John,
The Economist wrote its cover story this month on the politics of policing in the wake of George Floyd's murder – and how my race for Hennepin County Attorney will serve as a "test of voters’ feelings on police". Here's an excerpt about last year's ballot initiative that resonates with me and the communities I've spent my career serving:
"A formal proposal from the council to abolish the Minneapolis Police Department and replace it with a new “department of public safety” was soundly defeated, with 56% of voters against. Perhaps most surprisingly, the revolt against the measure was strongest in Minneapolis’s black neighbourhoods, in the north and centre. Most votes in favour came from liberal, whiter districts, peaking in blocks around the University of Minnesota." The Economist, September 2022
My priorities remain the same and have not changed since I got into this race seven months ago. Creating safer communities, strong partnerships with law enforcement, and getting justice for victims of violent crime are our most pressing issues.
In the wake of an unprecedented spike in violent crime, my top priority will be ensuring survivors receive justice. My opponent listed her top priority as holding police accountable, with no mention of rectifying violent crime.
