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Two months ago, I opened my June newsletter with words of grief following the assassination of Representative Hortman, her husband Mark, and their dog Gilbert. I wrote about my prayers for their children, and for the recovery of Yvette and John Hoffman.
Now, it is necessary to begin this newsletter by acknowledging another tragedy: the horrific mass shooting at Annunciation Catholic School in Minneapolis. Two children, Fletcher and Harper, were killed. Seventeen others were injured, many of them children.
My thoughts and prayers are with the children, teachers, families, the Annunciation community, and the first responders and hospital staff who faced the unimaginable that day. My heart breaks for what they endured.
But my religion tells me that the point of faith is action, and the result of thoughts and prayers must be change. Whether it is addressing guns, mental health, or school safety, our community expects change so that children can live and learn without fear. I vow to continue advocating for the policies that prioritize the safety of your children and those you love. You should expect nothing less from me and from anyone entrusted with representing you.
On August 12th, the Hennepin County Board voted to assume interim oversight of Hennepin Healthcare System in order to stabilize its finances, protect patient care, and safeguard public resources. In the weeks since that decision, the work has already begun. County staff and hospital leadership are moving quickly to put structures in place that strengthen oversight, improve financial stability, and protect access to care.
I introduced an amendment that also required a public report by July of next year. That report will outline the progress we've made, assess the hospital's finances and operations at that time, and provide recommendations to ensure long-term stability before HHS returns to independent governance.
This week's tragedy at Annunciation Catholic School was yet another reminder of why this work matters. HCMC, the public hospital operating under HHS, cared for many of the victims of the shooting. In moment like this, HCMC shows exactly why it is so vital to our community - treating anyone who comes through its doors, no matter the circumstances.
I want to thank everyone who took the time to share their views during this process. This emergency action was not taken lightly. IT is designed to keep HHS open and serving patients while laying the groundwork for its future. You can't fix a hospital that's already closed. This is our chance to strengthen it. The decisions ahead will not be easy, but my focus remains clear: to ensure HHS is stronger, and more sustainable than ever.
Like many of you, one of my favorite summer activities is visiting the greatest State Fair in the country. How it is possible that it gets better every year?
 Hennepin County Sheriff's Office
 Rep. Nadeau & Rep. Elkins
 Metropolitan Mosquito Control District
 Minnesota Beef Council
 Labor Mural
 Fairborn and Fairchild
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Blue Thumb - Planting for Clean Water has two workshops coming up in Maple Grove with West Metro Water Alliance!
Thursday, September 4 | Resilient Yards + Shorelines, Fish Lake
Metro Blooms Design + Build staff and local water resource experts will present on topics including rain gardens and shoreline projects, followed by an opportunity to ask site specific questions, get expert advice and receive resources to install practices on your own property!
Tuesday, September 16 | Resilient Shorelines, Eagle Lake
This workshop, specifically geared for shoreline property owners in the Eagle Lake area, will include a presentation on shoreline site assessments, types of shoreline projects, regulatory reminders, and more, followed by a Q+A session.
Learn more and register for both workshops at https://bluethumb.org/events/
Thanks to workshop partners Hennepin County Environment, the City of Maple Grove, Elm Creek Watershed Management Commission, and Shingle Creek and West Mississippi Watershed Management Commissions.
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Looking for a way to get outside and make a difference? Join Missions Inc on their lakeside campus in Plymouth for a Garden & Beautification Day! This is a wonderful opportunity for individuals or groups who enjoy being outdoors and want to make a visible impact.
Volunteers will help with weeding, planting, trimming, mulching, and general clean-up. Projects that make our spaces safer, more welcoming, and more beautiful for residents and the community.
Date: Saturday, September 27
Time: 10 AM–12 PM
Interested in lending a hand? Contact Gen Lopez at glopez@missionsinc.org. Groups of volunteers from workplaces, civic groups, or faith communities are welcome!
County Road 92 between Highway 55 and Highway 12 is now closed to through traffic and will remain closed until construction wraps up in October. The good news is that County Road 92 south of Highway 12 is officially open and has been completely repaved!
West Hennepin Public Safety will be providing extra patrols in the area to ensure people don't enjoy themselves too much on the freshly tarred road.
Can't make it to the polls to vote? Visit mnvotes.gov/absentee to request a ballot to be mailed to you.
Voters in House District 34B (see map) can now submit a request for a mailed ballot for the special election (to be held Tuesday, September 16).
Your ballot must be dropped off by 5 PM on Election Day! Due to the short timeline, we recommend dropping off your ballot at one of the in-person early voting locations:
- Hennepin County Government Center (all county residents), 300 S 6th St, Minneapolis, MN
- Brooklyn Park City Hall (Brooklyn Park residents only), 5200 85th Ave N, Brooklyn Park, MN
- Champlin City Hall (Champlin residents only), 11955 Champlin Dr, Champlin, MN
Bringing a new baby home is an exciting time, but the endless aisles of brand-new baby gear can feel overwhelming – and expensive. Read our latest blog to learn what baby gear you can safely buy used:
https://www.hennepin.us/choose-to-reuse/Tips/smart-savings
Q: Why do fathers take an extra pair of socks when they go golfing?
A: In case they get a hole in one!
Champlin residents, mark your calendars to be sure you vote in the 34B special primary election and general election!
The 7th District serves the cities of
Champlin, Corcoran, Dayton, Greenfield, Independence, Loretto, Maple Grove, Maple Plain, Medina, Minnetrista, Southern Mound, Rogers,
St. Bonifacius, Hanover, Northwest Plymouth, and Rockford.
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Contact us
Kevin Anderson
Commissioner, 7th District
Ketki Varsha
Policy Director
612-559-4221
Clara Severson
District Director
612-596-9040
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