DeMello has my vote. She’s not as charismatic a speaker as Whiting, but my impression is she’s level-headed, balanced, pragmatic, and interested in governing for all her constituents.
I checked out Whiting’s website a couple months ago, and was underwhelmed. No indication of a platform; only identity politics. I think I’ve seen enough of identity politics over the last couple years. He spoke at the caucus, and I still don’t know what his platform is. Maybe he’d be ok, but I don’t feel like rolling the dice.
I talked with her on the phone a few weeks ago. I liked what I heard. I am happy to hear her message here on Terry's substack (which is much more public obviously) matches up well with her private conversation with me.
I’ve heard both Jamison and Miriam speak, so have the benefit of comparison. My vote is for Miriam because she has the knowledge, skills and abilities that are required for effective governance. I like her calm, intelligent, straightforward answers to questions and the fact she clearly views herself as a democratic centrist, who will focus on the basics.
I am troubled by Jamison’s endorsements from those who typically support democrat socialists, and I suspect his true allegiance is farther left than I am comfortable with. A few weeks ago, he described himself as a Progressive; at a later meeting he was considering himself a traditional DLFer. Yes,he can deliver a slick speech, with terms like “community safety ecosystem”, but I have more confidence in Mariam’s authenticity.
I may have been at that same community panel at the church, where they both introduced themselves and answered some questions. I agree completely with your assessment. Jamison really knows how to work a room, and seems to have tons of campaign support, but I would still support and vote for Demello. Jamison appeared to dodge a question about the # of police officers needed in Mpls, so maybe, in trying to satisfy the DSA inclined voters, he decided it was best to go to the grey zone " Ecosystem" speak. He did say he was a progressive, so we know what that likely means here in Mpls, and then when adding that to who is endorsing him, Demello, with her background, maturity, and solid reasoning for entering the race, seems to be a better, more secure choice.
Thank you for writing this piece. I attended a DeMello meet and greet a couple weeks ago and was very impressed with what I heard. I came away with many of the same impressions as those commenting on the piece. It is nice to hear others confirm my experience as well as learn some new perspectives about the candidate.
Thanks, Greg. Did you see the South West Voices is doing a reset? Funding issues. There few sources of local news out there. Subscriptions and grant funding are the only way.
Thank you again, Terry White, for your many years of service and dedication to our city. I’m also deeply grateful for the opportunity to speak with you and share my vision for a stronger, more connected Minneapolis. I appreciate you taking the time to elevate this conversation and help inform our community.
What I like so-far about DeMello is she actually knows and understands how what she does in governance affects the very people it was meant for. Whiting hasn’t really addressed representative governance. His talking points were the very same I’ve heard from extremist-socialists, whom have flatly stated housing should belong to the city (Adam Duinick, as an un-elected head of the Met Council, in 2017). Whiting also had attended “Defunding Minneapolis Police” gatherings following George Floyd’s murder… It wasn’t until he decided to run for Ward 11 that he’s changed his tune. DeMello has always stated we need a better MPD, not an extinct MPD.
To me, Whiting is a Met Council drone and puppet! Mariam DeMello appears to have a better grasp on what our Ward 11 wants and needs, for the sake of Ward 11 and our city.
I respect that DeMello wants better treatment of Gaza Palestinians…. but she believes our city’s governance can offer better solutions for the world by being the very best city we can become; rather than using taxpayer funds for merely providing politically-charged rhetoric. I feel DeMello believes we should take care of our Ward and City, and the people who need that care first.
DeMello has my vote. She’s not as charismatic a speaker as Whiting, but my impression is she’s level-headed, balanced, pragmatic, and interested in governing for all her constituents.
I checked out Whiting’s website a couple months ago, and was underwhelmed. No indication of a platform; only identity politics. I think I’ve seen enough of identity politics over the last couple years. He spoke at the caucus, and I still don’t know what his platform is. Maybe he’d be ok, but I don’t feel like rolling the dice.
I talked with her on the phone a few weeks ago. I liked what I heard. I am happy to hear her message here on Terry's substack (which is much more public obviously) matches up well with her private conversation with me.
I’ve heard both Jamison and Miriam speak, so have the benefit of comparison. My vote is for Miriam because she has the knowledge, skills and abilities that are required for effective governance. I like her calm, intelligent, straightforward answers to questions and the fact she clearly views herself as a democratic centrist, who will focus on the basics.
I am troubled by Jamison’s endorsements from those who typically support democrat socialists, and I suspect his true allegiance is farther left than I am comfortable with. A few weeks ago, he described himself as a Progressive; at a later meeting he was considering himself a traditional DLFer. Yes,he can deliver a slick speech, with terms like “community safety ecosystem”, but I have more confidence in Mariam’s authenticity.
,
I may have been at that same community panel at the church, where they both introduced themselves and answered some questions. I agree completely with your assessment. Jamison really knows how to work a room, and seems to have tons of campaign support, but I would still support and vote for Demello. Jamison appeared to dodge a question about the # of police officers needed in Mpls, so maybe, in trying to satisfy the DSA inclined voters, he decided it was best to go to the grey zone " Ecosystem" speak. He did say he was a progressive, so we know what that likely means here in Mpls, and then when adding that to who is endorsing him, Demello, with her background, maturity, and solid reasoning for entering the race, seems to be a better, more secure choice.
Thank you for writing this piece. I attended a DeMello meet and greet a couple weeks ago and was very impressed with what I heard. I came away with many of the same impressions as those commenting on the piece. It is nice to hear others confirm my experience as well as learn some new perspectives about the candidate.
What an excellent overall commentary from Terry. I read it out loud to my wife, Barb.
Thanks, Greg. Did you see the South West Voices is doing a reset? Funding issues. There few sources of local news out there. Subscriptions and grant funding are the only way.
Thank you again, Terry White, for your many years of service and dedication to our city. I’m also deeply grateful for the opportunity to speak with you and share my vision for a stronger, more connected Minneapolis. I appreciate you taking the time to elevate this conversation and help inform our community.
What I like so-far about DeMello is she actually knows and understands how what she does in governance affects the very people it was meant for. Whiting hasn’t really addressed representative governance. His talking points were the very same I’ve heard from extremist-socialists, whom have flatly stated housing should belong to the city (Adam Duinick, as an un-elected head of the Met Council, in 2017). Whiting also had attended “Defunding Minneapolis Police” gatherings following George Floyd’s murder… It wasn’t until he decided to run for Ward 11 that he’s changed his tune. DeMello has always stated we need a better MPD, not an extinct MPD.
To me, Whiting is a Met Council drone and puppet! Mariam DeMello appears to have a better grasp on what our Ward 11 wants and needs, for the sake of Ward 11 and our city.
I respect that DeMello wants better treatment of Gaza Palestinians…. but she believes our city’s governance can offer better solutions for the world by being the very best city we can become; rather than using taxpayer funds for merely providing politically-charged rhetoric. I feel DeMello believes we should take care of our Ward and City, and the people who need that care first.