Access To Democracy

Dakota County Sheriff Joe Leko was elected in 2022 without opposition. Endorsed as a successor by retiring Sheriff Tim Leslie, Leko had served as Chief Deputy and in virtually every other position of the Sheriff’s department over more than two decades. He is a graduate of the FBI Academy and hold 3 other degrees. In his first interview since his election, he shared his thoughts on the future of the department, and his transition into the leadership position.

Leading Eagan: Dianne Miller, City Administrator
Returning Access to Democracy program guest, Dianne Miller, the city administrator for Eagan, MN, joins host Bill Raker for an interesting and enlightening discussion about the city of Eagan. Dianne’s public service career with the city spans over 21 years. She was recently promoted from Assistant City Administrator to City Administrator. She earned a Master degree in Public Administration from the University of Kansas; and she is a “Credentialed Manager”, a professional designation she earned from the International City County Management Association.

Dianne shares what’s so special about Eagan and what she is most proud of in the community. She is excited about highlighting Eagan’s Vision and Priorities, which feature two focused strategic initiatives: Sustainability and Racial Equity and Inclusion. Dianne explains the objectives and efforts of those endeavors. In this interview, we learn why Eagan is very highly rated by its residences and businesses. We hear about the city’s budgeting process and some of the challenges – and rewards – of managing the city’s operations. Dianne notes the many recreational and employment opportunities in the city; interested viewers are encouraged to connect with the Eagan at (651) 675-5000 or cityofeagan.com for more information.

Alissa Light & Heather Walch, the new President and the new Board Chair (respectively) of the Bakken Museum join Access to Democracy host Dr. Richard Logan to tell a little of the history of the Bakken Museum, but mostly discuss the current programming of the little gem on the shore of Lake Bde Maka Ska in southwest Minneapolis. The little museum of electricity and electronic devices, with its famous Frankenstein Room, was founded by Earl Bakken, co-inventor of the life-saving heart pacemaker and also founder of the mighty Medtronic company. Earl cherished the museum and dreamed of its growth. So, the big story is that Earl Bakken’s little gem has evolved in recent years into a powerhouse of STEM education with world-class maker-space classrooms, summer camps, and outreach that impacts school children across the Metro and into every county in the state. Dream fulfilled.

Julie Bluhm, CEO of Guild, joins host Steve Francisco for an informative discussion about the work of Guild, a nonprofit serving the needs of Minnesotans experiencing mental illness and long-term homelessness. The interview focuses upon Julie’s experience as a social worker and therapist and on Guild’s integrated approach to delivering services to its clients. Guild has grown from a small group of volunteers from the Guild of Catholic Women into a non-denominational nonprofit. Julie leads a dedicated staff of approximately 200 people who work tirelessly both in office and out on the streets to meet their clients’ needs where they are. One in five Minnesotans experience mental illness or mental health challenges. This interview explores how Guild is improving peoples’ lives and making our community stronger.

Skip Humphrey, former state senator and long-time state attorney general, sits down with host Steve Francisco for an interesting discussion about his long career in public service. Skip offers some insights into what it was like growing up as the son of Hubert Humphrey, whose life as mayor, senator, and US vice president was spent in the public spotlight. In this interview, Skip also offers his behind-the-scenes insights about how, as attorney general and with a legal team including Mike Ciresi, Minnesota became the first state to reach a settlement with the big tobacco companies prior to the Master Settlement Agreement of 1998. This agreement banned tobacco marketing practices aimed at young people and has undoubtedly saved many lives from the harmful effects of tobacco. After a long career in elective office and an unsuccessful run for governor, Skip turned to teaching at the U of M and the Kennedy School at Harvard University. He also led MN AARP and the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB).