Access To Democracy

Eagan Police Chief Roger New meets with host Steve Francisco to talk about his department and the men and women who work every day to keep our community safe.

The Chief also offers his insights about the tragic deaths in Burnsville on February 18 of two police officers and a firefighter/paramedic and how the Eagan Police Department supported its neighbor city and its officers through this most difficult time.

Chief New is a strong proponent of community engagement and tells viewers about several programs, including its Youth Leadership Program, the Citizens Academy, and National Night Out that bring police officers together with the community that they serve.

Finally, Chief New touches on his department’s efforts to keep our schools safe through the SRO School Resource Officer program and the continuing fight against internet crimes targeting children and seniors.

Enhance your own education as Professional Educator, Mike Floersch, Secondary Math Instructional Coach, shares with host Bill Raker, his experiences in the classroom and his passion and enthusiasm for his chosen career.

Mike explains his role as a “Teacher on Special Assignment” and how he “coaches” other math teachers in ISD 196 with encouragement, techniques, and support. Mike speaks to the challenges and opportunities that have come with the changes in the educational process and the teaching profession over the past decades.

Learn why 40% of new teachers quit within three years. Learn how you can help Mike with his non-profit “Support Our Teachers” program.

Dakota County Commissioner Laurie Halverson, returns to “Access to Democracy” for an interview with host Steve Francisco, providing insights into county government, including the Dakota County budget, where its revenue comes from and how it spends money to meet local needs.

Laurie previously served four terms in the Minnesota Legislature representing Eagan, and notes that her legislative experience helped to prepare her for the current role of a county commissioner. Laurie is the chair of the Human Services Committee and is passionate about the need for government to address health care needs, including mental health care.

She is also working to identify and eliminate racial disparities in access to education, health care, and housing. The Dakota County Board also works to protect our amazing county parks and trails which add so much to the quality of life in our community.

Jeannie Entenza, Honorary Consul of Iceland to Minnesota and North Dakota, joins “Access to Democracy” host Steve Francisco for an informative discussion about Iceland and its connections to Minnesota. Although fewer than 400,000 people live in this volcanic island nation in the North Atlantic Ocean, as Jeannie notes, this small country “punches above its weight” in many ways.

Jeannie discusses her Icelandic heritage and the role of Icelandic immigrants who settled in Southwestern Minnesota and elsewhere. Iceland has become a world leader in protecting the environment and fighting global climate change. An Icelandic company is even using fish skin in innovative ways to help burn patients recover and is planning to open a Minnesota office.

In addition to her honorary diplomatic role for Iceland, Jeannie has had a long and distinguished career in the nonprofit sector. She is a former Fulbright specialist and is currently teaching at the Humphrey Institute at the University of Minnesota.

Jake Loesch, Executive Director of the Citizens League, in his first appearance on “Access to Democracy” joins host Steve Francisco to discuss how Citizens League promotes civic engagement on a broad range of important public policy issues.

The Citizens League was founded in 1952 and takes a bipartisan and multi-partisan approach to addressing challenges facing our communities and our state.

Jake discusses the Capitol Pathways program that matches young people of color with paid internships in government, business, and the non-profit sector to help diversify future leadership ranks. The Citizens League also fosters conversations between urban and rural communities about the challenges of providing emergency medical services. “Run, Serve, Lead” is another initiative designed to encourage more citizen involvement in all levels of government. In these politically polarized times, the Citizens League’s mission of promoting broad dialogue is more important than ever.