John and co-host Elissa Schufman start off the show with an extended period of delightful co-host banter, demonstrating mutual respect and admiration — making a convincing case to listeners that they enjoy being in each other's presence. John asks, does Elissa consider herself to be the Wedge LIVE equivalent to the late Andy Rooney, of 60 Minutes fame? Does she who know that is? What's the deal with people who drive on the Midtown Greenway? Elissa provides an Aldi update: she still hasn't been to one. 


We're joined later in the show by guest Jason Chavez, who is running for Minneapolis City Council in Ward 9. Jason, the son of Mexican immigrants, talks about his family's experience in Minneapolis and how that informs his desire to make city government more accessible. Other topics: Environmental justice at the Roof Depot site. Has Jason shifted on issues, or the way he talks about issues, in response to community feedback? How do we rebuild community trust in systems of public safety? How should we be addressing immediate safety concerns? What to do with the MPD Third Precinct site? What does it mean for something to be community-led? What does it mean to be "strategic" about the police union contract? Elissa speaks to how decisions about streets and transportation are determined by preferences of individual council members, then asks Jason to talk about his transportation priorities. Municipal sidewalk shoveling. What does "taxing the rich" look like as city-level policy? SROs (rooming houses). John asks Jason to describe his housing philosophy?


Stay tuned after the interview for special bonus banter regarding the Mickey Moore campaign in Ward 9.


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Wedge LIVE theme song by Anthony Kasper x LaFontsee

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