Access To Democracy

TruStone Financial is the successor to Firefly Credit Union, which was the successor to US Federal Credit Union. TruStone Financial will continue its sponsorship of Access to Democracy, a sponsorship dating back two decades. Dale Turner is the new CEO & President of TruStone Financial, moving over from that position at Firefly which he has held for the past two years. The merger now offers over 23 locations with assets in excess of $2.9 billion, in both Minnesota and Wisconsin. Dale talked of his experience in the financial industry, and what he foresees in the future for the new company and its increased offerings to members/owners.

Liz Reyer is the newest addition to the legislators representing the Eagan area in the Minnesota House of Representatives, District 51B. A long-time Eagan resident who, with her husband, raised her four children in the local community and public schools, Liz won her first election by over 20 points, garnering over 60% of the votes. A long-time activist in political and civic endeavors, she discussed her new role, hopes for the legislature, and her legislative committee assignments.

Dave St. Peter, President of the Minnesota Twins, has been a regular guest on our show for well over a decade, generally to discuss the upcoming baseball season, plus the Twins roster and prospects. In an interview with first-time guest host Peter Miller, the two dissected the team, position by position, and also covered rules changes and innovations which will be implemented for the 2021 season, which commences with spring training in mid-February.

Amanda Vickstrom, Executive Director of the Minnesota Elder Justice Center is interviewed by Bill Raker, guest host of Access to Democracy. Amanda explains the origin and mission of the Minnesota Elder Justice Center and describes the many services it offers to assist older Minnesotans who may experience financial, emotional, sexual, physical, or any other type of abuse. In another critically important arena, the Elder Justice Center advocates for public policy to protect and assist senior citizens. As the population in Minnesota continues to age, more and more citizens will look to the agency for assistance to cope with abuse and exploitation. The Minnesota Elder Justice Center is funded by the state and support from many generous donors. Contact the Center at 651-440-9300 or www.elderjusticemn.org.

John Gordon, is the Executive Director of the Minnesota American Civil Liberties Union (MN-ACLU). In a spirited discussion with Alan, they cover in their discussion the civil fallout from the George Floyd murder in 2020 and up to the January 6th, 2021 insurrection at the U.S. Capitol. They also touched on community policing, facial recognition technology, ending the criminalization of poverty, right-wing fringe groups and suppression of the right to vote. With so much to cover, John agreed to return in March to continue the discussion.