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Should Elected Officials Be Held Accountable to The Public?

“Creating and implementing a code of ethics is a fundamental way we can demonstrate that we care about the public…” I’ve often said becoming a politician is much like becoming a parent for the first time. Once you decide to run for office, all...

2020: How The Pandemic Changed Everything In Local Government

“The pandemic continued, leaving a wake of hardships and death behind.” View from my office in downtown Anoka after our 2020 Truth in Taxation Board Meeting January 2021 will start my third year of my first term in office. Normally, this might be the time...

Today Is A Good Day, But Tomorrow Can Be Better

Let’s go back to the basics to build a brighter future. I care about what kind of example I am setting not only for my children, but everyone’s. On Saturday, November 9th after several days of wondering and anxiety, the Associated Press reported our 46th...

Rental and Mortgage Assistance Available NOW Due to COVID

Deadlines are fast approaching to apply. I will personally help anyone in Anoka County connect with the right resources. Please pass it on. I need your help to make sure we can help as many of our neighbors, friends and loved ones as possible. It is going to be a long...

What I’ve Always Wanted to Tell You About Race Identity

From an Asian-American Politician Me in Seoul, Korea. I weighed thirteen pounds when I came home. I was over a year old. In my commentary at the June 9th Anoka County board meeting, (minute 3:50) in the wake of the horrific death of George Floyd I encourage us all to...

What Being An Elected Official Taught Me About The Holidays

Being a County Commissioner gives me many privileges. Being a witness to this work was perhaps the greatest privilege I’ve had so far. Metro Transit was one of many community partners who was part of the Homeless Outreach Event. In many ways, this Holiday season...

How To Get What You Don’t Want: Ignore The Special Election Nov 5

Not knowing when to vote will cost you. The general public can easily get behind a Presidential election. It’s glamorous, with all the political drama and intrigue to capture a nation. I get it. It’s easy to think that all the gloss will eventually come...

100 Years After Women Got The Vote, We Still Lag Behind

Much to celebrate. Much to do. 100th Women’s Suffrage Celebration at the Minnesota State Capitol (League of Women Voters) The sky was a smear of grey, colorful umbrellas dotted the steps as hundreds of people made their way into the Minnesota State Capital. I...

A Plea To Embrace The Middle From A Moderate Politician

Putting people over party politics in local government (“Untitled” by local artist JD Holmquist) Recently, I read an article about Presidential Candidate, Senator Amy Klobuchar, working Iowa. It was a story about an underdog, trailing behind her colleagues...

Mute

Mute Finding my voice in politics.  It’s not that I haven’t had anything to say.  Quite the opposite.  In the past six months or so of being in office, I have been inspired, motivated, humbled and disheartened. As I’ve gotten older and life has presented its...