As the August 11 primary election approaches, The Northeaster reached out to candidates who had filed to run to represent Minnesota in the U. S. House of Representatives, Fifth Congressional District. These are their responses to our questions.
Dalia Al-Aqidi
Republican
daliaforcongress.com
Did not respond.
Lacy Johnson
Republican
Lacyjohnson.com
Lacy Johnson has lived in North Minneapolis for over 40 years and has been married to his wife Betty for 30 years. They raised two sons, Darien and Adrian. His education is in English and computer programing. His career consists mainly of computer technology, IT project management, and executive management including two stints as CEOs of computer and educational service small businesses in inner-city Minneapolis. Lacy has worked for Control Data, General Electric, Martin Marietta, Bell Atlantic, Northwest Airlines and Xcel Energy. His community service includes mentoring and tutoring, gang outreach, prison ministry, church trustee, member of a charter school advisory committee, STEM advisor, block club leader, and many other volunteer activities. He’s currently founder and managing partner of UBX, an Opportunity Zone investment fund dedicated to bringing for-profit businesses and good-paying career jobs to the inner city.
Offices held/legislation passed
He ran for Minnesota House 59A in 2018.
Why are you running for office?
I’m running for office to replace the current officeholder and be a uniter rather than a divider. I want to make visible, measurable, and positive improvements in the lives of people in MN CD 5. I’m running to address decades-old issues in our district by addressing root causes. From the creation of generational wealth through business development; to providing quality education to eliminate the education and life achievement gaps; to helping build and, where needed, rebuild families; to providing quality health care at reasonable costs; to improving public safety and reducing gun violence.
How would you go about getting past congressional deadlock?
I bring over 40 years of corporate experience, where the most important thing is to focus on common goals and solving problems…not our differences of demographics, not our politics, not our opinions; common goals, and not our demographics. I will start with the assumption that all stakeholders have good intentions, working with everyone to solve. I will look at the root causes of issues to develop long-term fundamental solutions. At the same time, I will realize that in some instances short-term and mid-term solutions are also needed. I will be driven by a belief that people have goals in life which they are willing to work to achieve. I will willingly work with members of Congress who share a common desire to solve problems and make the lives of their constituents better.
What are people in the 5th Congressional District most concerned about and how would you address this concern?
The people of CD 5 are concerned about the current state of community destruction, reduced public safety, business closings, and overall chaos caused by the failure of Minnesota leadership from the governor, mayor, city council, county commissioners, and our current U.S. House Representative. I will work with the various stakeholders including, but not limited to, the people of CD 5, political and community leaders within the state and district, law enforcement, and federal resources. I will listen to subject matter experts and not assume that I have all the answers.
Les Lester, DFL
leslester@usfamily.net
Les Lester is a journalist, author, teacher, and community organizer, who has served as communication director for the Rev. Jesse Jackson’s Operation PUSH, communication chair for the Minnesota NAACP, worked as a reporter in newspaper and radio, and is a former MacArthur Fellow to the University of Minnesota.
Why are you running for this office?
This is not a time for business-as-usual politics. The incumbent is embroiled in an alleged marriage/FEC finance inquiry, and at least two of the other candidates have been bought out by special interests. COVID-19 requires our full attention.
How would you go about getting past Congressional deadlocks?
A tie can be broken by the Speaker of the House or the presiding officer, though rarely. Otherwise, relationships built across the aisle must be leveraged, at some points.
What are people in the 5th Congressional District most concerned about, and how will you address this concern?
People in the 5th are most concerned about COVID-19 and its impact on education and jobs. I propose a universal basic income (UBI), as espoused by Martin King and more recently Andrew Yang. The nation’s $20 trillion GDP can remain sustainable if consumers continue to buy goods and services.
Daniel Patrick McCarthy, DFL
Mccarthyfordfl5th.org
Did not respond.
John Mason, DFL
Johnmasonmn.com
John Mason is a diversity and inclusion executive, community organizer/activist, entrepreneur, and civic leader. He holds MPA, MBA and MIS degrees from the historically Black Kentucky State University. Mason is Minnesota’s first openly gay black man to run for U.S. Congress and would be the nation’s first to serve.
Offices held/legislation passed
While employed with the University of Minnesota, Mason served on the University Senate for Diversity, Inclusion, and Equity.
Why are you running for this office?
