Dear Neighbors,
This week we remember the tragedy of 9/11, first responders who ran into danger, and ordinary citizens who became heroes. I remember the unity of a country and how we faced that tragedy together. I’m afraid we have forgotten how to see, and treat, each other as human beings. Political rhetoric has led to a divide in this country.
In Minnesota alone, we have seen the assassination of House Speaker Melissa Hortman and her husband Mark as well as the attempted assassination of Senator John Hoffman and his wife Yvette. There has been an attempted assassination of President Trump, assaults on elected leaders on both sides of the aisle, and now political commentator Charlie Kirk has been killed. We all need to do a better job of bringing the temperature down in our political discussion on and off of social media. I know it is hard, but we are Minnesotans and we can do hard things.
Community Conversation on Gun Violence
Thank you to everyone who has reached out to share their viewpoints and ask for a call to action to address the gun violence epidemic impacting our communities, this country and our lives. As your representative, I want to hear your voices, experiences, and ideas as they are vital for collaboration in the work we must do to protect our communities, especially our children. It’s crucial we have the hard and important conversations together.
I invite you to join me for a District 50 sponsored Community Conversation with my legislative colleagues and city leadership who represent Edina and Bloomington on Tuesday, September 23 from 6:30-8:00 pm. This event is just one step in listening, sharing and working together to take action.
To receive the location of the event, please register here: https://tinyurl.com/2t8f6tpj.
Community Engagement
Early this week, I had the chance to meet with Edina residents from Grandview Square and Edina City Council member Julie Risser to hear about crosswalk and traffic concerns on Eden & Vernon Ave. Thank you for organizing this, Nancy Greer!
I would like to thank both St. Louis Park Schools Superintendent Carla Hines & School Board Chair Cox for meeting with me to talk with me about the start of the school year! I also had a great visit with Edina Mayor Jim Hovland and City Manager Scott Neal to hear about the city’s legislative initiatives.
Stay in Touch
Please always feel free to reach out to me with questions or input at rep.cheryl.youakim@house.mn.gov or 651-296-9889. Email is the quickest way to get in touch.
Thank you for the honor of representing our Hopkins, St. Louis Park, and Edina neighbors at the State Capitol.
Have a great week!
Cheryl Youakim
State Representative