the everyday lives of each of us and offer the most accessible point to effect real change.
Where do the inequities in our city stem from?
They stem from generational denial of equal access to economic, housing, and educational opportunities, based on systemic racism and discrimination.
What single issue could have the biggest impact in closing racial disparities in our city?
Access to economic opportunity through living wage jobs, support of workforce development, and bolstering locally-owned small businesses.
Do you believe that we could ever have a city without police?
No
What would you do, as an elected official, to bring us closer to police abolition?
I support a community-responsive model that prioritizes engagement & collaboration with effective civilian oversight & implicit bias, de-escalation, & crisis intervention training. I support community policing, job pathways that prioritize the diversification of the department & development of mentoring networks within the department. I advocate for the mental health co-responder, hospital-based violence intervention & other programs that positively impact trust & police-community interactions.
How do we continue to grow our city without displacing the people that want to stay here?
By encouraging the development of a wide range of housing to fit all needs, including affordable housing, workforce housing and higher-end housing. The more housing options we can provide at all parts of the economic scale, the easier it will be to halt displacement. We need to continue to fund and grow the Affordable Housing Trust Fund, create zoning policy that encourages density, seek creative housing models like Community Land Trusts, and build in legal protections and support for our renting population.
How will you fight against state preemption of local control?
By working with our state representatives and jurisdictional partners to build broader support for our local initiatives.
What policy changes are necessary to improve the health of all Minneapolis residents?
We need more tools from our State partners to combat & remediate the pollution degradation suffered in all the industrially-impacted areas of our city. We need to focus on creating a more walkable & bikeable city, accelerating our winter maintenance program of sidewalks, & prioritize innovative pedestrian infrastructure to improve access & safety. We must make it a priority to improve access to our river & partner with MPRB to support broad-spectrum recreation opportunities for all residents.
How can the city improve our transportation infrastructure?
I helped to develop the Complete Streets policy & the 20 Year Streets funding plan. These ensure smart transit growth that fully accommodates mass transit, pedestrians & biking, as well as accelerated infrastructure improvement. Support & implementation of these plans, along with support for our equity standards, will vastly improve our transportation infrastructure & ensure that our transit investment is applied in an equitable manner across our city, prioritizing areas of most need.
How will you work to improve conditions for workers in our city?
By continuing to develop workforce training programs & pipeline opportunities that provide good, living-wage & high benefit jobs like the Public Works Service Worker program & the Fire Dept’s EMT training partnership. Work conditions will also improve through rigorous enforcement of workers’ rights & protections like safe & sick time & the $15 minimum wage increase legislation, which I voted for proudly. These policies must dovetail with more affordable housing options for our city’s workforce.
How do you define sanctuary city? Do you believe that Minneapolis should fill this role and what would you do to make this happen?
Ward 1 has been home to immigrant populations since Minneapolis’ earliest beginnings. I am keenly sensitive to the safety & well-being of our undocumented community members. I fully support Minneapolis’ separation ordinance. Our police department should not be doing the work of federal agencies, particularly when that work interferes with their ability to do their job of ensuring public safety. I support adding resources to outreach & legal assistance for residents related to immigration status.
What is the role of city government in shaping Minneapolis as the city of the future?
The role of municipal government is dual. We have a duty to provide the highest level of infrastructure & service delivery to ensure safety & livability & that work must be improved upon constantly. That includes clean water, high-functioning transportation options, solid housing stock, thriving commercial activity & safe communities. Municipal government also needs to advocate for its residents & stakeholders at all levels of government to ensure equitable access to resources & protections.
Anything else you want people to know?
I’ve spent my life working on issues that impact our community – protecting our environment, improving housing stock & increasing affordable housing options, supporting local schools, expanding transportation improvements & options, & strengthening support for arts & small business. I can point to the results in every neighborhood in Ward 1. As long as I’m your Council Member, we will continue building on our progress & working together to make real change for our community & our city.