Meg's Endorsements

Star Tribune
DFL Feminist Caucus
Stonewall DFL (acceptable)
Minnesota Women's Political Caucus
endorsements

25+ Years of Service to the City

  • Above the Falls Citizens Advisory Committee (AFCAC) South Minneapolis Representative, since 2003 Citizen review & leadership in implementing the upper Mississippi master plan for environmental improvements, economic development & community revitalization for the City of Minneapolis & the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board; Above the Falls Phase I Design Development Citizens Task Force, Chair, 2003-2005
  • Midtown Greenway Land Use & Development Committee Appointee, West Calhoun Neighborhood Steering Council, 2005
  • Theodore Wirth Beach Redevelopment Citizens Advisory Committee Chair, 2002-2003
  • Committee on Urban Environment (CUE) Chair, 1997-2002; Committee Member (Mayoral Appointee) 1989-2004; Chair, Friends of CUE, 2002-2004 (a not-for-profit fundraising entity) Advisory Committee to the City Council & Mayor; CUE Awards Chair, 1991-2004
  • West Calhoun Neighborhood Council (WCNC) Chair, Vice-Chair & Treasurer, 1995-2003; WCNC Revitalization Program Steering Committee Chair and Vice-Chair, 1996-2003
  • People for Parks Chair & Treasurer, 1982-1989 Promotion & Fundraising for the Minneapolis Park & Recreation Board; People for Parks News Editor, 1989-1999
  • Lake Harriet Bandstand Fundraising Co-Chair, 1983-1985
  • WESAC Girls Soccer Coach, 1986-1989
  • The East Calhoun News Co-Editor, Layout Editor, 1979-1989; East Calhoun Community Organization Treasurer, 1977-1979
  • Realtor, Coldwell Banker Burnet, since 1978

For information about volunteering and contributions, please visit the Contact Meg page.

THANKS!

Meg’s Response to Stonewall DFL

1) What experience do you have with GLBT issues and the GLBT community?

My husband and I proactively support GLBT issues and stood with hundreds at last years Out Front event on the steps of the capitol to help defeat the so-called Marriage Amendment.

My 30 year old nephew just came out to the family. I am humbled by the fact that he chose me to be the first one in the family to open out to. He is aware of my support, love and openness and knew he would be safe and embraced.

Both my campaign manager, Dave Adams and treasurer, Harvey Zuckman for this campaign are gay. Harvey and I go back 25 years in our arm and arm pursuit of Parks related activism.

Working in real estate, I am fortunate to work closely with a large number of gay and lesbian agents, support staff and clients.

2) How do you think GLBT people in committed relationships should be granted equal legal protection as heterosexual couples? Why do you prefer that method to others?

I absolutely believe that GLBT people in committed relationships should be granted the same legal protection as heterosexual couples. My basic feeling is that the marriage contract should be left to the church. The state should be involved in the legal aspects of the union and all rights, responsibilities and protections should be granted for all committed couples, regardless of sexual orientation, who seek it.

3) What are your priorities for the office you are running for?

Most important to me is to change the “face” of the board. The present Commissioners are in a dysfunctional state, civility is non-existent, respectful acknowledgement of each other, of Park staff and even their constituents is sorely missing. I offer the leadership, consensus building skills and vision to help create a functional Park Board. I have a proven track record of team building – over 25 years (record attached). I will serve as a bridge on the board, without the baggage of dysfunctional history, without the entrenched positions that presently exist. The phrase “fresh face” is trite unless it can be backed up with the experience that you have gained being a team builder, a bridge builder. I have this.

My specific visions and priorities are these:

1) Urban Frontiers Charted
Opportunities exist to “capture” open spaces still within our urban environment for livable communities. I am actively a member of two committees, the Above the Falls and the Midtown Greenway Land Use and Development Steering Committee. As a Commissioner, I will be pro-active in charting the course to make these reality in the future of the City of Minneapolis
2) Private Sector Support
Opportunities to create private citizen support of the park system need to be established. With the return of the Dutch elm disease epidemic, good old-fashioned opportunities such as the Beetle Bash, a fundraising party, are needed. The public loves our parks and I will champion programs for the citizens to give back to the parks.

4) Are there any GLBT issues that you have questions about or need assistance with?

What are the issues for the GLBT community in relationship to the Parks? Are the Parks a safe haven for the community? Or is there a lingering discrimination? Does the community feel they were heard with regard to the 32nd Street Beach resolve? Or is there a residue that needs to still be addressed and a systematic approach to assure the community is heard fully.

5) If endorsed by Stonewall DFL will you actively list that endorsement in campaign materials? If not, why?

YES, with pride.

6) Do you plan on abiding by the DFL endorsement?

I have not made that decision at this time and plan to study this further as I undertake this campaign.

7) Would you be willing to work with other elected officials in surrounding communities to establish a metro-wide or multi-city domestic partnership registry?

I will be supportive of these efforts and will be pleased to take an active role in this effort.

8) Are you in favor of providing domestic partner health care benefits for city employees similar to what has occurred in the private sector in most of the Fortune 500 companies? If your city does not currently offer such benefits, would you introduce/support legislation to bring about such benefits?

Yes, absolutely. It is the right thing to do and will help us attract and keep the most qualified employees. I will do everything possible with this issue within the Parks system.

9) How do you propose to address the current drug crisis (PNP or so-called “party and play” drugs) in the GLBT community?

I must say that I am not as familiar with the PNP issue as I would like to be. Hopefully, during my campaign I can learn more about it.

As far as drugs are concerned, we need to make all age appropriate efforts to educate and discourage the use of illegal drugs by our youth and adults. The use of illegal drugs in all communities, especially where some people feel marginalized by economic factors, racism and homophobia, lead to poor decisions concerning short and long term effects.

There are the potentially disastrous effects of the illegal drugs, especially meth and ecstasy, on the individuals who use them as well as family, friends and acquaintances. Many of these drugs lead to lowered inhibitions which manifest themselves in greater risks for injury and sexually transmitted diseases including HIV.

Education both private and public, and lowering feelings of alienation can help reduce the use of illegal drugs and the negative consequences. Park information and programs can assist in these efforts.

10) What would you do in your office, if elected, to bring attention back to people living with HIV or AIDS?

We need to be vocal and more supportive of people living with HIV and AIDS and assist them as much as possible with health care and encouraging society understanding, compassion and acceptance. I will join with others in assisting with education and support.

11) What would you do to improve community relations and encourage diversity in the Police and Fire Departments with respect to better understanding of the GLBT community?

The Park Police need continued education on diversity matters affecting minorities including the GLBT community. Citizens need to know where they can turn if they are a victim of harassment. We need to encourage more diversity in hiring and further create an atmosphere where people can be fully honest and open within these departments.

12) What would you do to combat hate crimes against members of the GLBT community?

Again, education and diversity training of all parks department employees will help. Citizen awareness programs, and possibly making parks “hate free zones” can help to encourage safe and pleasant use of our facilities. Hate crimes must be investigated and where possible, the perpetrators need to be prosecuted. But, this is an after the fact response. More education would be my first priority.

13) How would you reach out to members of the GLBT business community to encourage their participation in city planning and economic development?

We need to take active steps to encourage the GLBT business to get involved. We should make sure to invite diverse groups to participate. We need to be proactive and make sure that we reach out to all groups. GLBT employees of the Parks Department should feel safe about being out and be encouraged to help in these efforts.