This is the time to build bridges. And then traverse them. I would like to put some punctuation on the discussion, as it pertains to me, of the pre-election actions of Stonewall DFL. How about a semi-colon, or - my favorite - the dash? I do think there is something to be learned by the DFL from this last election regarding party politics in Minneapolis.
There are seven new council members. That's a majority on the council. Of the seven, four of us (another majority) won our races without DFL endorsement. Obviously the DFL endorsement has lost value. I believe this happened because, in Minneapolis, the DFL reins were held tighter and tighter by fewer and fewer people. I grew up training horses. I know the long-term effects of holding the reins too tight. You end up with a hard-mouthed, unresponsive, and uncooperative animal that nobody wants to ride.
With seven new council members - a majority - we have the chance to make a difference. To make changes. To actually deliver on some of the things we said we would do while campaigning. To change the status quo before we become the status quo ourselves. I challenge all of us new council members to work together; to use our unique position as a majority to enact positive changes; to open up processes; to share information and power with each other and our constituents; to care more about our actions than our reelections; and to not only talk about the new "collegial" atmosphere we will have on the council, but to create it. To me a collegial atmosphere will be defined by open and frank dialogue, fair treatment, and cooperation.
Yours,
Robert Lilligren
Council Member-elect
Ward 8
