The winner of the District 6 Park Board race will be replacing Brad Bourn, who isn't running for re-election. The candidates are Cathy Abene, Bob Fine, Risa Hustad, and Barb Schlaefer. This race will utilize ranked choice voting, so you'll be able to rank your top 3 choices on your ballot.
District 6 encompasses the most southwestern portion of the city, as seen in this map (larger version here).
The Park Board in Minneapolis is a particularly powerful body compared to other cities around the country – it has the ability to levy its own property taxes, has its own police force, and is in charge of the bountiful parkland and recreation programs that exist across the city.
If some of the answers look overly brief, it's because we forced them to keep their responses to 40-50 words or less, so blame us, not them!
Cathy Abene
Why do you want to be on, or be re-elected to, the Park Board?
The MPRB needs leaders who understand stewardship of its resources for today and its role in the city for years to come. I am stepping up as a citizen with the right experience and a commitment to progress that unites us and moves us forward.
Do you support the Park Board’s Comprehensive Plan: Parks for All? Is there anything you would change about it?
The plan does a good job of defining our community values, but I expected more content on land use and program planning. I’ve worked at the staff level in public organizations that are guided by these types of general plans, and if elected, I will use the plan as intended.
How would you balance funding physical park improvements vs. investing in programming (services, sports, etc.)?
In my view, recreation programming, especially for youth, is our single biggest need and opportunity. I’d like to significantly increase participation rates throughout the city. Finding new funding for this is a top priority. Developing consistent funding strategies for maintenance is my other priority.
How does equity play a role in how we manage/invest in park and recreation assets?
The Equity Matrix is a tool developed by the current board to prioritize improvements based on need/condition, socio-economic factors, and disparities. I support continuing this approach. I believe we should also use this lens as we are growing the recreational programming as I’m hoping to.
What are some out-of-the-box or interesting things you’d help do to ensure Minneapolis remains the best parks city in the US?
I will push to establish goals for improving water quality and to identify high-impact, high-value projects in pipesheds that drain to the lakes and streams that will allow the MPRB to meet water quality goals. In this area, the MPRB must also work with partners to develop an implementation plan.
Do you have any endorsements you'd like us to mention?
Jamie Long - MN State Representative District 61B
Linea Palmisano – Minneapolis City Council Member Ward 13
Ira Jourdain – Minneapolis School Board Director District 6
Star Tribune Editorial Board
Bob Fine
Why do you want to be on, or be re-elected to, the Park Board?
I'm running because the current Board appears to lack the clear direction and necessary leadership necessary to ensure our parks, lakes and urban forests are managed for their use and enjoyment of all. This park system is the core of not just Minneapolis, but the entire County and metro area.
Do you support the Park Board’s Comprehensive Plan: Parks for All? Is there anything you would change about it?
Without involvement in the development of this Comprehensive plan, it's difficult to know if it fully addresses park and recreation needs of our city. Having been integral in developing the 2007 Comprehensive Plan, am supportive of the need for it. However, it must go through a thorough vetting by the various community constituencies.
How would you balance funding physical park improvements vs. investing in programming (services, sports, etc.)?
Investment in programming is extremely important. Having coached recreational sports the past 46 years provided me with insight into important role programming plays in our community. Current Board lacked the forward thinking necessary to make future system improvements, especially strategic developments I commenced. Balancing between programming and physical improvement is important.
How does equity play a role in how we manage/invest in park and recreation assets?
Having been the longest serving Civil Rights Commissioner in the history of Minneapolis at 19 years, equity has always been a part of my decisions, especially in my 16 years serving as a Minneapolis Park Commissioner. Equity will continue to be a factor in how we manage and invest.
What are some out-of-the-box or interesting things you’d help do to ensure Minneapolis remains the best parks city in the US?
Will continue to direct working together with other agencies like the schools in recreational sports/programs; as well as strategic developments I commenced, directed and completed during my tenure: Bde Maka Ska wetlands; Neiman Athletic complex; headquarters acquisition; acquisition of 40 acre Solomon Park and park development land in north Minneapolis along River.
