Access To Democracy

Bao Vang, Vice President of Communications for the Better Business Bureau (BBB) serving Minnesota and North Dakota (website: BBB.org), is interviewed by guest host Bill Raker. Bao explains the BBB’s mission in serving consumers with information about businesses and their reputations. One of the BBB’s valuable services in protecting consumers is detecting and reporting scams and fraud. Bao provides summary descriptions of 12 of the major scams prevalent around the holiday times. She points out being aware of scams and how they trap victims is key to avoiding becoming a victim. She describes the red flags that should alert consumers that they are being targeted by a scammer. For more information, go to BBB.org/ScamTracker.

Dianne Miller, Assistant City Manager of Eagan, MN, is interviewed by guest host Bill Raker. Dianne, who holds the “Credentialed City Manager” designation from the International City and County Management Association, has been working for the city of Eagan for 20+ years. She earned a Master Degree in Public Administration from the University of Kansas. Her responsibilities for the city include Human Resources, Information Technologies, Elections and City Clerk functions; and she is the city’s point-person for airport relations. Dianne talks about why Eagan is one of the most recognized and awarded cities in Minnesota and the nation. She highlights data from the 2020 Census that show significant shifts and trends in Eagan’s demographics and the impacts these have on Eagan’s priorities and vision. Dianne shares her passion for working in local government and offers encouragement for young people to pursue careers in that field.

Steve Francisco, a guest host who has been on a several-years hiatus from our show, returned to the studio with a flourish just in time to fill in for a guest who had to cancel at the last minute. Steve, with a broad background in the world of politics and aviation, jumped right in for a spirited discussion on the abortion case before the Supreme Court, on gun safety (or the lack thereof) because of the latest school shooting tragedy, and other timely topics. Not too many people are capable of conducting such an interesting, off-the-cuff interview.Steve’s return is a welcome addition.

Glen Brown is a customer experience professional whose recent career has included a very diverse numbers of roles at the airport, where he meets and greets hundreds of people each day. Glen has polished his trade while being a shoe shine man, an airport wheelchair, an airport cart driver and a customer service counter agent for United Airlines.

During the interview we explored Glen’s unique background, his various roles, his deep and magical voice, his customer service ethic and his love of fatherhood. You will never meet another person like Glen. Be sure to listen in to someone on the front line who knows what it means to provide great service every day.

Kathy Keena, is the newly appointed County Attorney in Minnesota’s Dakota County. She was appointed by the County Commissioners in May 2021 and will stand for election in 2022.

Ms. Keena previously served as County Attorney in Lyons County, and as Chief Deputy in Dakota County with experience in both civil and criminal divisions. She recently argued a case before the US Supreme Court, and discussed with Alan her plans to tackle the issues facing her office, and ideas she has looking ahead to the future.