Meet the 2019 LHENA Board candidates! The board election for six open seats will take place at our annual neighborhood meeting on Wednesday, April 17th, 6pm at Jefferson Community School.
To vote you must be a Wedge resident, property owner, or business owner. Please bring proof of residency/ownership to the meeting. Registration to vote will take place from 6-6:45pm, and the election will get underway at 7:20pm.
To vote you must be a Wedge resident, property owner, or business owner. Please bring proof of residency/ownership to the meeting. Registration to vote will take place from 6-6:45pm, and the election will get underway at 7:20pm.
Meet the Candidates
Alicia Gibson
Why do you want to serve on the LHENA board?
There are big challenges we need to address as a country and as human beings on this planet--it's too overwhelming to do this alone, and too overwhelming to tackle only at the big picture level. As a LHENA board member I want to empower people to a) overcome the isolation of modern life by connecting to the people around them, and b) try out the kind of small-scale solutions that taken collectively will transform our world.
What skills, knowledge, and abilities make you uniquely qualified to serve on the LHENA board?
I have a law degree and a PhD in comparative literature and cultural studies, which essentially means that I have advanced degrees in critical thinking and the ability to see both the big picture and the small details. This training helps me approach serving on the board with strategic goals in mind, and help translate those into practical solutions. I also am one of the few, if only, people running who are actively raising children in our neighborhood, and thus have a unique perspective on important issues of livability and insight into the issues that matter for families of the Wedge.
What long term (3-4 years) aims do you have for the neighborhood, and how would you support these aims?
As board member I have worked to make stronger connections to other neighborhood organizations like the Conflict Resolution Center and Jefferson Community School, which I would like to continue and strengthen. In the case of Jefferson I started by meeting with teachers to explain the funding request process and application. In addition to supporting their applications, I have also recruited their participation in committees and events, volunteered at their main fundraising carnival, and encouraged a mutual sharing of relevant information between our organizations. I would continue this and work to increase our connection by reviewing the by-laws and thinking through what it would mean to open membership to Jefferson teachers and families. In the case of the Conflict Resolution Center I have successfully created funding that enables tenants to utilize their services free of charge. I would follow-up on this with outreach to landlords to encourage conflict resolution as a best practice in renting. I would also like to engage CRC in a process of bringing reconciliation mindset to all of our organization's practices. In addition to these connections I would also like to pursue partnerships with our adjacent neighborhood associations as well as learn and connect to those in neighborhoods farther afield from us in order to gain a broader perspective about what neighborhood associations can and should do to meet our mission as successfully and equitably as possible.
What short-term (1-2 years) aims do you have for the neighborhood, and how would you support these aims?
My primary short-term goal is to complete the work of the LHENA strategic plan so the organization is in a better place to continue connecting neighbors, providing leadership opportunities, and enabling projects that make life better for people who live and work here. Particular interests inside the strategic plan include creating a conflict map, supporting small businesses, re-categorizing funding, stronger ties to Jefferson Elementary, and reaching out to underserved and unheard residents. Over the past two years I have initiated several policy changes, applied for funding to advance organization goals, and worked to change the wording of funding categories so they better match the values and interests of our neighborhood as it has evolved over time. As a board member I would do more of this.
There are big challenges we need to address as a country and as human beings on this planet--it's too overwhelming to do this alone, and too overwhelming to tackle only at the big picture level. As a LHENA board member I want to empower people to a) overcome the isolation of modern life by connecting to the people around them, and b) try out the kind of small-scale solutions that taken collectively will transform our world.
What skills, knowledge, and abilities make you uniquely qualified to serve on the LHENA board?
I have a law degree and a PhD in comparative literature and cultural studies, which essentially means that I have advanced degrees in critical thinking and the ability to see both the big picture and the small details. This training helps me approach serving on the board with strategic goals in mind, and help translate those into practical solutions. I also am one of the few, if only, people running who are actively raising children in our neighborhood, and thus have a unique perspective on important issues of livability and insight into the issues that matter for families of the Wedge.
What long term (3-4 years) aims do you have for the neighborhood, and how would you support these aims?
