Access to Democracy

Amy Fredericksen joins host Steve Francisco to discuss the August 11 primary election results and what to expect in the November 3 general election. After serving as a Republican state senator from 2005 to 2013, including as the first woman majority leader, Amy has developed a keen political sense and is a regular political analyst on WCCO TV. She explains why she believes that Republican voters' choices of Lisa DeMuth for governor and Michele Tafoya for U.S. Senate put Republicans in the best position to win statewide office for the first time in twenty years. But DeMuth and Tafoya will be running against two strong DFL candidates, Amy Klobuchar for governor and Peggy Flanagan for U.S. Senate. Amy shares her thoughts about how the fraud scandals may help Republican candidates and how the affordability crisis and the trauma of ICE Operation Metro Surge may help DFL candidates moving toward November.

For interesting, independent, analytical, insightful news coverage and perspectives on Minnesota politics and local and state government in Minnesota, look to Minnesota Reformer.  Editor Patrick Coolican has a conversation with host Bill Raker explaining what, why and how the online publication works to inform the public and to "reform" politics and government. For examples, Patrick cites articles Minnesota Reformer published regarding actions and outcomes from the latest state legislative session in St. Paul. Guest and host exchange comments on candidates in the August Primary and November General Elections. Checkout minnesotareformer.com for access to the free non-profit publication.

Hosted by Dr. Geoff Thompson. The pituitary gland, albeit the size of an acorn, sitting on the underside of the brain, embedded in the base of the skull, is critical to numerous essential bodily functions. It produces hormones that regulate virtually every other endocrine gland in the body (thyroid, adrenal, ovaries and testes) to maintain health and wellness, growth and development, reproduction, and life itself. Tumors of the pituitary gland are common, but most are small and inconsequential. When enlarged, they can put pressure on the optic nerves, leading to partial blindness. When producing uncontrolled amounts of their own hormones, they can alter normal bodily functions, leading to potentially dangerous and life-threatening syndromes ( Cushing’s disease, acromegaly, hyperthyroidism). In a similar fashion, deficiencies of pituitary hormones can also cause bodily harm. Most pituitary tumors are amenable to removal via transnasal, minimally invasive surgery.

Hosted by Steve Francisco. Mike Supina has served on the Eagan City Council since 2021. In this interview, Mike joins host Steve Francisco to discuss why he is now running for mayor of Eagan and what he sees as some of the key issues facing the city. As a LEED (Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design) accredited architect, Mike is concerned about energy efficiency and protecting our environment. He explains why he opposes the building of any new artificial intelligence (AI) data centers in Eagan and the need for the city to help create affordable housing options. While much of the city's population is aging, many young families find Eagan to be an attractive city to call home. Mike discusses why he believes the next mayor must be accessible to residents and responsive to their concerns as the city moves forward.

Hosted by Steve Francisco. Mike Maguire has served as mayor of Eagan since 2007. In this interview, Mayor Maguire tells host Steve Francisco why he is now seeking a sixth term and identifies what he views as some of his most important achievements as mayor. Mike notes that while national and state politics have become increasingly polarized in recent years, he has worked to maintain a respectful tone with his colleagues on the City Council to move Eagan forward into the future. The mayor shares his thoughts about AI data centers and why he supported the one-year moratorium on new data centers in Eagan. He also discusses the city's changing demographics and the ongoing challenges of keeping a strong local economy and maintaining Eagan's high quality of life.

Hosted by Steve Francisco. Joe Kueger is one of the three candidates seeking to win in the August 11 primary election to go forward on the November ballot. Joe tells host Steve Francisco about growing up in St. Paul, going to the Marine Corps, and becoming skilled in aviation and industrial maintenance. Joe once served on the Red Wing City Council and has now lived in Eagan for 19 years. He is very critical of high taxes and particularly opposes Local Government Aid (LGA), where he claims Eagan taxpayers are forced to spend too much money for other cities and towns across the state for non-essential services. He is concerned about fraud and mismanagement and claims that he would be a watchdog over local taxes and government spending, both of which he argues are too high.

Hosted by Bill Raker. AARP, the largest non-profit, non-political, non-partisan organization in the U.S., advocates at the state and national levels for policies that enhance the well-being of all. Guest Erin Parrish, AARP's Sr. Associate State Director for Advocacy and Outreach, shares the history and mission of AARP with host Bill Raker. The timely discussion focuses on the status of the Social Security fund, the importance and impact of the benefits received by millions of Americans, and what Congress needs to do to preserve and protect those benefits for current and future generations.  Erin also speaks to why Congress must address the need for programs that support caregivers. AARP is working to educate voters on these issues and is urging voters to make their voices heard by legislators. Voter engagement is a cornerstone of our democracy.

Hosted by Alan Miller. Former Minnesota Supreme Court Justice Paul Anderson served on the state's highest court for 19 years, where he authored many important decisions. In this interview with host Steve Francisco, Justice Anderson presents a strong critique of the Trump administration's policies on immigration enforcement, arrests and detentions, as well as U.S. military attacks on alleged drug-running boats in the Caribbean and Pacific. He contends that many of the administration's actions are blatantly illegal and that responsible government officials must ultimately be held accountable. Our Constitution provides for three co-equal branches of government (legislative, executive, judicial) that are supposed to check and balance each other, but Justice Anderson argues that Congress and the courts have ceded far too much power to the president. Ultimately, he says, the people hold "revolutionary power" through the electoral process and voting. Voters will decide whether America can save its 250-year-old tradition of the rule of law.

Host Steve Francisco welcomes new Eagan Fire Chief Holly Mullholland and discusses her career, her new role, and Eagan's full-time firefighter program. 

Host Steve Francisco talks with Eagan Police Chief Salim Omari about his new role as Police Chief and the challenges that first responders face. 

Host Steve Francisco talks with author and journalist Dane Smith about how, despite claims, Minnesota is not a failing state and the data to prove it. 

Host Bill Raker sits with Professor John Mazis of Hamline University to discuss the importance of understanding history and how it can predict our future. 

Host Bill Raker speaks with Kindahl Larson, the Chief Compliance Officer of Minnesota Veterans Affairs.  Operation Shamrock | Educate - Mobilize - Disrupt Cyber Scams - https://www.operationshamrock.org/Minnesota Elder Justice Center | 651-440-9300Get assistance from AARP Fraud Watch Network at 877-908-3360Report fraud and scams to local law enforcementReport fraud and scams to MN Dept. of Commerce 800-657-3602