Access To Democracy

The major supplier of gasoline and diesel fuel to the Midwest, jet fuel to MSP, and asphalt to the U.S. is Flint Hills Resources with its refinery in Rosemount, MN.

Guest Geoff Glasrud joins host Bill Raker to share details and insight into a number of the attributes of Flint Hills that make it one of the state’s most interesting enterprises, as well as an environmentally responsible and engaged corporate citizen in our community.

This is a behind-the-scenes look at what goes in as Canadian crude oil and comes out as numerous products essential to our economy and modern life.

AARP has some 670,000 members in MN. It is a non-political, non-partisan organization that advocates for the financial, health, and social well-being of all consumers. The top 2025 policy issues for AARP are the focus of this interview with guest Thomas Elness, the Associate Director for Advocacy at AARP MN.

Host Bill Raker guides the discussion about legislation progressing through the Minnesota state legislature, as well as the “hot topics” (Protecting Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid) at the national level.

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.