[Mpls] Who's got the voting power in Minneapolis

[nikkicarlson001 at aol.com]

Here is one small incident that really shaped my perceptions of Peter McLaughlin and R.T. Rybak. I often ask myself "what would Wellstone do?" when evaluating not only my positions but also my methods. I also measure others with the same yardstick. Wellstone was willing to support underdog candidates, and was always about bringing people together.
 
In 2002, just after R.T. took office, the county DFL endorsed a candidate for Sheriff, Juan Lopez. He was extremely qualified, had a clear agenda of increasing diversity and integrity in the Hennepin County Sheriff's office, and was an informed and articulate candidate.
 
Peter McLaughlin was the first public official to endorse him. I called R.T. multiple times to ask for his endorsement, even leaving messages at his house. I never got a call back but finally reached his aide, Peter Wagenius. He asked, "What's in it for R.T.?" (Past Mpls. mayors have supported DFL-endorsed candidates for sheriff, County Attorneys have not.) He said he didn't have anything against Juan Lopez, but just couldn't see any benefits for the mayor in endorsing him.
 
Ultimately, R.T. did not endorse him. Peter McLaughlin did and co-hosted a fundraiser for him.
 
Would R.T.'s support have made a difference in the race? Probably not. But the Latino community was very energized about Juan Lopez. We wanted to foster that and this was not a concern for R.T. I don't know Peter's reasons for supporting Juan, but I don't think it was for political gain.
 
Nikki Carlson
Linden Hills