Author: Politics Bulletin

Politics Bulletin: 002

At a time when our national and international affairs is a source of anxiety, grief and a feeling that democracy in the United States of America might be sunk, people like Heather Cox Richardson have been encouraging us to do two things:

  • Plan for the future
  • Pay attention to local politics

So, it was with some embarrassment that I reached out to friends and neighbors to hear their take on the special election in St. Paul’s Ward 4. As it turns out, a day before the election, Brian and I weren’t the only one’s who were unprepared to vote. Like us, a few were still undecided as of last night. Until I mentioned it, others had forgotten about the election entirely.

First Choice Results

As of now, eleven people answered my survey that had two questions and room to include comments. 1) Who is your first choice for city council person (We have ranked-choice voting in St. Paul); 2) Have you ruled out any of the candidates. 90.9% of the vote for first choice went to Molly Coleman with the rest (1 vote) going to Cole Hanson. Chauntyll Allen and Cole Hanson had a 28.6% elimination rate, while Carolyn Will earned 71.4% for elimination.

In addition to the survey, I’ve heard from nine other neighbors and friends in my ward, most of whom said that they would be voting for Coleman, with some interesting exceptions. A couple of people expressed enthusiasm for Coleman, saying that she’s good on transit and housing. Some liked her political lineage, others held it against her. Most seemed like they were choosing the best from an uninspired lot of candidates. Indeed, as Brian and I looked closer at our choices, we were bummed.

Comments

Here are the comments that I received. Some are edited to take out identifying personal information, shorten, etc.

One trusted neighbor wrote:

I am voting for Molly Coleman. I went to a candidate forum about climate change where I thought she did a good job. Then someone I trust had Molly Coleman answer questions for 90 minutes in her back yard and again Molly did a great job. I wish she was not part of a political family – makes St. Paul feel too insular. I also don’t like her answer about the tear downs and the student overlay district, but I hope to influence her on this.

Carolyn Wills is against the proposed bike plan for Summit. I was involved in two years of public engagement where the decision was make to switch the bike and parking lanes – mostly for safety, esp for children. Tree loss will primarily occur because of new water, sewer, and a needed full reconstruction of the road. There has been a lot of misinformation about this.

On a counter train of thought, another very progressive friend wrote:

I voted for Will and did not rank but am uneasy about it. My neighborhood is threatened by teardowns and student barns. She is the only candidate who showed understanding. I’m uneasy being single issue and she is imperfect in other ways but others just don’t get it.

In response to my friend, I wrote:

We are struggling. No one seems right for different reasons… It’s a united front for Molly Coleman over here (with the exception of Brian who admits that his aversion to a slick dynasty candidate isn’t rational). I’m starting to accept the idea that my vote will be some kind of a statement (that no one will hear)…

To which my friend responded:

“Slick dynasty candidate” is the perfect phrase. I liked C Allen as the opposite. 

If you’re scratching your head wondering on what planet is a liberal voting for a Republican, let’s remember that liberals have a lot of experience voting for Republicans. They either do it or get blamed when the Democrats lose elections. But I digress. Aside from my friend, two others spoke to me about leaning toward supporting Will. One consulted with her brother who is politically connected. The other seems weary of the lack of experience and thoughtfulness that has been driving a blind push toward density.

NOTE: A reader points out that Carolyn Will identifies as a moderate independent.

Another neighbor had this to share:

… I’m affiliated with [progressive organization] who individually interviewed each candidate personally.  Molly has the most cogent approach and would bring legal expertise to the council.  Cole is a Democratic Socialist and may rattle some cages.  Carolyn headed up Save Our Streets and described herself as a “moderate”.  Chauntyll is a school board member and does a good job in that capacity.  Vote for 3 only, ranking favorite 1st.

Other comments included:

I’ve interviewed all candidates and rank them Molly (by a wide margin), then Cole Hanson, and begrudgingly Carolyn Will.

I like the energy Molly Coleman brings to the table. She seems very balanced in understanding everything that’s at stake. She’s definitely well qualified.

Molly is smart and is open to listening. We met with her personally and she listened to what we had to say. Met with Cole and unfortunately he was not open to listening and told us that he was opposed to our concerns.

Where I Stand

As for my vote, given that every candidate is problematic, I’m leaning toward using it to say something about campaign finance reform. At some point, we have to say enough is enough. But at this moment, the polls having already opened, I feel like I’m standing in front of the refrigerator wishing there was something there I felt like eating.

More Thoughts

This just in…

You made me rethink some of my ideas and I have been listening to and watching youtubes, thanks to you, and have kind of rearranged my thinking. Since we have ranked choice, here’s my present lineup: Carolyn Will, Cole Hansen, Molly Coleman, and Chauntyll Allen.  Carolyn because I think she will do her best to try to prevent more of those shipping container apartments and also I think she understands money and where it’s coming from. I am impressed with Cole’s enthusiasm, but I think he’s not ready for this yet–but in the future will be dynamite. I think Molly has raised an awful lot of money and I wonder about some of her priorities. Chauntyll is certainly sincere but I don’t think she has the chops for this. I might switch these last two people and put Molly last. Still, any one of these people would be better than Mitra, but that is setting the bar awfully low.

