Access To Democracy

Jason Viana, Executive Director of The Open Door Pantry, discusses the increasing need for food assistance and the reality of poverty in Dakota County during his interview with with host Steve Francisco.

Reverend Martha Postlethwaite, Pastor of the Recovery Church in St. Paul offers her insights and experience in ministering to people struggling with addiction and recovery during her interview with host Steve Francisco.

Access to Democracy Host Paul Anderson engages Robert Hennessey in a difficult discussion regarding persistent questions about JFK Assassination.

Hugo Searle, Chief of the Eagan Fire Department, joins guest host Steve Francisco for an interesting conversation about fire prevention and the benefits of Eagan’s transition to a full-time fire department. Chief Searle also offers his insights on growing up in Wales, UK and Africa along with his experience as a high-altitude mountain guide who has been to the top of Mount Everest.

Cathy McLeer, State Director for AARP Minnesota, is interviewed by guest host Bill Raker. Cathy was recently appointed the new AARP Minnesota State Director. She leads the Minnesota staff and volunteers who are working to improve the health, finances, and well-being of the 639,000 AARP members in the state. Cathy provides a brief history of AARP, a politically non-partisan organization, that advocates on behalf of citizens aged 50+ focusing on legislative and regulatory policy issues impacting our aging population. She speaks about AARP’s 2022 priorities and advocacy efforts: age-friendly livable communities, financial resilience, fraud prevention, reducing the cost of prescription drugs, addressing the nursing home staffing crisis, and supporting family caregivers.