Access To Democracy

ERIN PARRISH, Associate State Director for Advocacy & Outreach for AARP Minnesota, is interviewed by Access to Democracy program Guest Host, Bill Raker. The interview focuses on 2020 Election Issues and Voter Engagement. Erin notes that AARP is the nation’s largest non-profit, non-partisan organization devoted to empowering people over 50. There are 670,000 AARP members in MN and 38 million nationally. Erin talks about reasons why the elections are very different this year (COVID-19 being the primary factor) and speaks to the challenges voters will experience in the voting process, whether in person and by mail-in ballot. She explains some of the key initiatives AARP has underway to help inform voters about the changes and how to navigate the voting process this year. AARP is working to help make sure that every eligible voter gets to vote and to feel comfortable with how they choose to participate and be counted.

Jay Haapala, Associate State Director for AARP’s Community Engagement Operations in Minnesota, is interviewed by Guest Host Bill Raker. The conversation with Jay featured 2020 Scams and Cyber Threats. AARP is a nonprofit, nonpartisan membership organization looking out for older Americans; and its Fraud Watch Network of volunteers plays a key role in that mission. Jay explains how the COVID-19 Pandemic has created a “Perfect Storm” situation for scammers to use the fear, uncertainty, and isolation to exploit targeted victims. He talks about some of the more common scams in MN, how to recognize and avoid them, and what to do if one finds one’s self victimized. He gives guidance on what consumers can/should do to help protect themselves from being hacked by a Cyber Crook. He covers some of the key initiatives (like the Fraud Watch Network) AARP has going on to help educate consumers and make them aware of the increasing threats of scams and frauds.

Hon. Justice DAVID LILLEHAUG (ret.) recently retired after seven years on the MN Supreme Court because of illness. In his time on the court Lillehaug became known as the consensus builder, who found ways to bring divergent sides together to fashion a just decision. During a special retirement session, the other justices lauded his demeanor, ability to find humor in tough situations and his hypothetical questioning of both parties before the court and his peers. Lillehaug was previously U.S. Attorney for Minnesota and the Dakotas and later in private practice. He will practice sparingly, as he said, “Interesting cases seem to find me.”

Craig Lisher, Associate Division Counsel in the Minnesota FBI office

, visited with Access to Democracy again. He discussed with Alan Miller the implications of the Coronavirus pandemic on the work of the FBI, and how the recent events in Minnesota and the country affect what and how they carry on their sworn mission. Craig has been with the FBI for 17 years and has a law degree from American University in DC.

2020 Census: What’s Important to Know
MN State Demographer Dr. Susan Brower was interviewed by Guest Host Bill Raker. Susan has directed the MN State Demographic Center since 2012. Susan explained the role and responsibilities of her position and department, which include monitoring and analyzing the demographic changes and trends in the state’s economy, workforce, education, health, immigration, and population. Susan discussed the 2020 Census Taking process, emphasizing how important it is to get a complete and accurate count of MN’s population. The Census count determines the number of representatives MN will have in Washington and the proportionate allocation of billions of dollars of federal money to MN. She points out that responding to the Census Questionnaire is easy, quick, private and mandatory.