Access To Democracy

Since its founding in 1952, the Citizens League has brought together Minnesotans of different political perspectives to craft solutions to public policy challenges.

Executive Director Jake Loesch and host Steve Francisco discuss past accomplishments, such as the creation of the Metropolitan Council, as well as current initiatives such as a new report on how to attract and retain new local government employees.

Jake offers his views on our polarized politics and the denigration of public service and public employees. He also discusses the Citizens League’s Capitol Pathways internship program, Mind Opener series, and efforts to foster more conversations between rural, urban, and suburban Minnesotans.

This edition of ATD addresses a topic not many people think about on a regular basis: City Planning. Guest Mike Schultz, Eagan’s City Planner, gives an interesting and informative perspective on the function of a city planner to host Bill Raker.

From his long-time career in the field, Mike shares insights on often behind-the-scenes activities city planners are responsible for.

You’ll want to hear Mike’s updates on some major projects currently underway in Eagan. The importance and impact of city planning is amazing!

Former US Ambassador David Nelson joins host Steve Francisco for an interesting discussion of his diplomatic career, including working with Condoleeza Rice and Hillary Clinton.

Dave served in seven US embassies abroad as well as postings to the State Department in Washington working on national security and economic policy issues.

The highlight of his career was his appointment by President Obama to serve as US ambassador to Uruguay. The former ambassador offers his critique of the Trump tariffs and explains how they are, in fact, a tax on US consumers. He also explains why the dismantling of the US Agency for International Development (USAID) will be harmful to long-term security interests and creates new opportunities for America’s adversaries abroad.

This episode takes you behind the scenes with Eagan TV, our own community television station and studio.

ETV Manager Hailee Boston, and ETV Community Producer Josh Sibley, discuss with Access to Democracy host Steve Francisco what it takes to put programs on television.

Did you know that Eagan TV actually has three channels covering local government, community, and high school sports? ETV covers 150 live events annually. Programs are also available on social media websites including Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube.

ETV, like Access to Democracy, shares its programs with other interested community television stations. You will also get a look at ETV’s control room and some of the staff and volunteers who keep our program on the air.

“Onward with Gratitude and Purpose”

Our guest, the multi-talented T. Mychael Rambo, gives an energetic, entertaining and inspiring interview with host Bill Raker.

T. Mychael talks about the numerous experiences and acting roles he has had in movies and on stage. He shares a story about the original art and touching messages in the new book he has co-authored Stories from My Grandmother’s Hands. You’ll enjoy his telling of his singing the National Anthem for President Obama. T. Mychael relates the meaning embedded in the title of this program, “Onward with Gratitude and Purpose”.