The choice is clear
Upcoming door knock with Council Member Cashman and mayoral candidate Sen. Omar Fateh
Today my campaign is celebrating the opening of early voting in Minneapolis! The Star Tribune also released its voter guide. You can read my responses here.
Who will you vote for? There are basically two factions wrestling for control of our city. For the past two years, we’ve had a DFL centrist mayor, but an activist city council majority, whose members are either socialists or socialist-aligned. These factions have very different views on how to move our city forward, and the resulting deadlocks have stalled progress, wasted money and created unfortunate national headlines for our great city.
How do these differing viewpoints play out in Ward 7? I am a collaborative, centrist, common-sense leader on the parks, working respectfully with executive staff and my colleagues, even when our perspectives may differ. My highest goal is to work for practical improvements in our award-winning park system, not my own political agenda or aspirations.
Council Member Cashman’s voting record, by contrast, has shown she is not a centrist, aligning 76-87% of the time with the activist/socialist city council majority on all split votes. Similarly, Cashman stood with those against the mayor 78% of time. Interestingly, at both candidate forums this past week, the incumbent tried to “move to the middle” by highlighting her work with the mayor and more moderate council members…all of whom have endorsed me in the Ward 7 race: Mayor Frey, Linea Palmisano, Michael Rainville, and LaTrisha Vetaw.
Who does CM Cashman support for mayor? We don’t know. She hasn’t endorsed or been endorsed by any mayoral candidate. She said today that she won’t vote for Mayor Frey, but also says she will work with anyone elected. I appreciate this sentiment, but do not see it supported by action. Has she demonstrated a consistent ability to work with the current mayor? Not on the budget, not on George Floyd Square, nor on any number of other important issues.
I have said time and time again that I am a transparent and pragmatic leader. No leader can please everyone and I want people to know where I stand as they make their choice. While I appreciate the courage and good intent of other mayoral candidates, we need an experienced leader like Mayor Frey who is ready to address the fiscal challenges of the next four years. We also need a council willing to respect and work within our strong mayor system to advance our shared goal of a Minneapolis that is safe and prosperous for all.
That’s where I stand, but it’s your voice that matters most. As you think about where you stand, please consider these two competing viewpoints represented in races up and down the ballot, including the park board, city council and mayor’s race. From now through November 4th, you have the opportunity to cast your vote for the future of our great city. I trust the voters of Minneapolis to dig into the issues, become informed, and make a choice that promotes civility and progress the next four years. I humbly ask for your vote, and hope to see you on the campaign trail between now and November 4!