As board member I have worked to make stronger connections to other neighborhood organizations like the Conflict Resolution Center and Jefferson Community School, which I would like to continue and strengthen. In the case of Jefferson I started by meeting with teachers to explain the funding request process and application. In addition to supporting their applications, I have also recruited their participation in committees and events, volunteered at their main fundraising carnival, and encouraged a mutual sharing of relevant information between our organizations. I would continue this and work to increase our connection by reviewing the by-laws and thinking through what it would mean to open membership to Jefferson teachers and families. In the case of the Conflict Resolution Center I have successfully created funding that enables tenants to utilize their services free of charge. I would follow-up on this with outreach to landlords to encourage conflict resolution as a best practice in renting. I would also like to engage CRC in a process of bringing reconciliation mindset to all of our organization's practices. In addition to these connections I would also like to pursue partnerships with our adjacent neighborhood associations as well as learn and connect to those in neighborhoods farther afield from us in order to gain a broader perspective about what neighborhood associations can and should do to meet our mission as successfully and equitably as possible.
What short-term (1-2 years) aims do you have for the neighborhood, and how would you support these aims?
My primary short-term goal is to complete the work of the LHENA strategic plan so the organization is in a better place to continue connecting neighbors, providing leadership opportunities, and enabling projects that make life better for people who live and work here. Particular interests inside the strategic plan include creating a conflict map, supporting small businesses, re-categorizing funding, stronger ties to Jefferson Elementary, and reaching out to underserved and unheard residents. Over the past two years I have initiated several policy changes, applied for funding to advance organization goals, and worked to change the wording of funding categories so they better match the values and interests of our neighborhood as it has evolved over time. As a board member I would do more of this.
Kari Johnson
Why do you want to serve on the LHENA board?
Two years ago in April after moving back to Minneapolis from DC, I attended the LHENA annual meeting and felt welcomed by neighbors and I instantly knew I wanted to get more involved. Soon after I was elected to serve as the finance committee chair for the neighborhood, which I have served as chair for nearly two years. It has led to a whole host of new opportunities for both me and the neighborhood. I helped to create and institute the Request for Funding application that has opened the door for new community driven projects to happen and with the support of the LHENA board I led my own neighborhood Get Out the Vote initiative. Through this, the neighborhood association was able to engage with new neighbors, business owners and Jefferson school. Additionally, the neighborhood saw its highest voter turnout in years! Fortunately, I was elected by the board to fill a LHENA board seat when there was a vacancy last fall, and I have enjoyed being able to get even more involved. I love this neighborhood – the residents, businesses, the sense of community, all of it – and would be honored to be re-elected to serve on the Lowry Hill East Neighborhood Association Board again.
What skills, knowledge, and abilities make you uniquely qualified to serve on the LHENA board?
I am a problem-solver and enjoy helping to find solutions, whether it is helping to mediate conversation, helping to make projects a reality or helping with general necessary tasks. In my day job I serve as a non-profit policy advocate/lobbyist working on affordable housing and small business economic development. I have been able to use my communication and interpersonal skills to help create systematic change (request for funding application) within the neighborhood association. I also am deeply passionate about creating a sense of community and belonging for everyone that lives, works or frequents the neighborhood.
What long term (3-4 years) aims do you have for the neighborhood, and how would you support these aims?
My main goal of being involved with the neighborhood association has always been and will always be to cultivate community. Through a strong community, neighbors are more resilient, the neighborhood is vibrant and the potential for new opportunities is unlimited. It may sounds idealistic, but we have already seen citywide change come out of our neighborhood in just the past few years and I truly believe it is because of the passion and commitment of the neighbors involved with LHENA. I would like to help to support these aims by hopefully continuing to serve as the finance chair.
What short-term (1-2 years) aims do you have for the neighborhood, and how would you support these aims?
As the finance chair I regularly think about the future of the neighborhood organization from a financial perspective. If re-elected to the board, I would like to help lead a financial strategy plan for the neighborhood association, so that in the unfortunate event city supported funding is no longer available we have additional sources of funding available. The neighborhood is full of potential, plus I believe there are investment opportunities aligned with LHENA’s vision that can help see these ideas to fruition.
