40 years, and I’m supporting Robin Wonsley for Ward 2 City Council. I am
encouraging my neighbors, including you, to rank her Number One on your ballot
on November 2nd.
Our city is in crisis. There is massive construction everywhere, yet hundreds
of people sleep in the streets every night. The violence and disruption
triggered by George Floyd’s murder by Minneapolis Police was an explosion ready
to happen, as police violence and criminal conduct, particularly toward people
of color, has been allowed for decades. The police are not doing their routine
work, yet continue to collect their salaries. The social and economic impacts
of covid have compounded many of the inequalities we already had.
The Mayor and City Council are responsible for this violence, damage and
economic disaster. They have failed to stand strong against corporate interests
and fight for their constituents. A prime example is the East Phillips Urban
Farm, where the Council voted down a great proposal that would bring food,
jobs, and new business to the neighborhood, all with environmentally sound
practices. Instead, the City Council caved to pressure from vested interests
and voted to tear the building down and build a truck facility, adding to the
legacy of environmental racism in East Phillips and costing taxpayers millions.
This is not new neglect. After decades of so-called progressive leaders, we are
still a city beset by tremendous inequity, terrible housing problems, excessive
property taxes and a lack of hope. It's time for something and someone new.
We need someone who is willing to fight hard against the corporate interests
influencing City Hall. I have supported Councilmember Cam Gordon for years, but
clearly the current leadership has not been effective at creating a city that
works for working people. Robin Wonsley has made it clear that she sees clearly
what is happening in City Hall, and that she is running with the specific
intention of fighting for us on the Council.
Robin is a person of tremendous talent, character, and personal power that just
does not come along very often.
She is a fearless speaker, smart, and a straight talker. She will not merely
maintain the Ward 2 seat as a consistent progressive vote on the City Council.
She will inspire people and lead the kinds of mass movements we need to
effectively take on the corporate behind-the-scenes interests at City Hall.
We need to fight for what residents need. One way to help that fight is to make
Robin your first choice vote for Ward 2 City Council.
Respectfully submitted,
John Kolstad
President, Mill City Music, 30 years on Lake Street