Alright, so if you follow Minneapolis local politics and maybe my last blog about Mayor Hodges then you understand things did not look rosy. In few short days, that has all changed and Mayor Betsy Hodges made history by hiring a Somali person from her campaign as….drum roll please…wait for it…….Senior Policy Aide!!! (There is a God)
I know when I first heard of this, I thought – OMG. They are finally getting the message of we work hard in your campaign and you treat us fair. And, fair it was.
Now, I just checked with the Mayor’s office today and they said they are hashing out some scheduling matter, but it is all real and the newly hired Somali person’s information will be posted online and press release will be done.
His name is Abdirahman Muse, he also campaigned for Candidate Hodges and works/worked at SEIU Union. (not sure if he will still work there). SEIU endorsed candidate Hodges for the Minneapolis Mayoral Race early on. And from what I understand her current staff has a good relationship with SEIU leadership.
Now, let’s talk about what Senior Policy Aide means and how that is different from Sen Amy K’s Somali staff who probably has more degrees than many of that office’s staff, but still has held the position Constituents coordinator for years now. And, Rep Ellison who is notorious for hiring Somalis as Constituents liaison which basically means – you will never move up and you are at your glass ceiling.
By the same token, a policy aide is someone whose policy advice matters, whose ideas are taken into consideration and who is valued for their expertise and/or education. It also means – you are on your way through the ladder usually reserved for Caucasian MN DFLr’s. You think I am kidding, count how many African American Senior Policy Aides work for the MN Senate/House in both State and Federal level out of the tons employed. Policies are the meat of the bone, it is what separates the haves and have-nots. Good, equal and fair policies level the playing field so that all have a chance at a better life and better future for their children. This is the area that traditionally African American communities have been shunned out of. And, if the policy advisers reflect their voters then equal policies will most likely pass and implemented.
This means Mayor Hodges surprised the crap out of me and made history by hiring fairly, inclusively and adding much needed diversity to her team. I mean what more can I say, other than you ROCK Mayor Hodges! or as they say You Go Girl!
Finally, Mayor Hodges made some tangible promises to our community during her visits to us which included autism issues which I will for sure be asking them to address it in the next several months.
Above words are my opinion and do not reflect any committee or agency.
Thanks
Idil – Somali Autism Mom & Minority Advocate