Finding a Green Way to Govern

Second Ward October 2021 E-newsletter News from Cam Gordon  Council Member, Second Ward  www2.minneapolismn.gov/ward2/     secondward.blogspot.com    facebook.com/MinneapolisWard2       2021 Election.  Election Day is Tuesday, November 2 , but people can still vote early at the Early Vote Center at 980 E Hennepin Ave. Please see https://vote.minneapolismn.gov/voters/ and vote.minneapolismn.gov for the most complete information about this year’s election. Voters will be asked to wear face coverings when coming to vote in person at the polling places. The City will offer disposable masks and will follow additional health and sanitation protocols in all polling locations to protect both voters and City employees.      On the Ballot.  The offices of Mayor, City Council, Board of Estimate & Taxation, and Park & Recreation...

Now that we know that the proposed charter change to create a new Department of Public Safety will be on the ballot, more people are going to be wondering, writing and talking about what it would look like in Minneapolis. Naturally, and wisely I think, many of the details have not been worked out. Before investing in the careful, inclusive, transparent, democratic and thoughtful process such promising and serious work will require, I believe the first step is to see if the will of the people is to change the framework and create the department in the first place. Still, much of what will follow is predictable and will be built from what has come before. So, let’s say that Ballot Question #2 is approved by the voters in November. Here are some of my thoughts about what might happen next. The first action that would likely occur would be the appointment of a new Commissioner of Public Safety and likely her or his first priority would be to take the lead in developing a...