Access To Democracy

Journalist and Author Dane Smith, returns to our program with host Steve Francisco to complete a three-part interview about his MinnPost series, “Reappraising the ‘Good Life’ in Minnesota.”

The series was inspired by a Time magazine cover story in 1973 highlighting Minnesota’s national leadership in education, health care, environmental protection, and social justice.

Dane observes that while Minnesota continues to score highly in many quality of life indicators, there has been some slippage, particularly for people of color who now constitute nearly a quarter of the state’s population. Dane shares his recommendations for a “To Do” list in several key areas of concern.

While it will not be easy, Dane expresses his hope that Minnesota will continue to embrace its legacy of maintaining an egalitarian culture for all Minnesotans.

In this interesting interview, Professor Richard Logan, joins host Steve Francisco to discuss his experiences as a teacher in Kenya during Kenya’s formative post-independence years in the early 1970s.

With degrees from Harvard and the University of Chicago, Richard developed an insatiable appetite for international travel and learning about life in village Africa. Richard describes himself as a cultural anthropologist who was inspired by his students and many other people he met in Africa, including a Masai tribal elder.

Professor Logan presents several examples of African art work and explains his admiration for the strong social bonds of tribal communities. He also explains why he believes that there are lessons from African village life that would benefit American and Western societies.

Top 20 hits DJ on FM radio, TV “weather girl”, and TV news anchor, are some of the roles guest Peachy Galindez talks about with host Bill Raker. During her broadcasting career in her home country, Peachy was a member of the news team that covered President George W. Bush’s visit to the Philippines. She is also a contributor to live storytelling/reading shows in Minneapolis called “Listen to Your Mother.” You’ll enjoy Peachy’s sharing her experiences.

Retired Minnesota Supreme Court Justice Hon. Paul Anderson, joined host Alan Miller on the first day of the US Congress session to discuss the taking of the Oath and its importance in government. Anderson, who has led oath-taking ceremonies many times, described how he made newly elected legislators repeat the oath rather than just raising their hands and stating “I do.”

How large is the Dakota County Budget for 2025? Where does the county’s revenue come from and how does the county spend money?

These are a few of the questions that Dakota County Commissioner and Board Chair Joe Atkins, answers in this informative interview with host Steve Francisco. Joe also discusses Dakota County’s Capital Improvement Program (CIP) and how the county plans five years out for its projected transportation, parks, and building needs.

While many people are more familiar with services provided by cities, such as police and fire services, fewer people may know the important role the county government plays in our daily lives, from prosecuting felonies to transit to protecting natural resources such as parks and wetlands. With decades of experience in state and local government, Joe Atkins shares his insights about Dakota County government in this interview.