My Vision for Public Safety
The most important thing any elected official can do is listen. That’s why, as a candidate for public office, I have spent months directly listening to my neighbors. I have personally been at every single door knocked by my team, ready to directly answer questions and make note of concerns.
As I’ve gone door to door in our ward, one issue comes up more than any other: public safety. Neighbors tell me about thefts, car break-ins, burglaries, and vandalism. Too many people no longer feel safe on public transportation, leaving their neighborhoods after dark, or attending events downtown.
Just last weekend, a large group of people gathered in Dinkytown, causing chaos and damage. KSTP-5 reported on the incident, where residents described being too afraid even to show their faces on camera. The police lacked the necessary resources to maintain control of the situation.
I spoke with Erin Brumm, Director of the Campus Safety Coalition at the University of Minnesota, about the issue of public safety around the campus. Brumm said that one of the biggest concerns the community has is the low staffing level of the Minneapolis Police Department.
“When the police go in to disperse these bad actors, they are overwhelmed by the number of people causing problems. At that point, they can just disperse. Good luck arresting anyone. And good luck having these people be charged,” Brumm said.
We need to demand accountability and safety for our residents, students, and neighborhoods by electing council members that will take the issue of public safety seriously.
As your council member, I will make public safety a top priority. That means:
Ensuring police and first responders have the staff and resources they need to prevent crime and respond quickly.
Meeting regularly with local police and crime prevention specialists to ensure action is being taken to address current crime.
Communicating and partnering with community leaders, campus groups, and residents to develop and fund real prevention strategies that work.
Public safety, especially around the University of Minnesota and Augsburg University, has been ignored by many in our city government. It is time to act. I am committed to protecting our students, our families, and our neighborhoods. Because without safety, nothing else we build in our city will last.