I’m running to create a more united and inclusive community. I will work for equity and improvements in our neighborhoods, economy, schools, environment, and health.
How would you go about getting past Congressional deadlocks?
As a true pragmatic progressive, I will listen to my constituents, find areas of common interest, and negotiate to make progress. I will move us forward while accomplishing our goals. In leveraging the voice of my constituents, I will speak from a position of strength and lead with integrity.
What are people in the 5th Congressional District most concerned about, and how will you address this concern?
We face a global pandemic, inadequate healthcare, economic insecurity, climate change, and systemic inequalities – especially with race. The lack of national leadership exacerbates these issues locally. I will work for better healthcare, invest in the local economy, and make changes to address inequities in criminal justice, education, and the economy.
Antone Melton-Meux, DFL
Antoneforcongress.com
Antone Melton-Meaux is a lifelong progressive Democrat. He lives in Minneapolis with his wife, Dr. Genevieve Melton-Meaux, a surgeon and professor, and their children, Ava and Xavier. Melton-Meaux is an attorney, volunteer minister, and civic leader running to unite the Fifth District.
Offices held/legislation passed
This is his first run for public office.
Why are you running for this office?
The Washington politics of division and divisiveness aren’t working for us. I’ll bring people together and get things done because that’s what we deserve.
How would you go about getting past Congressional deadlocks?
I’m a uniter and a problem solver. As a professional mediator, I bring people together who sometimes can’t stand to be in the same room with each other. In Congress, I will show up, listen, and do the work necessary to find common ground and deliver results for our district.
What are people in the 5th Congressional District most concerned about, and how will you address this concern?
Our residents are concerned about having access to quality healthcare, affordable housing, good education for their children, and addressing systemic inequities. They want a public safety model that truly makes our communities safe. I’ll build partnerships and collaborate with leaders at every level, from every community to create real, lasting change.
Michael Moore
Legal Marijuana Now
movierevolution@hotmail.com
Michael Moore was born and raised in the 5th district. Attending both public and private schools. He attended the University of Minnesota on a presidential scholarship. His business, The Braid Factory hair braiding salons, has served Minneapolis for 25 years. The success of his various businesses allowed him to retire in 2013.
Offices held/legislation passed
While I’ve never held any public office, I was a key force in the 20+ year struggle to change the laws in Minnesota regarding hair braiding. With specific help from Lee McGrath and the Institute for Justice, we finally and successfully accomplished this task in 2018, when the legislature changed its laws and requirements.
Why are you running for this office?
I’ve had chances to run for several offices. What changed? George Floyd was murdered on May 25; the following day I became a major-party candidate for Congress.
How would you go about getting past Congressional deadlocks?
My independent, non-partisan approach means that I directly represent the people. I’m not doing this for myself, for any party, or for any financial supporters or big money donors. What’s drastically different is that I am sincerely of the people and for the people.
What are people in the 5th Congressional District most concerned about, and how will you address this concern?
Issues like education, economic security, affordable housing and homelessness, climate change and healthcare have long been hallmark concerns. But right now, social justice and police reform are the absolute top priority. We must immediately and effectively address the needs of the people or risk suffering further and worse social setbacks.
Ilhan Omar, DFL incumbent
Ilhanomar.com
Omar was elected to Congress representing Minnesota’s Fifth District in 2018. In her first term, she has passed 18 bills/amendments through the U.S. House of Representatives—and led major pieces of legislation to end homelessness, combat climate change, cancel student debt and create a more peaceful world.
Offices held/legislation passed
Legislation passed: Passed the MEALS Act into law, along with 18 additional bills/amendments passed through the United States House of Representatives. Offices held: Member of Congress, Minnesota’s 5th District, Minnesota House of Representatives, District 60B
Why are you running for this office?
I’m asking for your continued support—to send the message that here in Minnesota, we believe everyone has an equal chance at the American Dream.
How would you go about getting past Congressional deadlocks?
As an organizer, I know what co-governance looks like. It is my job to listen, to build coalitions, and turn what I hear from you into legislation. I will never stop fighting for you and I hope you don’t stop fighting alongside me.
What are people in the 5th Congressional District most concerned about, and how will you address this concern?
Our constituents want to live in a more peaceful world, they want their children to grow up on a livable planet, and they want their city and state to treat people equitably—whether it is the criminal justice system or job opportunities.
Danielle Stella
Republican
Stella2020.com
Did not respond.
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