Two years ago in April after moving back to Minneapolis from DC, I attended the LHENA annual meeting and felt welcomed by neighbors and I instantly knew I wanted to get more involved. Soon after I was elected to serve as the finance committee chair for the neighborhood, which I have served as chair for nearly two years. It has led to a whole host of new opportunities for both me and the neighborhood. I helped to create and institute the Request for Funding application that has opened the door for new community driven projects to happen and with the support of the LHENA board I led my own neighborhood Get Out the Vote initiative. Through this, the neighborhood association was able to engage with new neighbors, business owners and Jefferson school. Additionally, the neighborhood saw its highest voter turnout in years! Fortunately, I was elected by the board to fill a LHENA board seat when there was a vacancy last fall, and I have enjoyed being able to get even more involved. I love this neighborhood – the residents, businesses, the sense of community, all of it – and would be honored to be re-elected to serve on the Lowry Hill East Neighborhood Association Board again.
What skills, knowledge, and abilities make you uniquely qualified to serve on the LHENA board?
I am a problem-solver and enjoy helping to find solutions, whether it is helping to mediate conversation, helping to make projects a reality or helping with general necessary tasks. In my day job I serve as a non-profit policy advocate/lobbyist working on affordable housing and small business economic development. I have been able to use my communication and interpersonal skills to help create systematic change (request for funding application) within the neighborhood association. I also am deeply passionate about creating a sense of community and belonging for everyone that lives, works or frequents the neighborhood.
What long term (3-4 years) aims do you have for the neighborhood, and how would you support these aims?
My main goal of being involved with the neighborhood association has always been and will always be to cultivate community. Through a strong community, neighbors are more resilient, the neighborhood is vibrant and the potential for new opportunities is unlimited. It may sounds idealistic, but we have already seen citywide change come out of our neighborhood in just the past few years and I truly believe it is because of the passion and commitment of the neighbors involved with LHENA. I would like to help to support these aims by hopefully continuing to serve as the finance chair.
What short-term (1-2 years) aims do you have for the neighborhood, and how would you support these aims?
As the finance chair I regularly think about the future of the neighborhood organization from a financial perspective. If re-elected to the board, I would like to help lead a financial strategy plan for the neighborhood association, so that in the unfortunate event city supported funding is no longer available we have additional sources of funding available. The neighborhood is full of potential, plus I believe there are investment opportunities aligned with LHENA’s vision that can help see these ideas to fruition.
Katie Jones
Why do you want to serve on the LHENA board?
LHENA as an organization is experiencing fantastic momentum. There is growth in participation, in the diversity of programs, in the number of project leaders, and notably in the number of spotlight articles in the Southwest Journal. I’m blown away by the positive energy in this organization, and quite frankly, I want to be in the part of it. Six years ago, when I followed my partner to Minnesota, I sought a place where I could belong. I’m a participator by nature and figured the neighborhood association might be a good place to start. Here, I found a place where people can cultivate relationships, dare to try something new, and turn ideas into reality. I want to foster these three things, because I think the Wedge is safer, more fun, and just better when we do. I’ve now had the honor to serve on the board for two terms. I want to continue serving, because I have unfinished work to do. I helped lead the development of the neighborhood’s first strategic plan, and I want to help carry it out. I also want to continue cultivating a culture of support among community members, of assuming good intent in others, and of not letting the perfect be the enemy of the good. I want to continue welcoming members to find a place where they belong and do good work – whether for them that means attending a happy hour and being neighborly or carrying out an organics recycling project. I want to help LHENA keep the good momentum going.
What skills, knowledge, and abilities make you uniquely qualified to serve on the LHENA board?
We need all kinds of people to serve on the board. Dreamers and idea people, financial gurus, event planners, strategists, people to represent various voices in the neighborhood. Here are a few points speaking to what I can bring to the board: • As an engineer by training, I am the project manager / pragmatist type. I like to get things done. I can listen to people describe their ideas and then help them sketch out an execution plan. • I am a problem solver. Two years ago, I identified the need and lead the effort to hire LHENA’s first full-time staff, and more recently, I helped the organization weather a temporary financial situation. • Although I identify as a younger resident, a small rental property owner, and sustainability nerd, I seek to view issues and priorities from beyond these perspectives and instead from a variety of viewpoints. • I have a working knowledge of LHENA history, LHENA committees (I’ve attended each at least once), and Minneapolis neighborhood policies due to past service as the board Vice President and President. • What I also know, is that I am not perfect. However, I do have the ability to own up to my weaknesses and seek to fix them. I also know that humility can foster a culture of understanding. Doing so, I believe we can help one another grow, get more done, and have more fun.
