At the Oct. 16 forum for Minneapolis First and Third Ward sponsored by the Northeast Minneapolis Arts District board, candidates showed their knowledge of arts issues.
On Oct. 17, six candidates for mayor answered similar questions. Their forum is reported on page 11 of the November 1 Northeaster, and a video of the entire forum is at TheUptake.org.
In alphabetical order, council candidate introductions:
First Ward
John Hayden: Budget-oriented, shift away from downtown and streetcars to neighborhood economic development and the arts. Independent.
Jillia Pessenda: A performing artist and advocate in various social justice issues, concerned about affordable housing and affordable work spaces. DFL member.
Kevin Reich: Two term incumbent, grew up in Northeast, “arts is not an extra, it’s central to economic viability” and connected to everything else. DFL member.
Third Ward
Steve Fletcher: Won DFL endorsement based on his labor background, American Federation of Musicians member, married to a book artist.
Ginger Jentzen: Independent and Socialist Alternative. A Minneapolis that’s truly affordable for all, especially in housing. Executive Director 15 Now Minnesota.
Samantha Pree-Stinson: Green Party endorsed. Involved in KMOJ and MTN, husband and sons are artists. “A different voice, look like the people we represent.”
Third Ward candidate Tim Bildsoe did not attend.
On balancing affordable work space with density:
Hayden: I’ve met with hundreds of artists, and affordable housing is their top issue.
Pessenda: Commercial land trusts for perpetual affordable rent. Change zoning laws.
Reich: Update the Industrial Living Overlay District and codify affordability for at least 20 years.
Fletcher: Zone it creative. Retail as we know it is going away; what unique, interesting things can be done with that space (in downtown particularly).
Jentzen: A tenants’ bill of rights. Tax big developers, institute rent control.
Pree-Stinson: Rent control is not proven to work. Accessory Dwelling Units could be work spaces.
On how the city can help and highlight this gem, the #1 Arts District in the country:
Hayden: Should be priority on same level as stadiums. Breweries are great, but they’re stealing from artists.
Pessenda: Fierce advocate on the council, bring artists into the process early.
Reich: City has been connecting with artists but can make more consistent touchpoints. We do measure through Creative Vitality Index.
Fletcher: Always think aesthetics, use arts/creativity in the way we procure.
Jentzen: Plans are great, enforcement and funding are often not seen through.
Pree-Stinson: Citywide mentorship program so artists don’t have to spend their 20s figuring it out.
On the question of how the council member or city can help with the Arts Action Plan II, only incumbent Reich demonstrated knowledge of the Northeast Minneapolis Arts District board as owning the plan. All said artists voices should be at the table. Pree-Stinson said “stop inviting people to the table and build a new table.”
Candidates also answered questions about protecting art buildings from tax increases, the city’s role in sustaining and preserving the arts district, rent control and inclusionary zoning.