Fasten your seatbelts. We could be heading for a wild ride in races for local offices in Minneapolis.
"It's a crowded field in the political landscape in Minneapolis this year," observed Kyle Makarios, addressing the delegate assembly of the Minneapolis Central Labor Union Council (CLUC) Feb. 9.
The mayor's race has drawn the most attention thus far. First-term incumbent R.T. Rybak is seeking re-election and the DFL Party's endorsement. Four years ago, political newcomer Rybak ran without DFL backing and ousted the labor-endorsed incumbent, Sharon Sayles Belton.
Saying the city is at a crossroads, Hennepin County Commissioner Peter McLaughlin is challenging Rybak for the mayor's office. McLaughlin has served 14 years on the County Board, representing south Minneapolis since 1991. He also served five years in the Minnesota House of Representatives from 1985-1990. In past races, he always has run with DFL and AFL-CIO endorsement.
CLUC: no endorsements yet
Both Rybak and McLaughlin screened for endorsement with the CLUC Jan. 26. At the CLUC's February meeting, the delegate assembly followed the lead of the executive board and voted to refrain from an endorsement in the mayor's race at this time.
In addition to holding off on a mayoral endorsement, the CLUC also will wait to endorse candidates for City Council, Park Board, and Library Board, the other seats on the November ballot.
Instead, the CLUC has worked with affiliate unions to develop "A Local Agenda for Good Jobs and Strong Communities." Topics on the agenda include jobs, infrastructure investment, strong schools, and respect for public employees.
"We want to create discussion around these items," Makarios said. "Our idea is to frame the discussion around which the endorsements are made."
"We want the candidates to endorse these issues," said Bill McCarthy, CLUC president. "It's about building a progressive coalition in this city." The CLUC "Local Agenda" is available from the CLUC office or on the CLUC website: www.minneapolisunions.org.
The CLUC and affiliates worked to encourage union members who live in Minneapolis to attend the DFL's March 1 precinct caucus, to run for delegate to the ward and city conventions, and to question candidates about support for issues outlined in the "Local Agenda."
Five of the 13 Council seats are open seats: Wards 2, 3, 8, 10 and 13. Five or more candidates are seeking each seat. In two wards, 5 and 6, redistricting puts two incumbents in the same race.
The At-Large Park Board seat also is drawing multiple candidates. If union members turn out to the precinct caucuses, Makarios said, "We can have an impact on all of these races."
For more information
Visit the Minneapolis CLUC website, www.minneapolisunions.org
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Fasten your seatbelts. We could be heading for a wild ride in races for local offices in Minneapolis.
“It’s a crowded field in the political landscape in Minneapolis this year,” observed Kyle Makarios, addressing the delegate assembly of the Minneapolis Central Labor Union Council (CLUC) Feb. 9.
The mayor’s race has drawn the most attention thus far. First-term incumbent R.T. Rybak is seeking re-election and the DFL Party’s endorsement. Four years ago, political newcomer Rybak ran without DFL backing and ousted the labor-endorsed incumbent, Sharon Sayles Belton.
Saying the city is at a crossroads, Hennepin County Commissioner Peter McLaughlin is challenging Rybak for the mayor’s office. McLaughlin has served 14 years on the County Board, representing south Minneapolis since 1991. He also served five years in the Minnesota House of Representatives from 1985-1990. In past races, he always has run with DFL and AFL-CIO endorsement.
CLUC: no endorsements yet
Both Rybak and McLaughlin screened for endorsement with the CLUC Jan. 26. At the CLUC’s February meeting, the delegate assembly followed the lead of the executive board and voted to refrain from an endorsement in the mayor’s race at this time.
In addition to holding off on a mayoral endorsement, the CLUC also will wait to endorse candidates for City Council, Park Board, and Library Board, the other seats on the November ballot.
Instead, the CLUC has worked with affiliate unions to develop “A Local Agenda for Good Jobs and Strong Communities.” Topics on the agenda include jobs, infrastructure investment, strong schools, and respect for public employees.
“We want to create discussion around these items,” Makarios said. “Our idea is to frame the discussion around which the endorsements are made.”
“We want the candidates to endorse these issues,” said Bill McCarthy, CLUC president. “It’s about building a progressive coalition in this city.” The CLUC “Local Agenda” is available from the CLUC office or on the CLUC website: www.minneapolisunions.org.
The CLUC and affiliates worked to encourage union members who live in Minneapolis to attend the DFL’s March 1 precinct caucus, to run for delegate to the ward and city conventions, and to question candidates about support for issues outlined in the “Local Agenda.”
Five of the 13 Council seats are open seats: Wards 2, 3, 8, 10 and 13. Five or more candidates are seeking each seat. In two wards, 5 and 6, redistricting puts two incumbents in the same race.
The At-Large Park Board seat also is drawing multiple candidates. If union members turn out to the precinct caucuses, Makarios said, “We can have an impact on all of these races.”
For more information
Visit the Minneapolis CLUC website, www.minneapolisunions.org