What long term (3-4 years) aims do you have for the neighborhood, and how would you support these aims?
I would like to see LHENA start to implement a plan for finding a permanent home with no-low rent. Our current space is wonderful and a good deal; however long term financial sustainability is important. I would prepare for this aim by exploring the viability of 2-3 options in these next two years.
What short-term (1-2 years) aims do you have for the neighborhood, and how would you support these aims?
I would like to see LHENA successfully implement the strategic plan. To do so I would work with staff, fellow board members, and committee chairs to create a timeline and delegate activities.
LHENA as an organization is experiencing fantastic momentum. There is growth in participation, in the diversity of programs, in the number of project leaders, and notably in the number of spotlight articles in the Southwest Journal. I’m blown away by the positive energy in this organization, and quite frankly, I want to be in the part of it. Six years ago, when I followed my partner to Minnesota, I sought a place where I could belong. I’m a participator by nature and figured the neighborhood association might be a good place to start. Here, I found a place where people can cultivate relationships, dare to try something new, and turn ideas into reality. I want to foster these three things, because I think the Wedge is safer, more fun, and just better when we do. I’ve now had the honor to serve on the board for two terms. I want to continue serving, because I have unfinished work to do. I helped lead the development of the neighborhood’s first strategic plan, and I want to help carry it out. I also want to continue cultivating a culture of support among community members, of assuming good intent in others, and of not letting the perfect be the enemy of the good. I want to continue welcoming members to find a place where they belong and do good work – whether for them that means attending a happy hour and being neighborly or carrying out an organics recycling project. I want to help LHENA keep the good momentum going.
What skills, knowledge, and abilities make you uniquely qualified to serve on the LHENA board?
We need all kinds of people to serve on the board. Dreamers and idea people, financial gurus, event planners, strategists, people to represent various voices in the neighborhood. Here are a few points speaking to what I can bring to the board: • As an engineer by training, I am the project manager / pragmatist type. I like to get things done. I can listen to people describe their ideas and then help them sketch out an execution plan. • I am a problem solver. Two years ago, I identified the need and lead the effort to hire LHENA’s first full-time staff, and more recently, I helped the organization weather a temporary financial situation. • Although I identify as a younger resident, a small rental property owner, and sustainability nerd, I seek to view issues and priorities from beyond these perspectives and instead from a variety of viewpoints. • I have a working knowledge of LHENA history, LHENA committees (I’ve attended each at least once), and Minneapolis neighborhood policies due to past service as the board Vice President and President. • What I also know, is that I am not perfect. However, I do have the ability to own up to my weaknesses and seek to fix them. I also know that humility can foster a culture of understanding. Doing so, I believe we can help one another grow, get more done, and have more fun.
What long term (3-4 years) aims do you have for the neighborhood, and how would you support these aims?
I would like to see LHENA start to implement a plan for finding a permanent home with no-low rent. Our current space is wonderful and a good deal; however long term financial sustainability is important. I would prepare for this aim by exploring the viability of 2-3 options in these next two years.
What short-term (1-2 years) aims do you have for the neighborhood, and how would you support these aims?
I would like to see LHENA successfully implement the strategic plan. To do so I would work with staff, fellow board members, and committee chairs to create a timeline and delegate activities.
Bernadette Knaeble
Why do you want to serve on the LHENA board?
I want to continue working to build a healthy neighborhood. My focus as a board member would be on helping neighbors come together to work toward mutual goals, talk about our differences, solve thorny problems, and inspire each other. Additionally, expanding our idea of who we are to include those that work and learn in our community is important to me. Neighborhood organizations are a fundamental structure of democracy. How well they work depends on what we put into them. I want to nurture a mutually respectful community that get's stuff done.
