A Star Tribune reporter asked a series of questions last week, which only a couple sentences made this weekend's Twin City paper. These questions I believe are relevant to help inform voters in this close primary election Tuesday. Therefor I will post my answers below.

QUESTION 1:
1-A.) What's your perspective on the primary thus far?

I believe primary elections, which historically have low turnout, have turned into "popularity contests," sadly based more on image/propaganda than policy issues.

Residents can view my proven voting record to see I have listened to and amplified their needs in City Hall. Unfortunately, residents haven't had the same opportunity to hear the concrete differences other candidates’ campaign promises provide.

1-B) How do you feel about running against three other challengers?
Compared to the primary in 2020, where I ran against five candidates, with only three, there is additional time to ask more policy questions in forums. Unfortunately, it doesn't matter how many questions are asked if candidates fail to show up. I am the only candidate who attended both official forums instead of prioritizing other employment or own personal agendas.
I have always encouraged more people to run for public office, to add diverse perspectives and more innovative and creative ideas to the ballot.

QUESTION 2:
2-A.) Why should residents vote for you?

When answering the question, what are the major policy differences, Pastor Doering literally stated publicly, "To be honest, there is not a lot of difference in policy decision making" Since I have proven record of collaboration and a lifetime of community service with compassion, it really comes down to the knowing why candidates ran. If other candidate's campaigning promises are the same as my proven voting record. What is the motivation to take me out of the office?

As a parent, volunteer, educator, I ran so every child in Rochester can have a safer, inclusive, and equitable place to call home. I ran because we need someone to speak up and prioritize the future of our community over the business interest of corporations, I ran to bring transparency to the residents and the resident’s voice to the policy table.

All candidates seem to have the same values and similar platforms; however, it is our allegiances that distinguish us. I will not rubber stamp staff policy or bow down to big money or powerful corporations. This is a full-time job; my priority and my allegiance has been and will always be with the residents in ward 6.

2-B) What should voters know about you before they head to the polls Tuesday?

Instead of orchestrated smear campaigns, propaganda, or empty campaign promises, I hope residents look deeper at what I have done with a proven voting record and my full-time commitment to their needs being addressed.
I have proven to fulfill my promises, which is called integrity. I have proven my allegiance has been and will always be to residents in ward 6.

QUESTION 3:
3.) You've faced pushback on your concerns of the city from your challengers, who say you're not collaborative enough. They cite the recent exchange you had with council members this past Monday. How do you respond to that?

I have a proven history of compassionate public service and have been the most collaborative council member reaching out to colleagues, community leaders, and unifying political divides. People always come before politics. Non-partisan collaboration is essential for good government, however, that does not mean rubber-stamping agendas or sacrificing integrity. I speak up against injustices, which naturally can have pushback from those being held accountable.

If residents listen to the council meeting on August 5th, I was the only Councilmember addressing the important transparency and public engagement concern of the city staff eliminating public comments from the City’s social media. I had a prepared a statement starting with acknowledging that since this meeting was short… council luckily had plenty of time to address this pivotal social media change. This huge policy change that impacted thousands of residents and luckily had time during that short meeting to be discussed. Instead, I was cut off mid-sentence, by a hired city staff that silenced this important policy discussion before it started.

The real concern shouldn't be whether a Councilmember spoke up to protect resident voices, it should be why government staff are circumventing representational democracy and making such huge policy decisions behind closed doors. Silencing elected officials who ask for transparency and eliminating public engagement are serious issues.

QUESTION 4:
4.) What issues do you plan to tackle if you're re-elected?

I would like to continue my work on many important issues like diversifying our local economy by supporting small businesses with accessible and affordable childcare. I would like to work to ensure our city continues to focus on sustainability, green energy, and prioritize community connections, mental health, and safety. The environment, health, and safety have been at the center of every vote. I have also been a strong advocate for affordable and accessible housing and transportation. I have volunteered at the warming center, stood in line at CFR and researched ways of lessening barriers for housing. Rochester needs to find lasting solutions to the growing housing crisis, this has been my full-time job.

I believe we need to increase government accountability through asking hard questions, like I have proven to do in office. I was the only policymaker to vote against raising resident's high 2024 property taxes due to the lack of financial transparency. I would like to continue to pursue the audits and financial records so that taxpayers know where their tax dollars are being spent. This way, the city council can openly identify and cut potential wasteful spending to reduce our budget. Those are just a few issues I would like to continue.

I believe with the exponential growth planned for Rochester in the next few years, we need proven strong representation that will speak up to keep residents’ voices at the center of decision-making. I have proven and will continue to be that representative for neighbors in ward 6 needs. My allegiance is to have ward 6 resident’s voices heard and believed.


PLEASE vote THIS Tuesday (August 13th). Your vote matters. I ask you please vote for someone who has/will show up, speak truth to power, and amplify your needs in City Hall. A vote for Molly Dennis is a vote for YOUR voice to be heard. Thank you.


ADDITIONAL LINKS:

1. Pastor Doering's quote was from "In the city for good" August 1st forum. A member of Dan's special interest group appeared to have filmed the entire debate. This short clip was video by a youth in the audience and gifted to me: 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2. 2024 Candidate Questionnaire "We Bike Rochester"

 

​​3. LWV 2024 Primary Forum (Rochester, MN Public Library)

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4. To find out where to vote and who will be on your ballot, please visit: mnvote.org