2013 MN Elections and what it means for Autism

Here is my take and how some of them relate to autism, especially for our community.

Let’s start with the top one – Mayor RT has decided to not run and continue his dream job. I personally say good riddance and goodbye. Why such harsh opinion you ask. Well, let’s dig deeper. While Minneapolis enjoys being the top for healthcare, education, low unemployment rate and tons of lakes that make it a good place to raise a family – the same cannot be said for minorities. For example, African Americans in Mpls which include Somalis have the highest unemployment rate in the country, near the bottom for education gap between black and white students, one of the worst health disparity or health gap for African Americans and one of the highest gap for home ownership between blacks and whites. The list of horrible statistics is probably worse, but you get hint. 

So, how can a mayor with so much charm & charisma have such ugly outcome for his most loyal voters and citizens. My take is – not hiring enough folks of color with a backbone to advise him on various issues, assuming he understands the needs of minority communities when he clearly does not and maybe some sense of smug arrogance. Therefore, I am glad RT is not coming back and hope that whoever wins will roll up their sleeves and make sure equality is the norm and opportunities will be fair for all.

So, who is running? dozens is the short answer. I know after RT’s horrible record for fairness – everyone and their mamas thought they could be better – my humble little opinion. 

I have few favorites; Cam Winton – see his website here: I think Cam has lots of innovative ideas, is down to earth and is not your typical politician. 

I also like Don Samuels. He is from Mpls city council representing North Mpls which has the largest African Americans, he is an immigrant himself and understands what it is like for many of us. He is also married to the director of NAZ (Northside Achievement Zone) aimed at improving our shameful achievement education record. 

Finally, Betsy Hodges who said many good things she will do if she wins including address autism in our community. The Somali person in her campaign said the most interesting yet so true statement to us on Somali radio. Cirro said most of the candidates wanted to hire him and when he would meet with them, they were mostly interested in how they can get Somali votes. On the other hand, when he met with Ms. Hodges – she wanted to know how she could help the community first and not how can she get their votes. That is very true for so many of these MN elected officials who only come to our community when they want votes and drop us faster than hot potato when they win. She also signed a letter of what exactly she will do if she wins. See her site here.

Then there are many maybe the most Somalis in history running for public office this year in Minneapolis. Abdi Warsame for city council – see site here, Abdi Abdulle for city council – see site here,  Hashim Yonis for park board commissioner – see site here and others. 

(ward means dagmo like hodan or beexaani)

My advice would be get to know them and vote based on policy and how authentic they are. We are in Minnesota by the thousands and elections are won here by few hundred votes. We need to vote wise and smart based on policy and not on emotion of (qofka caawinaya xyz person ayaad isku qabiil tihiin, taas waa waxa qaxootiga inaga dhigay).

Whether city council, mayor or park board – all of them will have some affect on autistic children/adults and their families. For instance, imagine if the parks had safe gates so that our kids could not wander and be safe. Imagine if adequate funding were allocated to our communities so that autism families could benefit, imagine if more first responders and police were trained about autism. All of these and more is possible, we must vote first and vote wisely.

Thanks!

Idil – Somali Autism Mom & Minority Advocate