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Interview Summary
Anders Folk, a lifelong Minnesotan and former federal prosecutor, is running for Hennepin County Attorney with a focus on restoring public safety and rebuilding the office’s reputation. Drawing on experience from the Marine Corps, the Department of Justice, and earlier work in the Hennepin County Attorney’s juvenile division, Folk argues that the office has suffered from weakened relationships with law enforcement and poor communication with the public. He stresses the importance of professionalism, transparency, and collaboration across the county’s public-safety ecosystem.
A major theme of the conversation is accountability—especially for youth—paired with compassion and long-term prevention. Folk acknowledges community frustration with repeat offenses, particularly car thefts and violent incidents, and says that consequences must be certain and clearly communicated. At the same time, he emphasizes that the goal is to prevent crime before it happens and ensure that those who move through the system can successfully re-enter society. He also calls for stronger support for victims, who he feels have not been adequately heard under the current leadership.
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Our conversation addresses broader public safety challenges, including gang activity, jail overcrowding, and high-profile use-of-force cases. He argues that the county attorney must be a strong partner not only to Minneapolis but to every city in Hennepin County, recognizing that crime often crosses municipal boundaries. His past work, including signing the federal indictment against Derek Chauvin, informs his view of the pressures and scrutiny that come with the role. Ultimately, Folk presents himself as a pragmatic Democrat focused on rebuilding trust, strengthening collaboration, and communicating clearly with residents about how decisions are made.
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