I've lived in North Minneapolis for eight years and I'd like to share with you some of the experiences I've had while living here.
Friendly and helpful neighbors
My neighbors have become some of my dearest friends. If I hadn't been living here, I never would have met them. Since I've been on the campaign trail I've found that some of the best and brightest people live in our district. We're smart, fun, energetic, and really wonderful people. Take a minute and tell your neighbors.
Centrally located to all of the metro area
It's a great place to live because I can get to anywhere in the Twin Cities in about 15-20 minutes. Other people I know that live in the suburbs complain when events are in St. Paul or southern areas of the metro because of the drive. It's really a blessing to have access to so much wonderful culture and other amenities in our fair city.
Convenient access to libraries and parks
Our library system is a treasure. Our parks and trails are a treasure. To have them so conveniently located is just an added blessing.
Crime
My home has been robbed at gunpoint. My house has been broken into while I was away. My car was stolen. My car has been vandalized - including red paint splashed all over the hood, my tires have been slashed, I've had windows broken, and had my side view mirror broken off. My outdoor fireplace was stolen. I've had people outside my house fighting and stabbing each other with knives. In the summer I often have firework debris hit my vehicles and house. And finally in the late summer I often hear gunfire.
I know firsthand that crime is bad in our neighborhood. I want to do something about it and I want to assure you that I have a committed reason to fight with you. I know the destructive effects that crime can have on our sense of community and our feelings of security. I will do everything I can to reduce crime but it really starts with us citizens. We need to be out in our yards and communities. We need to ensure that the authorities are alerted when suspicious activity is taking place. And most of all we need people to step up and help the police find and prosecute the career criminals that are living among us.
Fundamental to public safety is the right of the citizenry to keep and bear arms. In Minnesota we are burdened with a "duty to retreat." That is that if we are attacked in our home we have a duty to flee our attacker(s). This is lunacy! As citizens we should have the right to defend ourselves, our spouse, and our children in the event of an attack. I would support legislation to establish castle doctrine - wherein we would not be persecuted by the state if we harm or kill an intruder to our home.
More information on case law discussing the rulings on self defense can be found here.
Garbage and vandalism
Everyday I come home and see garbage in our streets. Whether it is Wendy's wrappers or drink containers or other candy wrappers it seems that there is no shortage of it blowing through our neighborhood. Who's doing this? Have we no pride in the Northside? If you know someone who is littering please take responsibility and urge them to stop. If your children are doing it please discipline them! A sense of pride in our community can help with crime and other nuisances that are plaguing our community.