Access To Democracy

In 2006, Paul Werni founded the 45th Parallel Distillery in New Richmond, Wisconsin. Paul joins host Steve Francisco in this episode to talk about how the distillery has grown over nearly two decades now, from making its first bottle of vodka in 2007 to now offering gin, whiskey, and even aquavit.

The business has expanded to include restaurants specializing in pizza in New Richmond and Stillwater, and there is also an Events Center that can host up to 300 people for wedding receptions, birthday and anniversary parties, and other momentous occasions.

Paul explains how the 45th Parallel has relied upon one local farm to provide all of its grain and why his distillery remains dedicated to traditional slow, small batch production of its spirits.

Minnesota State Auditor, Julie Blaha, joins host Steve Francisco to discuss the work of her office. A former middle school math teacher in the Anoka-Hennepin School District and the first woman secretary-treasurer of the Minnesota AFL-CIO, Julie and her staff now oversee approximately $60 billion in mostly local government spending.

The State Auditor provides training, data, and analyses for city and county officials for them to make more informed decisions on local spending. She also sits on several state boards dealing with state investments, public employee pensions, housing, and economic development.

While the Auditor has significant authority, Julie explains some of the limitations of her authority with regard to calls for disinvestment from certain countries and companies.

Scott Elkins, Executive Director of the Land Stewardship Project (LSP) makes his first appearance on our program with host Steve Francisco to discuss LSP’s work of promoting sustainable agriculture and developing healthy communities.

The son and grandson of Texas cattle ranchers, Scott is well-versed in the many challenges that face farmers today, including large corporations taking control of large tracts of land and the on-going decline of family farms.

Since its foundation in 1982, LSP has grown to include over 4,000 member households across Minnesota. Scott discusses the threats from climate change and how these will impact both farmers and consumers. LSP also provides valuable training for the next generation of farmers who will produce the food we eat.

Have you ever had thoughts about befriending a river – especially one like the Mighty Mississippi?

You’ll hear about a variety of reasons to consider it in a revealing conversation ATD host Bill Raker has with Maddie Miller, Grassroots Organizing Coordinator for Friends of the Mississippi (FMR).

Maddie explains the history and critical mission of FMR; and she shares examples of what the organization has done, and plans to do, to keep the Mississippi “rolling along in good health”. You’ll learn some things about FMR that you likely did not know.

Distinguished journalist and author Dane Smith meets with host Steve Francisco to discuss in more detail his recent article series, “Reappraising the Good Life in Minnesota” published in the past year in the online newspaper MinnPost.

The articles look back at how Minnesota has changed since the state was featured in a Time magazine cover story in 1973. Dane provides an in-depth look at significant demographic changes, the state’s penchant for elevating non-traditional politicians such as Jesse Ventura and the late Senator Paul Wellstone, and Minnesota’s impact on the arts and culture, from Bob Dylan to the late Prince.

While the North Star State can be proud of many achievements, there are also many challenges on the horizon in ensuring equal opportunity and protecting our environment.X