Links

Naomi Kritzer’s blog post:

Special Elections 2025: Saint Paul City Council, Ward 4

League of Women Voters St Paul candidate forum on YouTube channel.

Interviews on the Wedge Live podcast/YouTube channel:

Chauntyll Allen – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qZiVIAS14b8

Molly Coleman – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MGIVLrkVJHw

Cole Hanson – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-XYIrjaUR98

Carolyn Will – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fhImvznYow8

Politics Bulletin: 001

Inspired by my old friend, Charley Underwood who used to publish the Peace Calendar, instead of responding to the latest headline by forwarding every urgent message that I receive, I’m going to resist the temptation and collect information and action items and post them here. For now it’s my answer to managing information such that I’m not peppering my friends with ALERTS. I appreciate receiving such emails (please keep them coming) and have included some things from my inbox below. But when I realized that I was soothing myself with indiscriminately forwarding messages, I thought there should be a better way. This is what I’m trying for now.

This not a to-do list. It is my attempt to organize ideas and resources. I would also like it to be a reflection of what people have been doing, a reminder that we are not alone. To the extent that it’s relevant to current affairs, I will also include art and entertainment items. Mainly, I hope this will be useful to anyone who is looking for concrete ways to be one of the many stewards who will share whatever talent they have to help protect our democracy.

I welcome your thoughts about how to make it better.

Rebekah

Keep in Mind

Nothing is inevitable. We have a say in what happens next.

MN Governor Tim Walz and former Congressman Beto O’Rourke rally in Texas.

“I want to remind us all that the power is with the people. These are very dark days. These are very strange times in this country. We have a president who is pushing our democracy, the rule of law, the very Constitution itself up to the precipice. And I think we all must remember that we can push back.”

-Former Congressman, Beto O’Rourke

I like how Beto O’Rourke and the organization he founded, Powered by People, are focused on registering people to vote. I also appreciate leadership that models taking action.

What can we do?

Learn Something

  • Subscribe to Jim Hightower’s newsletter, Lowdown. Both paid and free subscriptions are available. TIP: To manage your inbox, try reserving a certain time in the week to look through your newsletters.
  • Listen to this podcast episode of the Ralph Nader Radio Hour, D.C. Gutted. Grassroots Galvanized (58 min). It is also available on YouTube.
  • Discuss the above podcast episode (or another podcast, book, etc. of your choosing) with at least one other person. If you can, gather a few people in the same room and see what others think. “One-way communication” in which we listen to a podcast, watch a YouTube video or read something where ideas are promoted without any chance to raise questions or offer suggestions can be frustrating and dispiriting. The solution is to make it a habit (a rule?) to talk with each other about the news.
  • Sharon recommends subscribing to Joyce Vance on Substack. She says, “Joyce Vance is the best. A former US prosecutor and US attorney, she knows the ins and outs of what’s going on, and several times a week posts with enlightening but not overwhelming summaries of current events and what’s important, while staying optimistic and fair.”

If you’re in the Twin Cities…

  • Tuesday April 1, 8, 22, and 29th at 7:00 PM  – Storytelling for Social Change. A four session in-person / hands-on class on how stories can be used for community building and advocacy.  For more information see The American School of Storytelling.
  • Visit the Hennepin County History Museum, which was recently featured on KSTP. The collection of Heart of the Beast Theater puppets that is on display looks amazing! In 1983, the Circle of Water Circus used these huge constructions to raise awareness of the ecological distress of the river, with performers traveling down the Mississippi River from Minnesota to Louisiana.

Be Counted

  • Join the AFSCME UMN rally supporting students targeted by ICE at the University of Minnesota campus on Monday, March 31, 12 PM at 100 Church St SE, East Bank Campus, Minneapolis in front of Morrill Hall.
Join the AFSCME UMN rally supporting students targeted by ICE at the University of Minnesota campus on Monday, March 31, 12 PM at 100 Church St SE, East Bank Campus, Minneapolis in front of Morrill Hall.
  • My neighbor Jill writes: 
"Dear Friends, quick action item, please sign if you can. We need to keep hammering these F-heads until it hurts! I just signed the petition "To President Zelenskyy, From Embarrassed Americans" and wanted to ask if you could add your name too. This campaign means a lot to me and the more support we can get behind it, the better chance we have of succeeding... Thank you!"
  • My neighbor Mary Ann forwarded an idea to contact the president. As of this post, it is past March 15, the date suggested for this action. But if you are so moved to try it, here’s the info:
Dear Family and Friends,

Members of the church of a long time friend, along with people from many other groups, are sending postcards to Trump on March 15 to tell him how we feel about his policies. 