Do you have any endorsements you'd like us to mention?
Besides Labor, am endorsed to return to the Park Board after 8 years off by parents of kids I've coached and kids themselves. As one paper said, Bob has the "experience and judgment that's needed on the Board”.
Risa Hustad
Why do you want to be on, or be re-elected to, the Park Board?
I have a decade-long career in the outdoor industry and bring extensive experience and leadership in environmental justice and active transportation organizing. I’m excited to lead the Park Board to address deeply held inequities & ensure our park system is conserved and meets the needs of people that live in Minneapolis.
Do you support the Park Board’s Comprehensive Plan: Parks for All? Is there anything you would change about it?
I support the Comprehensive Plan. One element of the plan includes measurable outcomes and goals. It’s easy to talk about equity, but the cardinal work is making sure actions or inactions produce the desired outcomes. We cannot wait another year for our public spaces to serve all of us.
How would you balance funding physical park improvements vs. investing in programming (services, sports, etc.)?
All park development needs a specialized response based on meaningful community engagement. I have advocated for broader community involvement that addresses the needs and interests of each neighborhood in the design and development of new programming and infrastructure focused on those historically not heard.
How does equity play a role in how we manage/invest in park and recreation assets?
Using an equity approach to planning is critical to making amends for centuries of disinvestment and discriminatory action that harm BIPOC communities. Everyone deserves access to a safe, accessible, and well-maintained park, and all parks need a specialized response based on meaningful community engagement.
What are some out-of-the-box or interesting things you’d help do to ensure Minneapolis remains the best parks city in the US?
I have advocated to implement a Safe Routes to Parks policy. This would prioritize intersections and parks with the highest crash occurrences in a data-driven way, & increase accessibility for residents and reduce crashes. The simple truth is that kids crossing the street to a park should not be run over.
Do you have any endorsements you'd like us to mention?
I am proudly endorsed by the Stonewall DFL, the Sierra Club, AFSCME Council 5, and the College Democrats of Minnesota. Grassroots organizational endorsements are critical to my campaign and to my work as a Park Board Commissioner.
Barb Schlaefer
Why do you want to be on, or be re-elected to, the Park Board?
I want to make our magnificent park system even better. With 27 years of experience in communications and public service, I can be an effective leader focused on the environment, supporting our kids and maintaining parks responsibly. I will be a collaborative commissioner who can advance the mission.
Do you support the Park Board’s Comprehensive Plan: Parks for All? Is there anything you would change about it?
I generally support the plan, specifically the focus on achieving greater equity; the need to build strong partnerships and the emphasis on ecology. I would eliminate p. 64 regarding disposing of parkland. It’s too broad and we must add, not subtract parkland.
How would you balance funding physical park improvements vs. investing in programming (services, sports, etc.)?
The Park Board has fallen woefully behind on maintenance in recent years – especially in regional parks including the Chain of Lakes and Minnehaha Parkway. The MPRB’s top priorities now must be maintenance, stewardship and youth (athletics, environmental education, youth employment, Rec Plus).
How does equity play a role in how we manage/invest in park and recreation assets?
The Board now applies equity-based criteria to decisions about new capital investments to give weight to park projects in marginalized neighborhoods and has identified neighborhoods that have less access to parks. Both must guide decisions. We must also address the environmental injustices areas where trees and clean water are limited.
What are some out-of-the-box or interesting things you’d help do to ensure Minneapolis remains the best parks city in the US?
More robust volunteer engagement in parks. Community gardens. Native landscape. Tree canopy.
Improved communications so residents can learn about opportunities, report issues, ask questions, submit ideas and get clear and timely answers from the MPRB.
Double current state funding for maintaining our regional parks, which are enjoyed by folks statewide.
Do you have any endorsements you'd like us to mention?
The Minneapolis DFL did not endorse a candidate for this seat. I am endorsed by the DFL Senior Caucus.
