[Mpls] Star Tribune endorsements for Library Board

[Alan Hooker]

A minor correction to Rod Kruger's posting.  He wrote:

>In the DFL endorsement for Library Board this year there were 6 men seeking 
>the endorsement and 2 women, as Loki mentioned both women were endorsed.

Actually, Library Board Trustee Virginia Holte also sought the DFL 
endorsement for a period of time.  She attended DFL ward conventions for a 
couple of months, informing delegates that she was running for the 
endorsement.  Then, for reasons unknown, Ms. Holte dropped out at the last 
minute -- at the city convention itself, if memory serves me right.

Like Rod, I too am honored to be endorsed by MN NOW (receiving their highest 
rating) and the DFL Feminist Caucus.  I have also been endorsed by Stonewall 
DFL and the DFL Party.  The support of these organizations is based in part 
on my long history (all the way back to marching in the '70's for the ERA) 
for gender/sexual equality and social justice.  I am a male feminist, LGBT 
activist, civil rights advocate -- and proud of it.  As such, and as a Human 
Resources Administrator and Affirmative Action Officer for a multi-state non 
profit, I also know it's smart economically for business and society to 
ensure equality of pay and employment opportunities.  Therefore, should I be 
fortunate enough to be elected on November 8, you can be sure that I will 
always speak out in favor of such employment practices for all employees 
within the Minneapolis Public Library system.

On a personal note, I would like to take this opportunity to commend all 
candidates, for all offices, who will be on the ballot next Tuesday and 
those candidates who did not make it through the Primary. Running for office 
is not easy.  It can take its toll on a financial and personal level.  Your 
family and friends don't get to see much of you, and you find yourself 
catching heat sometimes for speaking your mind.  But please know that you 
are doing some of the hardest work democracy demands of us -- to actively 
work on trying to better your community.  Minneapolis is richer for your 
efforts.

For me, although it has been exhausting at times, it has been an 
exhilarating and wonderful experience.  I have had the time of my life 
meeting thousands of people, and have truly enjoyed getting to personally 
know some of the other candidates and their families.

Thank you, everyone.

Best wishes to all on November 8.

Alan Hooker
Camden / Victory Neighborhood
Candidate for Minneapolis Library Board
www.alanhooker.com