CC WS PACKET 01032024 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

1/3/24, 3:10 PM mn-stanthonyvillage.civicplus.com/Admin/FormCenter/Submissions/Print/6296 https://mn-stanthonyvillage.civicplus.com/Admin/FormCenter/Submissions/Print/6296 2/3 What St. Anthony community activities have you been involved in? Most recently I ran for city council in St, Anthony. As I mentioned above, knocking on doors and talking to residents about concerns, the future of our community, and my commitment to that future. Although I came in third in that race, I received more votes than a majority of City Council members who have served St. Anthony in the last 20 years. Seriously running for any office takes a lot of commitment and sacrifice, but I believe it shows the level of dedication a person will give after the election as well. I have been regularly active in the SOSA (South of St. Anthony) neighborhood group for many years. Working with my neighbors on formal issues, like the proposed apartments at the former Lowry Grove Mobile Home Park by Brad Hoyt, or more fun activities like our annual easter egg hunt. Although the SOSA neighborhood is continually active and contains a sizable portion of the city’s population, there are currently no council members living in that area. In February of 2023, Council Member Bernard Walker approached me to ask if I would help reestablish the St. Anthony Area Chamber of Commerce as a functional working organization. Since that time, I have joined the board, the organization has a full board, hired staff, and has held several events around the city. In 2021 I started playing baseball with the St. Anthony Codgers as part of the Minnesota 50+ baseball league. Playing the outfield for the Codgers I have had the pleasure of representing the city on baseball fields across the metro area What skills or personal qualities do you possess that would make you valuable as a council member? Throughout my adult life, I have sought out leadership positions. Positions where I can build partnerships, use my problem- solving skills, and always with an eye to building community spaces where others can shine. Of all the qualities I possess I believe it's my ability to remain calm, assess a situation, and work to find solutions that have driven my personal and professional life. Growing up in a diverse, low-income city area in Detroit, in a single-parent home I come to issues with a viewpoint shaped by my life, a viewpoint that is different from other Villagers. It’s through this lens that gives me a unique perspective on how the issues decided by the council may impact those least likely to have a voice in those decisions. It’s this position in life that has taught me the importance of inclusion, meeting people where they are at, and the importance of community outreach to ensure everyone has a place at the table. How does your background add value to your role as a council member? In 1990 I volunteered on my first political campaign, Congressman John Dingell’s reelection effort, it was there that I met people who were very involved in their community and not just in a political sense, I wanted to be involved too, and the route I chose was through the political process. It was at that time I began to reflect on my life and the options I had growing up and how different things could have been for me, had it not been for the people and community that surrounded me in Southwest Detroit, MI. I was suddenly seeing for the first time where my life had taken me was not just a random series of events, but a strong effort on the part of many people and institutions that laid a path for me to follow. I’ve seen firsthand the impact communities can have when people come together. I was raised by my mother and grandmother, both of whom had strong beliefs in giving back to the community. From this early foundation, I internalized their words and actions by engaging in a political and government career so that I could be a part of positive change. Since then, my life has been filled with opportunities to work with everyone from Presidents to those living on the fringes of our society, and I learned that everyone has value and something to contribute when given the opportunity. Through my work with elected officials across the state and region as well as my work with the Minnesota House of Representatives, I have a great working knowledge of the legislative process at every level. My experience in this area will benefit the city in getting resources from and navigating the county, state, and federal government. My work and experience with communities across our region led to several endorsements for my 2023 council run, including, AFSCME Council 6, IUOE Local 49, and The St. Paul Area Chamber PAC, as well as our State Representative Sandra Feist, MN State Senate President Bobby Joe Champion, and Attorney General Keith Ellison.