2022 Candidate Survey
Describe your personal experience with skateboarding.
I am not coordinated enough and lack the needed balance for skateboarding, however for young people who use, and are interested in skateboarding, I think it a good idea to provide a space where skateboarding is safe and unquestionably allowed.
Can you do a kick flip?
No
Do the communities you would represent have quality, accessible, visible skateboarding spaces?
A few do. I reside in Park Rapids in which there is a skatepark. While not one who makes a point to go to the skatepark, go past it from time to time. I cannot speak to the usage of the skatepark, but am glad it is there for those who want to use it.
Do you see the connection between skateboarding and social, racial, gender, and economic equity? If so, please share a few thoughts.
Yes I do. I think young people, and perhaps more so for those whose live a personal truth not accepted by some, places that are accepting and open make a difference.
How will you support youth and community health with new ideas and infrastructure?
It seems that simply making space is often what we can do. We as communities accept that the school should have a football field, tennis courts and occasionally performance venues, and we can certainly make room in our communities for skateparks and gathering spaces for folks with a diversity of interests and backgrounds, especially when small groups of interested people often raise money to construct and maintain skate parks themselves. That being said, parks and other community amenities are expected in most communities, so why not add skateparks where there is stakeholder support.
Will you support fully funding the Minnesota Skate Park Grant Program (SF2502/HF2876) in the 2023 Legislative session and beyond?
I of course would support programs that support and encourage diverse groups of people to have spaces to enjoy and use. l am an advocate for whole health and active lifestyles so while I would need to learn more about any individual program, I support those programs that fairly support development and opportunity in smaller and rural communities.