he/him. Chair,
@MinneapolisDFL
. Living with Type 1 bipolar depression + PTSD
#StigmaFree
. The U.S. Constitution is a living document, and it lives in all of us.
This map by
@JeffHargarten
of the
@StarTribune
is the most accurate and honest visualization of the partisan landscape of Minnesota. It uses the density of the vote margin to map color, not the fractional margin. Because people vote, not land. Bookmark!
With updated data through July 24, Minneapolis has:
— Lowest homicides YTD since 2019.
— Lowest gunshot victims YTD since 2019.
— Lowest robberies YTD since 2019.
— Lowest carjackings YTD since 2020.
All with about 38% fewer police officers than 2019.
Crime in Minneapolis has always been seasonal. Winter is the season with the least crime. The last 28 days are below the rolling 3-year average. So why is Frey launching "Operation Endeavor" now? Why the day before Early Voting starts? Because he's betting crime will fall anyway.
Police pulled over Ricky Cobb II, age 33. They wouldn’t share why they wanted to “talk”. He didn’t have outstanding warrants. They opened his car without cause or search warrant. He feared for his life and was murdered for it. Driving while Black shouldn’t carry a death sentence.
Here is edited and compiled video released by Minnesota Department of Public Safety of the fatal shooting of a Black motorist on I-94 early Monday by the State Patrol.
The Minneapolis Police mounted patrols are out in force, using City streets as their public restrooms. Expect the mounted patrols to be in Dinkytown tonight. Don’t expect live music, food trucks, open streets or any other crime prevention measures.
This afternoon, my father, Douglas William Zbikowski passed away from heart failure. He was 71. He stood up for what he believed in, and he sacrificed a lot for me growing up. I am flying down to manage affairs and our family will host services in Minneapolis, his hometown.
.
@IlhanMN
stands with
@TraderJoesUnite
workers. And Congresswoman Ilhan Omar walks the walk by having her official offices be the first in Congress to unionize. We stand in solidarity with all workers fighting for fair wages, full benefits, good hours, and seats at the table.
Good morning! ☀️ It's time for a fresh start for Ward 3. I am a candidate for Minneapolis City Council in Ward 3, seeking your DFL endorsement. I will represent all of Ward 3, where everybody feels a sense of belonging and inclusion. Join us! (1)
When an 'autonomous zone' was set up at George Floyd Square in South Minneapolis, the most privileged residents and visitors of our city decried that they were denied car access to this space. Now, the same types of people applaud 'temporary cul-de-sacs' in the Mill District.
Rainville, none of the suspects booked are from Northeast, my family’s old neighborhood. If this is the vehement racism displayed in public, in front of dozens of residents and media, then just imagine what Rainville actually privately believes.
Rainville says at 1:30 he's "going over to a mosque in northeast to meet with Somali elders and tell them their children can no longer have that kind of behavior" at the stone arch bridge and the mill district.
A City staff member told me recently unprompted that “Minneapolis is 80 percent white.” Of course using that to justify anything is repugnant. But also, Minneapolis is, according to the 2020 census, 62.9% white-only. The new Ward 3 is 74.1%. The highest is Ward 13 at 84.3%. (1)
Proud to stand and shop with union workers (some of them my neighbors!) at Trader Joe's Minneapolis. Customers are with you all the way!
@TraderJoesUnite
When Rainville says, “95 percent of [perpetrators] are Muslim,” he is implicating his fellow Council Members, their families, and their communities. An attack against any one faith is an attack against everyone, decency, and just being a good neighbor. Thankful term is two years.
Council Member-elect Katie Cashman won by 177 in the second round of ranked-choice. Scott Graham has conceded and there will be no recount. Thank you to our 130 volunteers who turned out the vote and made history in Ward 7 and across Minneapolis. Thank you! Thank you! 🌻🌻🌻
The
@MplsParkBoard
is telling us load and clear: we hate people enjoying our parks; we hate residents who walk and bike; staff don’t care what Park Commissioners think. Who told the Superintendent to close the Stone Arch Bridge? “Government partners,” not the Commissioners.
This is hate speech. That is plain and clear. There is always a choice whether to publish the speech of others.
