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FREE FORUM: PUBLIC SAFETY CHARTER AMENDMENT
August 25, 2021 @ 7:00 pm
| Sponsored by the Downtown Minneapolis Neighborhood Association (DMNA) and the North Loop Neighborhood Association (NLNA) |
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On November 2 Minneapolis voters will elect their mayor and ward councilmembers, and by majority, approve or reject three proposed amendments to the city charter. The Downtown Minneapolis and North Loop Neighborhood Associations (DMNA and NLNA) are teaming up to offer several forums that will help our members become better educated about key decisions impacting the future of our city and our neighborhoods.
Mark your calendar now for these three important events and watch for any updated information on the DMNA/NLNA websites, Facebook pages, and e-mail blasts.
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GOVERNANCE CHARTER AMENDMENT PRESENTATION
Executive Mayor/Legislative Council Form of Government
Tuesday, August 24, 7:00 – 8:30 p.m., via Zoom |
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| The city charter may sound like a real snoozer to many people! But trust us, just like the federal and state constitutions, the charter deeply affects how services are delivered and power is shared in the city government on which we all depend. The City’s Charter Commission is proposing that the structure of Minneapolis government be changed from its current form (what some may consider a “shared power” model) to one that more clearly delineates the respective powers and responsibilities of the mayor and city council. The forum will address questions like: What is a city charter? Who is the Charter Commission? How does the current system work? How would that change under the new proposal? Why now? And what should voters be thinking about as they consider how they’ll vote on this important matter?
Kathleen O’Brien, former member of the Minneapolis City Council and later City Coordinator, along with Jay Kiedrowski, former City Finance Director and now Professor at the U of M Humphrey School of Public Affairs, will present the perspective of Charter for Change, a grassroots citizen effort supporting the proposed amendment. Following the presentation, DMNA Vice Chair Kevin Frazell will engage O’Brien and Kiedrowski in a brief dialogue about some of the key issues raised by this proposal. Then we’ll open the virtual floor to questions from you, our audience! |
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PUBLIC SAFETY CHARTER AMENDMENT PRESENTATION
Department of Public Safety
Wednesday, August 25, at 7:00 p.m. via Zoom |
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| OK, who doesn’t know that there’s been more than a little controversy in Minneapolis over the past year about law enforcement and public safety? And who doesn’t care about what it takes to keep everyone safe while maintaining equity?
By citizen petition, a second charter change proposal on the November 2 ballot would replace current language requiring a Police Department of specified staffing levels with a new Department of Public Safety that “employs a comprehensive public health approach” and makes traditional law enforcement optional “if necessary.” This one’s complicated, folks, both in terms of the amendment proposal and the details of how, if approved, it might be implemented. So get informed!
Yes4Minneapolis, the group advocating for the change, will explain why they believe it to be the future of public safety in our community and maybe beyond. Steve Cramer, President and CEO of the Downtown Council, will respond with his group’s concerns that this proposal for public safety might not end up keeping Minneapolis, well, so safe! |
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Ward 3 City Council Candidates Debate
Monday, September 13, 5:30 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
(and beyond),
hosted by Modist Brewing – 505 N. 3rd Street
(with a virtual option – more info to come) |
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| Yep, Covid willing we’re going to do this one in person. And make it a fun evening to connect with old friends and meet some new ones at a cool North Loop brewpub. For those who don’t feel comfortable being in a crowd, don’t want to make the trip, or if Covid throws our best-laid plans off track, we’ll be live-streaming the event as well. So what’s the plan? And the opportunity?
5:30 – 6:00 p.m. – Mix, mingle, meet and greet!!!. Grab a beer, then chat informally with candidates for the Ward 3 city council seat, along with those running for the Parks Board and Board of Estimate and Taxation.
6:00 – 7:00 p.m. – Candidates for the Ward 3 Council seat will discuss and debate critical issues before the City and why they each think they’re best qualified to represent our neighborhoods. Tane Danger, founder of the Theater of Public Policy and professional political moderator, will keep it all civilized and moving forward.
7:00 – whenever p.m. – The party’s not over until you say it is! The League of Women Voters will be hosting another political debate at Minneapolis Community and Technical College starting at 7:00 p.m., this one with the candidates for mayor! But relax political junkies, you don’t have to get a speeding ticket racing across downtown to catch it too. Just continue hanging with your friends because we’ll be live streaming the mayoral debate right back to Modist!
Your evening can include not only some tasty brew but also something good to eat from a nearby food truck or the Graze food hall next door. Modist is a-ok with you bringing it in. |
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| And for those who like to count, DMNA/NLNA will not be providing a forum on the other remaining ballot question, which deals with rent control. |
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