April 16, 2005 Ward 10 Endorsement Convention Speech
My name is Ralph Remington and I am asking for your endorsement as your next City Council Member in Ward 10. I am asking for that endorsement for a simple reason: because I believe that you deserve a council member who will bring your voice into the room.
Hopefully we all came here today to get an endorsement. The DFL endorsement process is important because it is the only way that a candidate like me, without a lot of money, can run for office. The process creates a level playing field. Without it, a candidate like Paul Wellstone could have never been elected. So I respect you and I respect the process and I appreciate the time that you are spending here today. And because of that, I will abide by the endorsement.
To look out at this assembled group of delegates makes me awestruck. I have awoken some nights with tears flowing down my cheeks because I feel humbled by the trust and respect so many of you have demonstrated to me during the course of this campaign. It does not escape me that with this office comes tremendous responsibility and I am ready to step up to the plate.
There are choices to be made, and we need strong leadership and experience combined with citizen input to make Minneapolis a great city for all of us. In this race the question becomes “Who is the leader?”
I have spent the past few months listening to your concerns so that I could become more sensitive and aware of your needs. And I have heard you say that our community is in jeopardy and you feel your voices are not being heard.
We are one of the few cities that still has a middle class because the residents have ownership. You’ve played by the rules but now face being driven out of your neighborhoods by rising rent and property taxes or development on steroids that threatens to turn Uptown into Downtown. I think developers have mistaken our Minnesota niceness for Minnesota weakness.
There is a citywide trend of developers leading the direction of our city, instead of good thoughtful planning driven by citizen input. Because of this I believe it is a conflict of interest to take contributions from developers. That is why I HAVE NOT and WILL NOT accept contributions from real estate developers.
I want you to go on an imaginary walk with me.
We’re walking underneath a canopy of trees, listening to birds sing and children play.
Now imagine having a city council member who has been in the trenches, working with some of the toughest neighborhoods in this city in social services and the arts.
Imagine a council member who has been an Executive Director and Leader from the non-profit world for more than 11 years.
Imagine a City Council Member who would tell you the truth, not just what you wanted to hear.
Now imagine a city where you felt as if you could walk anywhere at anytime and feel safe.
Imagine living in an apartment where you don’t feel as if you’ll be kicked out at a moment’s notice to make room for condo conversion.
Imagine being a homeowner and having AFFORDABLE property taxes.
Imagine a city where we have multi-modal transportation using alternative fuel sources.
Imagine a city where GLBT residents have the same rights as everyone else.
Now imagine having a fearless City Council Member who is not afraid to bring your voice in the room to get things done.
Imagine electing Ralph Remington for City Council.
I am a union member and have been a union organizer.
I have worked in the non-profit trenches.
I have created organizations and raised the money to sustain them.
I’ve managed staff and delegated responsibility.
I’ve handled large organizational budgets.
I am endorsed by Progressive Minnesota, Rock for Democracy and The League of Pissed Off Voters.
We don’t have time to waste!
We need someone who can talk with South and North Minneapolis and will build bridges to all communities.
We must respect, strengthen and enforce the Shoreland Overlay District and stop arrogant development.
We must demand that newly built housing be large enough to accommodate families on middle class incomes.
We must landmark and preserve our historic old homes around the lakes that are being destroyed to make room for McMansions.
We must open up Nicollet Avenue by K-Mart.
We must put Bus Rapid Transit lanes on 35W.
We must expand Light Rail Transit and set up a major hub at The Midtown Greenway with connecting streetcars, dedicated bike paths and pedestrian-friendly construction.
We must utilize our artistic community to set up quality summer programming for youth.
We must demand more jobs training and economic development for youth and adults.
We must strengthen our police and firefighters not with regressive measures such as property and sales taxes but with more creative means such as parking ramp fees and traffic light cameras.
We must have open and clear dialogue with the State Legislature and the School Board impressing upon them the importance of early childhood development, smaller class sizes and the importance of arts in education.
I’ve heard you say that to get all this done, it’s going to take more than just experience inside City Hall. It’s going to take a fresh set of eyes and a commitment to changing the way that City Hall does business. It’s going to take a city council member who knows how to bring your voice in the room.
Do you want to elect someone who wants to be something or elect someone who wants to do something?
I promise to answer all of your letters and emails and return your phone calls. I will set up an independent website so that I can communicate all City Hall business as it happens. I will hire the best staff possible.
I will set up regular meetings with members of the community so that government becomes a transparent process not a secretive one. And if all else fails, whether you want me or not I’ll be on your doorstep to give you the information. I’ll always speak from my heart and I’ll always give you the straight scoop.
I don’t view City Council as MY seat or MY position. I view it as YOUR seat and YOUR position. I am YOUR representative. YOUR advocate.
There are a lot of good people seeking your endorsement today. But when it comes time to cast your vote, I need you to ask yourself: Who is the leader? Who has the teeth? Who has the backbone? Who can stand up for you when the going gets tough? Who can bring your voice in the room?
You can count on me to be that leader. To bring your voice in the room! And I assure you that we will be heard!
Share your ideas & concerns with Ralph at 612-821-3819 or email rembuz@aol.com |
