2022 Candidate Survey
Describe your personal experience with skateboarding.
I am not a skateboarder, although I sure did try when I was young and deeply into Tony Hawk's Pro Skater on Nintendo 64. I don't know that I do have many friends who skateboard, although in college many more of my friends skateboarded or longboarded. I don't know that I have real strong views on skateboarding beyond as a fun hobby.
Can you do a kick flip?
No
Do the communities you would represent have quality, accessible, visible skateboarding spaces?
Yes. I'm a big fan of public recreation facilities and skateparks are no exception to that. I agree with everything you said in the question. Spaces like skateparks where community members can come together are hugely important.
Do you see the connection between skateboarding and social, racial, gender, and economic equity? If so, please share a few thoughts.
Sport, generally, can be a huge catalyst for equity as it brings people together to cooperate and compete in positive ways. Skateboarding is certainly a part of that and I know that skateboarding is an activity loved by a broad array of people and that has an incredibly supportive community around it, so I certainly see the specific connection between skateboarding and equity.
How will you support youth and community health with new ideas and infrastructure?
Mayor Kleis is exactly right here. Skateparks may have a higher upfront cost than some other kinds of public recreation facilities but they require little upkeep/staff/space/etc. Besides skateparks, I support investments in parks, education, healthcare, all the things that are going to help people of all ages, including our youth, be happy and healthy.
Will you support fully funding the Minnesota Skate Park Grant Program (SF2502/HF2876) in the 2023 Legislative session and beyond?
Yes, I support HF 2876.