What skills, knowledge, and abilities make you uniquely qualified to serve on the LHENA board?
Recent experience as a board member and long-time participation on the Environment Committee gives me in depth understanding of LHENA's working structure, vision and strategic plan for the next two years, as well as our changing relationship with the City of Minneapolis. I have experience volunteering with other nonprofit organizations (Land Stewardship Project, MN350, Minneapolis Park and Recreation, Honor the Earth, and Democratic Socialists of America) which gives me a a broad view of how coordinated efforts have the power to build a healthier world; I know that community has intrinsic power. I'm a hard worker with a scientist's appreciation of the world around me in all it's animal, vegetable and chemical profusion.
What long term (3-4 years) aims do you have for the neighborhood, and how would you support these aims?
1. Building leadership among the community by mentoring and accessing educational resources for leadership development. 2. Forging partnerships with other neighborhood associations to strengthen city wide initiatives for affordable housing by identifying strengths and needs, sharing resources, and increasing communication between members and boards.
What short-term (1-2 years) aims do you have for the neighborhood, and how would you support these aims?
1. Partner with adjacent neighborhoods to promote more effective ecological sustainability projects by identifying strengths and needs, sharing resources and increasing communication between members and boards. 2. Improve renter-homeowner relationships by hosting professionally facilitated forums to tackle contentious issues in a safe environment.
I want to continue working to build a healthy neighborhood. My focus as a board member would be on helping neighbors come together to work toward mutual goals, talk about our differences, solve thorny problems, and inspire each other. Additionally, expanding our idea of who we are to include those that work and learn in our community is important to me. Neighborhood organizations are a fundamental structure of democracy. How well they work depends on what we put into them. I want to nurture a mutually respectful community that get's stuff done.
What skills, knowledge, and abilities make you uniquely qualified to serve on the LHENA board?
Recent experience as a board member and long-time participation on the Environment Committee gives me in depth understanding of LHENA's working structure, vision and strategic plan for the next two years, as well as our changing relationship with the City of Minneapolis. I have experience volunteering with other nonprofit organizations (Land Stewardship Project, MN350, Minneapolis Park and Recreation, Honor the Earth, and Democratic Socialists of America) which gives me a a broad view of how coordinated efforts have the power to build a healthier world; I know that community has intrinsic power. I'm a hard worker with a scientist's appreciation of the world around me in all it's animal, vegetable and chemical profusion.
What long term (3-4 years) aims do you have for the neighborhood, and how would you support these aims?
1. Building leadership among the community by mentoring and accessing educational resources for leadership development. 2. Forging partnerships with other neighborhood associations to strengthen city wide initiatives for affordable housing by identifying strengths and needs, sharing resources, and increasing communication between members and boards.
What short-term (1-2 years) aims do you have for the neighborhood, and how would you support these aims?
1. Partner with adjacent neighborhoods to promote more effective ecological sustainability projects by identifying strengths and needs, sharing resources and increasing communication between members and boards. 2. Improve renter-homeowner relationships by hosting professionally facilitated forums to tackle contentious issues in a safe environment.
Jordan Millikan
Why do you want to serve on the LHENA board?
I want to get involved and serve the community where I live. As my family lives and grows in the Wedge, I hope to help our area continue to be a neighborhood we can all enjoy and take pride in.
What skills, knowledge, and abilities make you uniquely qualified to serve on the LHENA board?
After 10 years of service as an officer in the Marine Corps, I am accustomed to serving the needs of many. I'm also certified in Project Management and am well versed in working with diverse needs to get things done.
What long term (3-4 years) aims do you have for the neighborhood, and how would you support these aims?
To continue to make the Wedge a desirable place to live while maintaining the history that makes it great. I intend to support that aim by ensuring that the history of our neighborhood is preserved through appropriate use of funding and that the desirability of our neighborhood is enhanced through ensuring constructive partnerships between homeowners and renters.
What short-term (1-2 years) aims do you have for the neighborhood, and how would you support these aims?
In the short term, I'd like to continue to support the accessibility to the best the Wedge has to offer via walking and biking. The outdoor space of Minneapolis, and our neighborhood in particular, is a fantastic resource that should be nurtured and grown. This helps our residents, and those from the surrounding areas, enjoy the Wedge and everything it has to offer.
