Democracy for Minnesota (DFM)
Minneapolis City Council Campaign
Candidate Questionnaire
A. About your candidacy:
1. Why are you running for this office? Please be as specific as possible.
I’m running because I feel that the people need to have their collective voice represented in the rooms of power. The community deserves strong leadership. All of my life has been devoted to social change and after the last election cycle I felt that it was my responsibility as a citizen/activist to run. If people like me don’t run then the system will remain stuffed with political careerists and insiders.
2. What qualifications do you possess that will make you a good councilperson?
I’m a strong leader, good communicator and fearless fighter.
3. What is your past political and/or community experience in the city and in your ward?
This is my 10th year living in ward 10. I was the founding producing artistic director of Pillsbury House Theatre in south Minneapolis where I produced theater for social change. I was very active with arts in education for Minneapolis public schools. I was a director with Pillsbury Neighborhood Services where I served on the leadership team dealing with many difficult community issues. I founded the theatrical education company “Breaking Ice” that dealt with topics such as racism, sexism, homophobia and violence issues touring the public school system.
4. What are your greatest strengths and weaknesses as a candidate and as a campaigner?
My greatest strengths are that I am a passionate, hardworking and confident citizen activist. I am a strong leader who is not easily intimidated and I’m possessed with good people skills. My greatest weaknesses are that I am a DFL party outsider with very little money in my campaign chest. Although some people may also read that as a strength.
5. Are you seeking a party endorsement? Which? If it is the DFL endorsement, will you abide by the endorsement?
Yes, I am actively seeking the DFL party endorsement! Also after much careful thought and consideration, I've reconsidered my position on not abiding by the DFL endorsement. I think that it is important to respect the integrity of the process and therefore I will abide by the DFL endorsement.
B. On the issues:
1. What do you see as the major issues facing the city and your ward? Please state your positions on these issues.
Affordable housing. I think that more mixed income housing needs to be constructed. Currently we are attempting to lure affluent suburban dwellers back to the city at the expense of long-term residents. The new developments are mostly high end and will drive property taxes through the roof. Also renters will have to pay more to live in the ward. Many apartment buildings are also being converted into condos. All of these things work in concert to displace people from their homes.
We need more police who are also culturally sensitive. Emergency vehicle response times also must be sharpened.
Light Rail System should be expanded with a major hub in Uptown.
Creation of more businesses and business buildings in Uptown as well as along Lake St., that can provide jobs and steady foot traffic during the day, so that retail and hospitality businesses can be sustained.
There should be commercial development controls. Neighborhood groups need to be consulted and brought into any commercial development projects from initial conception all the way to implementation.
Share your ideas & concerns with Ralph at 612-821-3819 or email rembuz@aol.com |