@grove
and Taylor have decided that this cartoon is — at minimum — acceptable to their values. I join my sister
@aurinmpls
in calling for a public retraction & apology.
This evening, the City of Minneapolis Planning Commission voted to approve the 613 Van Buren housing development with 64 homes and 19 parking spots. Rainville attempted to make a motion to deny, but could not find a second. ✨ Looking forward to more transit-oriented housing! ✨
Today, I was one of the first bike riders to cross the 3rd Avenue Bridge after major work. There’s a gorgeous, new protected bikeway with the wider sidewalk. Thanks,
@MnDOT
! 🚲 ✨
I have seen people react to these pictures to talk about the barriers and people-first streets. My concern isn't against making streets safer for people. My concern is that executive decisions are based on reactionary feedback from the most privileged neighborhoods of our city.
This year was tough. I lost my father (only child) and my grandmother (only grandchild). And I lost our DFL convention on the first ballot. But since May, I have lost 28 pounds, I have a new job with a pension, and I get to work from home four days a week. (1)
I talked to many neighbors at Kramarczuk’s and on the walk home in community. There is definitely a majority that is sick and embarrassed by Rainville’s racism and buffoonery. People are organizing. People are fired up. Neighbors are exchanging numbers and meeting for coffee.
Rainville invited us to join him at 9 am on a Friday. He said it wasn’t political, but he admonished fellow Council Members, Hennepin County, Governor Tim Walz, and asked the assembly to vote for pro-mass incarceration district judges. Many clapped. But a few stood their ground.
It’s a joy to ride in the new curb-protected bikeway on South 2nd Street! 🚲 Having safe, accessible infrastructure like this bikeway helps make carbon-free trips more convenient for more residents of all ages and abilities! ✨
But I shouldn’t need to repeat: even if a geographic area is 80% white-only, that doesn’t justify racial marginalization and bigotry in all its forms. We need to do all we can to invest in marginalized communities of all identities and break down systemic barriers for all. (2)
It's going to be rich when Hennepin County puts a full-time bus lane right in front of Mayor Veto's apartment. Like right at his front door. So rich. So deserved.
Minnesota Governor Tim Walz has signed a law guaranteeing free breakfast and lunch for all students in the state, regardless of how much money their parents make. Tens of thousands of food-insecure kids will benefit.
We sent out our fist mass campaign email this morning. I received pushback from a few defending Rainville’s comments, several explicitly agreeing with the original racism.
Hate has no place in Minneapolis. I promise to always fight back against hate and lead with inclusion.
Building walls doesn’t reduce crime, it only divides us. Europe, Israel, US. Rainville only knows one button to push. He’s called for an activation of the National Guard in Ward 3 and said today “95 percent of [perpetrators] are Muslim,” justifying his Northeast mosque comment.
Myth: “Nobody rides on bikeways in Minneapolis, especially on a Sunday!” I challenge anyone saying things like that to stand for 15 minutes at the corner of 11th Avenue South and South 2nd Street and count the cyclists! 🚲 Safe, protected, and carbon-free rides! On football day!
Commissioner Michael Rainville was absent for all the meetings of the City Planning Commission so far this year. Council Member Rainville was also absent for the January 17 meeting of the Business, Inspections, Housing & Zoning Committee. (1)
I won the lottery! I am one of the lucky winners of a
@NiceRideMN
much-loved classic green bike. On Saturday, May 20, I will show up with my $50 and ride off with one of my favorite bikes. Many more miles to go!
You know they are bluffing because Uber operates in Seattle ($26.40 per hour before tips) and countries like France, where drivers are classified as employees.
NEW:
@Uber
escalates, saying it will pull out of the entire Twin Cities metro over Minneapolis’ driver pay ordinance that takes effect on May 1.
“We will be forced to stop operating a transportation network in the entire metro area including the airport,” spokesperson says.
Thankfully Rainville has a two-year term that ends January 2024. And he will be a one-term Council Member. But we can’t wait until then to speak up and make good trouble. If you live in Ward 3, sign up for constituent updates and send staff friendly, clear emails with thanks.
