Rybak and Stenglein Endorse Don Samuels
Diverse group of Council Members and Community Leaders forms in support of Neighborhood Activist and Businessman "Don Samuels is a uniquely courageous individual who represents everything we need in politics right now: more citizens stepping forward, inspiring their neighbors to do what's right." - Minneapolis Mayor R.T. Rybak On Saturday morning January 25, 2002 in the kitchen of neighborhood activist and campaign volunteer Kim Carlson, Minneapolis Mayor R.T. Rybak and Hennepin County Commissioner Mark Stenglein endorsed neighborhood activist and businessman Don Samuels for City Council. The Mayor and Commissioner joined Council Members Natalie Johnson Lee, Barb Johnson, and Barret Lane in support of Mr. Samuels who is running as a Democrat without DFL party endorsement. At the announcement were former competitors for the Council Seat: Valdis Rozentals, a Republican; Shane Price, Green Party; and Trish Shilling, an Independent all who have officially thrown their support behind Don Samuels. Also in attendance were community leaders from throughout the Third Ward including Maureen Carlson, Joyce Vincent and Jim Jarvis. "Don Samuels represents a new voice from the community stepping forward, inspiring his neighbors, and building community block by block, challenging us all to be better citizens." said Mayor R. T. Rybak. "Don didn't wait for others to change things he saw a problem, got out and did the work that needed to be done. Don Samuels is a uniquely courageous individual who represents everything we need in politics right now: more citizens stepping forward, inspiring their neighbors to do what's right." Commissioner Mark Stenglein, whose County Commissioner district includes the Third Ward says, "We need to have someone in City Hall who'll be unafraid to ask the hard questions and make the right decisions on behalf of these residents. Don Samuels has been that voice for so many years as a community volunteer - now we need that voice on the Minneapolis City Council." "Don Samuels is the right person for this job. Don's shown his commitment and dedication to the people and I know he'll make a great council member for the Third Ward," says Stenglein. "I am proud that my neighbors, from both sides of the river - from every neighborhood in this ward - are joined today by Democratic, Green, Republican, and Independent leaders" said Don Samuels in front of a cheering crowd of almost 75 supports. "By working together, across party line, on both sides of the river we can lift up and empower our neighbors of the Third Ward - and we can call our neighbors throughout the city to a new commitment to community." After the crowd was warmed by political speeches - they all grabbed maps and literature pieces and fanned out across the ward. "We are here to tell our neighbors how excited we are about Don Samuels" said community leader Jim Jarvis. Don Samuels, who emigrated from Jamaica 33 years ago, is a small business owner who has worked as a toy designer and inventor for 22 years. He rose in corporate America to be the Director of Research and Development for Hasbro. He has been an active leader in the Jordan Neighborhood in North Minneapolis where he co-found the Jordan Livability Project. He rose to city-wide prominence when he stood up to create calm during the Jordan riot last August. An ordained minister with a Master in Divinity from Luther Seminary, Don is married and the father of three. He raised his son for 26 years as a single parent; and currently is raising two preschool children with his wife Sondra. A special election on Monday, February 3, 2002 will fill the seat which was vacated by Joe Biernat. For additional information about Don Samuels and the campaign please visit www.DonSamuels.org or contact Joseph Barisonzi, Campaign Coordinator at 612-518-5536. Joseph Barisonzi Lyndale TEMPORARY REMINDER: 1. Send all posts in plain-text format. 2. Cut as much of the post you're responding to as possible. ________________________________ Minneapolis Issues Forum - A City-focused Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Subscribe, Unsubscribe, Digest, and more: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