I want to get involved and serve the community where I live. As my family lives and grows in the Wedge, I hope to help our area continue to be a neighborhood we can all enjoy and take pride in.
What skills, knowledge, and abilities make you uniquely qualified to serve on the LHENA board?
After 10 years of service as an officer in the Marine Corps, I am accustomed to serving the needs of many. I'm also certified in Project Management and am well versed in working with diverse needs to get things done.
What long term (3-4 years) aims do you have for the neighborhood, and how would you support these aims?
To continue to make the Wedge a desirable place to live while maintaining the history that makes it great. I intend to support that aim by ensuring that the history of our neighborhood is preserved through appropriate use of funding and that the desirability of our neighborhood is enhanced through ensuring constructive partnerships between homeowners and renters.
What short-term (1-2 years) aims do you have for the neighborhood, and how would you support these aims?
In the short term, I'd like to continue to support the accessibility to the best the Wedge has to offer via walking and biking. The outdoor space of Minneapolis, and our neighborhood in particular, is a fantastic resource that should be nurtured and grown. This helps our residents, and those from the surrounding areas, enjoy the Wedge and everything it has to offer.
Walker Reiss
Why do you want to serve on the LHENA board?
When I moved to the Wedge, LHENA was (and is!) instrumental in making the neighborhood feel like home. A neighborhood organization that empowers its residents is a wonderful feature of the Wedge, and I want to work to ensure that LHENA in the strongest possible position to welcome future Wedge residents. Also, I want to see better pedestrian infrastructure on Lyndale and 25th and 27th.
What skills, knowledge, and abilities make you uniquely qualified to serve on the LHENA board?
I am a hardworking, organized, individual who wants to see the Wedge improve as a place for people to live. I don't believe that makes me inherently more or less qualified than any other Wedge resident, so if elected, I promise to do my best to make the Wedge more livable, and to make the board accountable to the residents it serves.
What long term (3-4 years) aims do you have for the neighborhood, and how would you support these aims?
Long term, I want to see LHENA use it resources to ask the city for more built-up pedestrian infrastructure like consistently marked crosswalks, sidewalk snow removal, and more traffic lights on Lyndale. I hope to accomplish this by organizing support from the body of neighborhood residents, and by reaching out to neighboring organizations.
What short-term (1-2 years) aims do you have for the neighborhood, and how would you support these aims?
I want to see the pedestrian usage of the Wedge grow, and I believe that has to start with encouraging people to reduce their car use. I've been working with the Feet First project to crowdsource ideas to make the Wedge more pedestrian friendly. Ideas like parklets and increased bike parking are great first steps to make walking or biking a more attractive option.
When I moved to the Wedge, LHENA was (and is!) instrumental in making the neighborhood feel like home. A neighborhood organization that empowers its residents is a wonderful feature of the Wedge, and I want to work to ensure that LHENA in the strongest possible position to welcome future Wedge residents. Also, I want to see better pedestrian infrastructure on Lyndale and 25th and 27th.
What skills, knowledge, and abilities make you uniquely qualified to serve on the LHENA board?
I am a hardworking, organized, individual who wants to see the Wedge improve as a place for people to live. I don't believe that makes me inherently more or less qualified than any other Wedge resident, so if elected, I promise to do my best to make the Wedge more livable, and to make the board accountable to the residents it serves.
What long term (3-4 years) aims do you have for the neighborhood, and how would you support these aims?
Long term, I want to see LHENA use it resources to ask the city for more built-up pedestrian infrastructure like consistently marked crosswalks, sidewalk snow removal, and more traffic lights on Lyndale. I hope to accomplish this by organizing support from the body of neighborhood residents, and by reaching out to neighboring organizations.
What short-term (1-2 years) aims do you have for the neighborhood, and how would you support these aims?
I want to see the pedestrian usage of the Wedge grow, and I believe that has to start with encouraging people to reduce their car use. I've been working with the Feet First project to crowdsource ideas to make the Wedge more pedestrian friendly. Ideas like parklets and increased bike parking are great first steps to make walking or biking a more attractive option.