On May 9, 2022, the incumbent, as Planning Commissioner representing the Council, opposed the 13th Ave NE housing development along University Ave NE. He was concerned about “traffic” and voted no against 53 affordable and market-rate homes in Ward 3. I’d vote yes in a heartbeat!
Today, we filed a complaint with the Office of Administrative Hearings for a violation of Minnesota Statute 211B.20, the state law that gives candidates access to meet residents in multi-family communities. A building denied access in writing. We are defending legal canvassing!
In this week’s Ward 3 newsletter, the incumbent mentioned five key projects that were a sign that Minneapolis was coming back. But the reality is that two began construction before he took office, one doesn’t exist, and the last he spoke against as a resident. (1)
The Minnesota DFL State Central Committee voted today issue a dismissal for cause notice to DNC Member Michael Bearfoot for publicly working against the DFL endorsement. I voted against because we should be an inclusive party that welcomes divergent views and treats all equally.
MPD horses literally shit on the streets of Minneapolis. Hey,
@MayorFrey
@Calex_law
why are MPD horses giving tours of S 2nd St during the Vikings game? Don’t we need resources where data shows more crime? These are all operational decisions.
I submitted a data request with the City of Minneapolis asking for RFPs, bids, and contracts for barriers along S 2nd St and Main St SE. Residents should know:
- How much this costs
- Which department/s are paying
- Whether there were multiple bids
MPD has arrived at Ella Baker and our
@MinneapolisDFL
Chair gave the order to clear the building. I witnessed assaults of
@aishaforward10
delegates and flipped tables on stage. This will not stop the endorsement or electoral process. A traumatic day for grassroots democracy.
Future Council Member Michael Rainville on at a forum on July 26, 2021: “I totally respect the residents of East Phillips [...] when the government listens to the voters and the people and is accessible, that's when the most successful solutions happen.”
What changed?
In fact, the incumbent has been absent at the majority of his committee meetings. He just doesn't show up! Ward 3 deserves a Council Member who clocks in and does the work. That's why I am showing up even before I get elected. That's what you deserve. (2)
According to The Development Tracker Minneapolis on Instagram, 200 Central Avenue Southeast by Alatus could break ground by spring of 2024, now that the Third Avenue Bridge work is completed. The site was a staging location for the bridge work. Looking forward to 360 new homes!
There will be a MPD 1st Precinct Town Hall with Rainville and Inspector Bill Peterson, who I have worked with well. Show up with questions. Share on social media. We all in Ward 3 deserve thoughtful, action-oriented, good neighbor leadership. That’s the minimum baseline.
At around 3:30 pm today, our
@MinneapolisDFL
rally with DFL candidates was disrupted by a person using threatening language. I and others escorted him off the property. As someone who has lived through psychosis twice, we need to fully-fund Behavioral Crisis Response (BCR).
I’d a beautiful fall Sunday afternoon yet not a single biker on that expensive new bike lane on South 2nd Street. Plenty of cars, though
@LauraGMitchell
After reviewing video evidence & talking to convention participants it is clear that the assaults and violence at the Ward 10 convention were perpetrated by supporters of Nasri Warsame. There is no place in the
@MinnesotaDFL
for this type of behavior:
Demonstration on a public right of way is a First Amendment right and MPD should not be macing demonstrators peacefully exercising First Amendment rights.
Minneapolis police mace protestors after controversial Dave Chapelle Show. Three protestors were arrested. Boycotts of Chapelle’s comedy started after one of his Netflix specials was identified as discriminatory to the LGTBQ community.
📸 :
@BLCKPress
contributor Nadia Shaarawi
✅ PASSED: Legislative Directive for multidisciplinary study on City-led snow and ice clearing of sidewalks by Council Members Robin Wonsley
@MplsWard2
and Aisha Chughtai
@MplsWard10
. Unanimous support 12-0!
Rainville has a new website. He doesn't have policy action plans, but he does have a seven-sentence record of accomplishments.
Fact-check: No, Rainville did not vote yes on every affordable housing project before Planning and BIHZ. 613 Van Buren NE is one example, among others.
