Access To Democracy

Eagan Police Chief Roger New, who has been a regular guest on Access to Democracy over the years, interviewed with guest host Michele Engdahl to discuss topics ranging as from the special burden that the Derek Chauvin trial placed on local police departments, to a new monthly meeting of Dakota County police chiefs focusing on future preparedness. Speaking from his office in the new, expanded Eagan Police Headquarters, the Chief even volunteered to become a future guest host on our show.

Rep. Angie Craig, representing MN CD2, discussed some of the leading issues facing Congress with guest host Rick King, former Thomson Reuters executive. Rep. Craig, who makes periodic visits to our show to keep her constituents advised of the latest events in Congress, also mentioned her success as a freshman in Congress in getting bills passed, her bipartisan efforts on pending legislation with members of the opposite party, and the fact that her opponent in the last election announced that he is running once again. Redistricting may play a role in the 2022 election.

Melodie Bahan, is the Executive Director of MN Film and TV which promotes Minnesota in the forefront of media productions produced in MN. Mark Bradley represents the TwinCities SAG-AFTRA, the union representing the acting profession on stage and screen. Both urged the passage of bills currently in the legislature which would offer tax credits to the industry, and would return Minnesota to its once prominent position as a leading location for television and movie production.

Dr. Scott Jensen has previously appeared as our guest, both in his role as a physician and a Republican State Senator. He is now an announced candidate for the GOP Gubernatorial nomination. He and Alan spend a good deal of time talking about the Corona Virus pandemic, how it has affected the practice of medicine, and some of his unique and controversial opinions about COVID-19, masking requirements, and whether he felt that vaccinations were essential for all. As always, it was a spirited dialogue.

James “Jim” Backstrom, served as Dakota County Attorney from 1987 until his retirement in February, 2021. During that period, as the County grew, so did the requirements and innovations in law enforcement, as well as civil law. The pandemic caused multiple problems to the office, particularly a large backlog in handling both civil and criminal matters. Backstrom also talked of his most successful and disappointing cases, and promised to continue his well-known ELVIS impersonations.