Dear Delegate:

I have had the honor of serving the public for almost twelve years - one term on the Park Board, and two as 9th Ward City Council Member. Those years included the most challenging and violent time in Minneapolis history and I was part of the team that brought an end to those troubles. But beyond fighting the negatives, I also sowed the seeds for the positive revitalization that we're now just beginning to enjoy, especially in the areas of housing and commercial development, and of course, the wonderful Midtown YWCA.

I have a gift for bringing people together in fair and open debate, to solve common problems and build a better future for everyone. I've done it over and over in every 9th Ward neighborhood, block after block, in homes and church basements. I've used my talents on behalf of the community to bring about systemic change in the criminal justice and social service systems. I've worked with every level of government and with the private sector to bring together resources for everything from the YWCA to ten years of the 'City Children's Nutcracker."

I'd be lying if I said I loved every minute of it. Elected office can be exhausting and mean, and It's hard on one's family and friends. Even so, I've loved the people I represents the work we've done together and the many "miracles" we've been able to accomplish I've felt I was absolutely in the right place at the right time in my life and the life of my community, But, I can't say that anymore.

This current campaign, which began over a year ago, is not an open public debate about solving common problems, and it's certainly not about bringing people together. It's an internal DFL fight aimed at a long, divisive, and increasingly dirty battle. For months I've spent what time I could, working to undo the effects of a nasty whisper campaign. Neither opponent has ever stepped forward to challenge me face-to-face, or work with me on neighborhood projects.

It's a fact that my record for building and preserving affordable housing is one of the best on the Council; and, my leadership in pulling together the Housing Works Coalition of housing advocates and officials from throughout Minnesota has been substantial and unprecedented. Together, we are lobbying for a solution a comprehensive $322 million State appropriation for affordable housing.

When faced with votes on major downtown development projects, my first concern has always been the well-being of the neighborhoods. The projects I've supported will help our neighborhoods by increasing the pool of money available for the Neighborhood Revitalization Plan. What my opponents don't understand is that Tax Increment Financing funds the NRP. It's that simple.

The downtown Target store will be an asset to the tax base and the job base of Minneapolis That building alone can be a major contributor to NRP Phase 3, in a few years. "Downtown v. the neighborhoods" is a hollow campaign slogan. We would be foolish not to want both a thriving downtown and healthy neighborhoods.

Furthermore, Tax Increment Financing is a tool neighborhood activists should be fighting to preserve. It's under assault by Republicans in the Legislature just when it's becoming useful outside of downtown. Without TIF, the Coliseum development at 27th & Lake would have been impossible, and we'll likely need TIF for commercial corridors and mixed-use development in the years ahead. My opponents don't understand this.

The 9th Ward is better off than it was when I took office. I've worked with wonderful neighborhood people and organizations. Many of my colleagues in elected office and some excellent staff who work for the City of Minneapolis have helped me got the resources into the 9th Ward where they were needed, and when they were needed most. For their sakes, I've tried to carry on and fight the good fight; but this campaign isn't a good fight. It's destroying relationships and undermining the good will I have worked so hard to build in our neighborhoods. Simply put, it's not my kind of politics. I bring people together

I'm proud of my service and what I have accomplished, but I am unwilling to put myself, my family, and my friends through a long and mean-spirited campaign. I've decided to move on, and not to seek reelection. I will continue to serve the people of the 9th Ward well throughout the rest of my term, and I will find new ways to be of service and contribute to this great City.

Sincerely, Kathy