"We aren't going to get back to 100 percent office occupancy," Frey said. "Rather than fight it tooth and nail, rather than cling white-knuckled to what once was, we have to embrace more of a flexibility of use."
I agree. We need more housing in Downtown.
I’m running for Minneapolis DFL Chair! I am running to bring DFL organizers together to invite new members into our party and build a stronger coalition to elect DFL candidates statewide. Read my letter to convention attendees ahead of April 21. 🩵
Everybody deserves safety, no matter who they are or where they live. For public works, that means people-first streets everywhere in Minneapolis that make it easier, not harder, to use a bike, mobility device, or Metro Transit to get to destinations.
On our Minnesota DFL State Central Committee today, we received a treasurer report. The Minnesota DFL has $738,000 cash-on-hand in our federal account and and $859,000 cash-on-hand in our state account. Much more than $53! We are in a very strong position to deliver in 2024!
The year is 2040. The Comprehensive Plan is a success and we all live in carbon neutral, single level living, affordable condos. The Third Avenue Bridge is still under reconstruction.
.
@MayorFrey
, former lawyer, should know unwarranted destruction of personal property is in violation of the 4th and 14th Amendments and their state constitutional equivalents.
@ACLUMN
is fighting MPRB in federal court over similar actions. Stop evictions.
An encampment under the 35W bridge on 31st Street was cleared this morning. “They came early,” an encampment resident said. “My tent was the first one.” Cement barricades fill the sidewalk where the encampment was.
Rainville gives quotes to right wing media project Alpha News before he returns emails to the Star Tribune. And he calls for Governor Walz to activate the National Guard in Ward 3. It's not the Onion, it's unfortunately just the current Council Member, Michael Rainville.
Candidate Michael Rainville in 2021: I will go to the state capitol and win gun reform.
Council Member Michael Rainville in 2022: I will give impotent quotes to a right wing news website demanding soldiers on street corners.
Gov. Walz signs bills extending legal protections to those women who come to Minnesota for abortions and other reproductive healthcare, and their providers
In 2013, a new Council Member ran — in part — on a pledge to develop every surface parking lot and empty field in Ward 3. We have made a lot of progress, but there is still work to do. Empty lots make up over 32 acres of Ward 3, equivalent to over 14 Downtown city blocks. (1)
Public Works has definitely traffic calmed S 2nd St. There was a showing of Emma at the Guthrie tonight (my family recommends!). Many U-turns from confused patrons. No speeding as of 10:17 pm. But chopper in the air and fireworks in all directions.
Today’s vote may be tough, but remember we have a 8-5 majority on Council that’s pro-transit, pro-residents, pro-local business, and pro-climate. The Mayor needs a majority to pass any new layout. Looking forward to the Public Works & Infrastructure Committee soon. Yes, we can!
Minneapolis crime is trending down:
— Homicides are down 30% from 2021.
— Gunshot victims are down 45% from 2021.
— Robberies are down 24% from 2021.
— Carjackings are down 45% from 2022.
I am honored to earn the endorsement of my State Representative (59B) and friend, House Assistant Majority Leader Esther Agbaje
@go4esther
! I look forward to partnerships between the City and the Capitol on policy actions that benefit everybody in Ward 3 and across Minnesota. (1)
Getting word that many property owners along Van Buren St NE have submitted a Minneapolis 2040 Comprehensive Plan amendment to block the proposed 64-home development at 613 Van Buren. This would be a huge step back for climate, mobility, and housing in Minneapolis. (1)
One of our DFL staff got hit in a T-way crash by a speeding driver this evening. Our staffer was on their way to meet me at our DFL field office. With my crash from a speeding pickup truck just 11 days ago, it’s infuriating the slow pace of progress on
#VisionZero
. (1)
Here with
@Hennepin
public works staff at
@Slicemsp
Northeast learning more about the proposed changes to Hennepin’s avenues in Central Hennepin area. Many much-need improvements like wider sidewalks, bollard-protected bike lanes, and bus lanes for our many transit riders! (1)
This is the first job with health insurance (and dental too). I am going to the dentist with insurance tomorrow for the first time in over four years. My meds are working. I appreciate how lucky I am. There’s a lot of work to do to make it easier for everybody else too. (2)