[Mpls] 8th Ward Race

[Robert Lilligren]

Kudos to Craig Cox for increasing government accountability in Minneapolis
with his City Hall watchdog paper the Minneapolis Observer. I do enjoy his
new feature, the Ballot Box. I'm guessing it will really heat up as we
venture down the campaign trail together. I wanted to clarify one entry
regarding the 8th Ward race.

Craig writes:

Robert Lilligren is said to have encouraged Dennis Tifft to run. Hauser also
noted that Titi Bediako may be Mayor Rybak's favorite. The mayor, however,
has not made any formal announcement of support in the ward.Lilligren also
is not backing any particular candidate.

RL:

The above language suggests that Marie, and perhaps others, believes that
Dennis is in the race due to my encouragement. This is untrue. I know Dennis
was interested in running for office long before he worked on my last
campaign. I have met with and encouraged most of these candidates. This is
government by the people and if we are not willing to step forward to
participate it will never work.

The people of the new 8th Ward are lucky to have a strong field to choose
from. I know most of the 8th Ward candidates pretty well. Several are
friends. I have been clear with these candidates and my constituents; I am
neutral in the race. It is for the fine voters of the ward to choose. I have
made myself available to all of them to discuss any issues affecting the
Ward. Most have taken advantage of this offer.

Thanks,

Robert Lilligren

Council Member Ward 8
Candidate Ward 6
Phillips West
www.voterobert.com