Our friend wrote, "Nothing vile, just the truth.  I said that the way he was treating people made me feel embarrassed to be American.  Spread the word!  We'd like Trump to get an avalanche of a million postcards. You can easily turn any greeting card into a postcard.

(Maybe) Every little bit counts!"

Would you also spread the word via your contacts?

Here's the address:
The White House
1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W.
Washington, DC 20500

Rise up!

Steve
Min: 13:47

Elias: "How [does DOGE] fit into or not fit into the constitutional structure? And...what can people do about it? People are worried that their data has been compromised..."

Raskin: "...the United States District Court for the District of Columbia rendered yet another victory for the forces of democracy and freedom. They found DOGE is in fact a federal agency, something that DOGE was resisting. And yet the federal district court... found that DOGE is a federal agency and is subject to federal law, specifically, The Freedom of Information Act. The last thing I did before I got on this call... I completed filling out a form... demanding of DOGE... in my neighborhood we call it the 'Dissing our Government Employees statute,' I was demanding... that they turn over to me all the data they have on me from the Social Security Department, from the Department of Education, college student loans, anything they would have from any federal department that they've assembled. I want to see it. And guess what? I've got a right to see it... I want to know whether they've made any changes to it. I have a right to determine whether everything in there is accurate... I also want to know whether it's been diverted and leaked out to any third-party source, whether it is Elon Musk's artificial intelligence program... or any other business. I have a right to know that. That's my data. And guess who else has that right? 340,000,000 Americans. And for the cost of a stamp, you can... say give me all this information."
  • My friend Santwana has been hosting gatherings that have been steadily growing. The group has been attending town hall meetings and organizing protests in Richfield, MN.
A protest in Richfield, MN

Be a Campaign Volunteer

This Tuesday, April 1, there is a special election for a supreme court justice in Wisconsin. Once again, Elon Musk is trying to subvert democracy and buy voters so that he can control the courts. This weekend is your last chance to be a campaign volunteer for Susan Crawford who is running against the MAGA candidate. You can “push back” against Musk and join a virtual phone bank to remind Wisconsin Democrats to vote on Tuesday, April 1.

For more information, see the Wisconsin Democratic Party. They could use some help this weekend making calls and knocking on doors. Also, Heather Cox Richardson discussed the urgency of this election with Ben Wikler, Chair of the Wisconsin Democratic Party, on her YouTube channel.

Democracy Now: Can Elon Musk Buy Wisconsin?

Take Care of Yourself & Others

De-isolate & Connect

  • Call the friend you’ve been meaning to call.
  • Send a thank you note.
  • Volunteer at a food shelf or other organization where they are helping people who are being negatively impacted by illegal Republican policies and cuts.

Conserve Energy

  • Be selective about your news sources. Don’t let a 24-hour news cycle demoralize you. Do not reward bad actors with your clicks.
  • Limit social media. After reading More Than Words – How to Think About Writing in the Age of AI by John Warner, Brian was inspired to remove social media apps from his phone and to check his social media once a week. In the meantime, I’ve been mostly off of social media since before the pandemic. I’m considering joining Mastodon, which is an open-source federation of social media servers that operates much like what we’re used to, except no one owns it. At the very least, get off Shitter (everyone you were following moved over to BlueSky). Get off of InstaScam and Tic-Toxic. Stop feeding the beast.

This Made me Laugh

A sign in support of Ukraine.

Final Thoughts

There are lots of different ways to gather. The important thing is to find your people and to be with them. Before we can “speak truth to power,” we have to talk to each other.

Questions to Ponder

How much of your daily communication is “one-way?” How can you balance it with conversations in which you are a contributor as opposed to just a consumer?

Jim Hightower feels hopeful about the new National Democratic Party Chair, Ken Martin who is from Minnesota. He thinks it could be a good indication that the party is at least considering returning to its grassroots. At the moment, given that the Democrats are out of power, Martin is the top dog. What should be communicated to him from the grassroots?

Resources

5 Calls is a website that makes it easy to contact elected officials. My friend Santwana mentioned it in an email where she was encouraging people to advocate for a University of Minnesota student who has been detained by ICE.

Follow

If you want to follow this bulletin (as opposed to the following entire TP&AC blog, which you can do here), the RSS FEED is twopeopleandacat.com/category/politics/feed. If you need a newsreader to subscribe to RSS feeds, try Feedly.com. If you’d rather just get an email notifying you of posts of this political bulletin, send me your email address here. If you would like to submit an item for this bulletin or you have suggestions for how to make it more useful, you can reach me here.

Goals & Policies

  • Make an actionable political digest that inspires people to be stewards of our democracy, and to find a way to contribute to the effort that makes the most sense for any given individual.
  • Link to clean websites that are free and whenever possible do not bombard the user with ads.