NEWS RELEASE: Mayor Frey, Local Elected Officials Reaffirm that Minneapolis Stands United for All of Our Residents
Contact: Kenza Hadj-Moussa, TakeAction Minnesota
612-386-9556 | kenza@takeactionminnesota.org
October 10, 2019
NEWS RELEASE
Mayor Frey, Local Elected Officials Reaffirm that Minneapolis Stands United for All of Our Residents
Local elected officials and leaders say Minnesotans want good government that’s of, by, and for the people
MINNEAPOLIS–All eyes are on Minnesota as President Trump prepares to hold his first campaign rally since being under impeachment inquiry at the Minneapolis Target Center.
Today, local elected officials reaffirmed that Minneapolis stands united for all its residents. City and state elected officials converged at Minneapolis City Hall for a press conference this morning organized by TakeAction Minnesota, a grassroots organization.
“We have a tradition of ethical politics,” said Elianne Farhat, executive director of TakeAction Minnesota. “It’s very simple. Minnesotans want elected officials who lead with integrity, and who respect and work for all of us. Minnesotans believe in a government that is of, by, and for the people.”
Minneapolis City Councilor Jeremiah Ellison of Ward 5 reinforced the message.
“Anyone who grew up on comics, as I did, will tell you that ‘with great power, comes great responsibility.’ Spider-Man learned it from Uncle Ben, but I learned it best from my mother, who taught me early that the best way to lead is by example,” Ellison said. “Passing laws to protect our workers; fighting corporations that would poison our kids; spending our budget to keep our most vulnerable securely housed, this is how Minneapolis residents lead. As elected officials, when the people entrust you with leadership, it is your duty to serve honestly and with integrity; that’s supposed to be the lowest bar, not our highest aspiration. We aspire to uphold truth and justice. We aspire to save the planet, to treat all human beings with dignity, and to serve the people––governing with honor and relentless integrity.”
Rep. Raymond Dehn, Sen. Scott Dibble, Rep. Jim Davnie, Minneapolis City Councilor Steve Fletcher, Minneapolis City Council President Lisa Bender, Rep. Frank Hornstein, Minneapolis City Councilor Jeremiah Ellison, Elianne Farhat, TakeAction Minnesota, and Sen. Patricia Torres Ray
State Senator Patricia Torres Ray, a leader for immigrant rights from Minneapolis spoke passionately about building inclusive communities.
“Walls separate us, they isolate us, they break communities apart and threaten our survival,” said Torres Ray. “We represent communities that grow and thrive in diversity. We will stand together to continue to build community and a just, regenerative economy.”
City leaders drilled down on the point that Minnesotans want good government and respect from their leaders.
“We find ourselves in a time where it is necessary to defend the basic principles of our democracy. In Minnesota, we value hard work and honesty. Our residents expect a government that is reliable, ethical and transparent,” said Lisa Bender, President of the Minneapolis Council. “In Minneapolis we know we can stand with all of our residents and create a welcoming city that fosters respectful debate.”
“In Minneapolis, we’re the government that doesn’t shut down,” said Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey. “Ours is a city built on, and propelled forward by, a commitment to inclusion. That means we look out for one another and rally around the fundamental belief that good governance demands results for all our residents.”
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TakeAction Minnesota is a statewide, independent, multiracial people’s organization working to advance democracy and equity through organizing, political action, and campaigns. Offices are located in St. Paul, Duluth, and St. Cloud.
