On this week's "Beers with Blois" podcats, Olson sits down with the three candidates running for Minneapolis Mayor. Incumbent Jacob Frey along with challengers Sheila Nezhad and Kate Knuth join Olson for a beverage and discuss the issues facing the future of Minneapolis.
Mayor Jacob Frey:
Not only is Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey running for re-election, he’s also dealing with twin crises after one of the most difficult years in the city’s history. Frey joins as the first guest in the new season of ‘Beers with Blois,’ focused on candidates in the 2021 Minneapolis election, to discuss the ongoing public safety debate and divide, rent and housing, preserving downtown, the “strong mayor” government structure proposal floated by the Charter Commission, having a kid during amidst a tumultuous first term, and so much more.
Sheila Nezhad:
Sheila Nezhad is a longtime community organizer, holds a city budget role with Reclaim the Block, and is looking to be Minneapolis’ next mayor - a candidate whose views on most of the city’s biggest issues are diametrically opposed to those of Mayor Frey. On this episode, hear Nezhad discuss her path to the decision to run for mayor, the meaning and messaging of a police-free future, potential ballot initiatives including a rent stabilization amendment, and, of course, her favorite beer stop in Minneapolis.
Kate Knuth:
Kate Knuth, a former state representative with experience in climate work, decided to enter the race for Minneapolis mayor in what she considers a “critical moment” for the city. Intersecting this year are discussions surrounding the future of public safety, housing and homelessness, the city’s resilience, charter technicalities surrounding the structure of Minneapolis’ government, and much more; in this episode, Knuth discusses her stances on all of the above and her hopes for the community in an election year.