Thank you for eight great years!

Right now, in this moment, we must have the difficult, but necessary conversations with our family, friends, and neighbors about how to put into action solutions that can change hearts, minds and, yes, systems.

Minnesota — Pay attention: If strong and revolutionary action is not taken, it will take more than a few lifetimes to change a system that will attract Andy Taylors when it was set up to empower Derek Chauvins to press their knees down our necks.

Jean Prokott has poetry published or forthcoming in Arts & Letters, RHINO, and Red Wheelbarrow, among other journals, and is a recipient of the AWP Intro Journals Award. She holds an MFA from Minnesota State University Mankato, a Master's of Science in Education from Winona State University, and she teaches high school American Literature, Creative Writing, and Philosophy in Rochester.

Life is not a zero-sum game — whatever is gained by somebody else is not taken from you. The future of our country depends on the continued successes of All, not just those who look like me. The aphorism “a rising tide lifts all boats” holds true. Your neighbor’s success only makes yours more meaningful.

During the town hall addressing race and policing, Chief Franklin and Mayor Norton both supported the current training and procedures Rochester Police Department (RPD) officers go through. The Mayor was adamant they will not defund the police department. However, there is a national and local outcry for reform in policing and it’s the City’s responsibility to ensure all Rochester residents feel safe and secure.

Having served as a past Commission I know it’s a good entity but the Commission has no power of enforcement. I would charge the City and County to come up with a better model or merge with the State Human Rights Office much like St. Cloud has done.