Minnesota Independent

Pressure mounts for Klobuchar to support LGBT legislation

By Andy Birkey | 04.30.10 | 11:22 am

Sen. Amy Klobuchar. Minnesota Independent file photoThe Minneapolis City Council, as well as hundreds of constituents, are pressuring Sen. Amy Klobuchar to support legislation that would add same-sex couples to immigration reform efforts in the Senate. The pressure follows criticism of Klobuchar from speakers at last week’s LGBT Lobby Day at the State Capitol, where one speaker said her lack of support put her in line with Republicans such as Gov. Tim Pawlenty and Rep. Michele Bachmann.

Minneapolis city council passes resolution denouncing Uganda’s anti-homosexuality bill

By Andy Birkey | 12.18.09 | 7:12 pm

The Minneapolis City Council voted on Friday to denounce Uganda’s Anti-Homosexuality Bill of 2009, which would jail LGBT people in that country and impose severe penalties for allies who work for LGBT rights. The first incarnation of the bill…

The write stuff? First Avenue’s Conrad for Minneapolis city council

By Paul Demko | 10.21.09 | 8:32 am

Conrad Sverkerson is a legendary figure at First Avenue. Conspicuous for his dreadlocks (although more recently sporting a Jewfro), the iconic rock club’s stage manager has spent more than two decades making sure shows go off without a hitch.…

Ward Twelve: Colvin Roy faces three challengers

By Andy Birkey | 10.13.09 | 4:41 pm

In Minneapolis’ southeast corner, all candidates for the city council share concerns about saving small businesses and keeping big developers in check. But beyond this agreement, the three candidates vying for the seat now held by Sandy Colvin Roy offer distinct choices for Ward 12 voters.

Ward Eleven: Three vie for Benson’s South Minneapolis seat

By Andy Birkey | 10.02.09 | 12:53 pm

With the announcement that two-term City Council member Scott Benson would be retiring later this year, Minneapolis’ southernmost ward became one of only three in the city to have open seats. Three candidates — two DFLers and one Republican — are vying to represent Ward Eleven, which encompasses much of the Diamond Lake area.

Ward Thirteen: The independent ward could see fireworks in November

By Andy Birkey | 09.25.09 | 10:30 am

Minneapolis’ Ward 13 has an independent streak: In a DFL-dominated town, it hadn’t elected a Democrat to the city council in a dozen years. Then, in 2005, DFLer Betsy Hodges won the seat. Now candidates Kris Broberg, who is endorsed by two parties and supported by a third, and unendorsed DFLer Joseph Henry are hoping to capitalize on that independent spirit to unseat Hodges.

Ward Seven: Despite full campaign coffers, lawsuit clouds Goodman’s prospects

By Paul Demko | 09.21.09 | 3:01 pm

Lisa Goodman has rolled up margins of more than 80 percent in each of the last two election cycles in defending her downtown Minneapolis post. But will a lawsuit that alleges Goodman behaved improperly in seeking to thwart a housing development in her ward damage her re-election plans?

Ward Ten: Four candidates vie for Uptown council seat

By Andy Birkey | 09.11.09 | 2:44 pm

In Minneapolis’ tenth ward, four candidates — including a well-funded DFL endorsee, a natural foods chef and an unaffiliated independent — are vying to win the seat that’ll be vacated by Ralph Remington, who’s stepping down. The ward, which encompasses much of Uptown, is among the city’s most densely populated.

Ward Eight: Glidden faces four rivals in south Minneapolis

By Paul Demko | 09.04.09 | 9:29 am

In 2005, the Ward Eight city council race was arguably the most hotly contested in Minneapolis. This year five candidates are vying for the post, including incumbent Elizabeth Glidden. Crime and the foreclosure crisis are likely to be the issues foremost on the minds of voters.

Charles Carlson apologizes, says he will return campaign money

By Andy Birkey | 03.10.09 | 8:02 am

Charles Carlson, whose campaign for Minneapolis City Council disintegrated after an exposé by the Minnesota Daily, apologized last weekend for lying to supporters and the media about his life and educational background. In an interview with KSTP…