I agree that Minneapolis is becoming a more diverse city with larger numbers of
immigrants and people of color. This is an exciting byproduct of the citys
renaissance and overall growth after years of decline. With 30,000 downtown
residents, Minneapolis is the first large city in America to regain its
downtown population after post-WWII declines and suburban flight. $3 billion of
investment is underway in the city and construction cranes dot the skyline.
Some of this development is high-end housing and some is affordable housing. It
is happening downtown, uptown, midtown and Northside. This increased diversity
will certainly affect the future of Minneapolis politics, hopefully for the
better. Change is good for the new Minneapolis.
I disagree, however, with Mr. Monserrats assessment of how race and class will
affect this election. I see change he predicts happening now. Recall that the
recent University of Minnesota poll showed Mayor Rybak with greater support
from Democrats than Republicans and Independents, who were more supportive of
McLaughlin. Recall also that Mayor Rybak won the most 2005 primary election
votes in Wards 2, 6, 7, 8, 10, 11 and 13, representing a cross-section of
diverse communities in most wards throughout the city.
The suggestion that future candidates will need to find common cause with
increasingly diverse constituencies is right on the mark and is what Mayor
Rybak aims to model. Refusing to accept the old ways of doing things, one of
Rybaks greatest strengths is his ability to build unique partnerships that
unite people in innovate ways around a common vision. This includes working
with faith leaders of many denominations to work on affordable housing,
transportation, and Katrina resettlement; working with business leaders from
Minnesotas largest corporations on economic and educational disparities and
transportation; working with neighborhood leaders from north and south
Minneapolis to bridge the divide between our diverse neighborhoods; working
with mayors from around the metro and the state to fight for regional solutions
to transportation and airport challenges; working with strategic public safety
partnerships that fuse state and federal law enforcement with foundations, parks
and
business leaders; and working with housing, jobs, development, faith, and
education leaders to improve Northside neighborhoods.
I agree that these unique alliances are the way of the future, but with Mayor
Rybak, they are happening today.
Jeremy Hanson
East Isles Minneapolis
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