Access To Democracy

James “Jim” Backstrom, served as Dakota County Attorney from 1987 until his retirement in February, 2021. During that period, as the County grew, so did the requirements and innovations in law enforcement, as well as civil law. The pandemic caused multiple problems to the office, particularly a large backlog in handling both civil and criminal matters. Backstrom also talked of his most successful and disappointing cases, and promised to continue his well-known ELVIS impersonations.

First term MN State Senator Lindsey Port, representing Senate District 56, enthusiastically invites people to be part of the discussion. She doesn’t just say that, she means it. Senator Port talks with guest host Holly Jenkins about a bill she introduced which she worked on collaboratively with students. She also shares her thoughts about the MeToo movement and how a recent finding by the State Supreme Court has helped shine a spotlight on long-known bad legislation, which is now being revised to better protect women. Considering the current level of “behind closed door” negotiations, Senator Port is a welcome sign of change to come in years ahead.

Ted Flaum, CEO of the St. Paul Jewish Federation, has a long career working with charitable and philanthropic organizations and institutions. In his discussion with guest host Don Shelby, he talked about his career choice in helping those less fortunate, about some current problems in society in this era of pandemic, and the two exchanged personal stories about their lives and careers.

Lisa Jemtrud, Vice President of Community Relations and Outreach at the Better Business Bureau (BBB) of Minnesota and North Dakota, is interviewed by Guest Host Bill Raker. Lisa explains the mission and structure of the BBB and how, as a non-profit independent entity, it serves its business members and consumers with its rigorous accrediting and rating system. Lisa discusses how consumers can access the BBB website to report their experience (good or bad) with a business and to learn how to identify, report, and avoid scams.

Marcia Freeman, introduces herself as “The Author’s Wife,” and has a popular website and Facebook page of the same title. She is the wife of well-known novelist Brian Freeman, and in the four decades that the couple have been together, she is the person who reads his first drafts, does the initial editing and critiques, even before his manuscripts reach the publisher. She also handles the business end of the partnership with her outgoing and upbeat personality, handles the books, the signings and travel arrangements so that Brian is free to just write.