Upcoming Better Angels Workshops

Interested in working to unite those of different political viewpoints and depolarize America? Better Angels is an organization seeking to do just that and they have several workshops coming up in Dakota County. Red/Blue Workshops bring together an equal number of conservative-leaning and progressive-leaning participants for moderated activities and discussions that clarify disagreements, reduce stereotyped thinking, and begin building the relationships needed to find common ground. Skills Workshops teach practical skills for having better conversations with friends and family members with whom you have strong political disagreements.

For more information, see their Minnesota website. Membership is not required for any of the workshops listed below. To register please contact Heather Stephenson, Dakota County Library Adult Services Manager, at heather.stephenson@co.dakota.mn.us or 651-450-2965.

Red/Blue Workshops:

Sat., Jan. 26, 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., at Inver Glen Library (Inver Grove Heights)

Sun., Feb. 24, 1:00 to 4:00 p.m., at Wescott Library (Eagan)

Sun., Mar. 3, 1:00 to 4:00 p.m., at Burnhaven Library (Burnsville)

Sat., Apr. 27, 1:00 to 4:00 p.m., at Galaxie Library (Apple Valley)

Sat., May 18, 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., at Wentworth Library (West St. Paul)

Skills Workshops:

Tues., Jan. 15, 5:00 to 7:30 p.m., at Inver Glen Library (Inver Grove Heights)

Thurs., Feb. 7, 5:00 to 7:30 p.m., at Wescott Library (Eagan)

Sat., Mar. 9, 10:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., at Burnhaven Library (Burnsville)

Tues., Apr. 16, 5:00 to 7:30 p.m., at Galaxie Library (Apple Valley)

Thurs., May 9, 5:00 to 7:30 p.m., at Wentworth Library (West St. Paul)

Observer Corps Report - 12/11/2018 Special Dakota County Board Meeting

Observer Corps reports are submitted by LWV Dakota County members that volunteer their time to observe and take notes at government meetings of interest to Dakota County residents. While we strive for accuracy, these observations may be incomplete or inaccurate in some respects.

Meeting Minutes

Meeting Materials

Meeting Summary: Representatives of Stinson Leonard Street LLP were interviewed regarding providing lobbying services to the County. It was revealing and informative to see what lobbyists do and how different the legislative cycle is from year to year. All Commissioners commented on priorities or issues they have seen in the past, including forming partnerships with other counties and understanding what regional issues are in play.

Note: Observer had to leave before other candidates to provide lobbying services were interviewed. A total of five firms were interviewed by the Board throughout the day.

"What the 2018 Elections Really Meant" with David Schultz

Rather than hosting a typical meeting in December we co-sponsored a presentation hosted by Dakota County Libraries titled "What the 2018 Elections Really Meant" with David Schultz, Hamline University Professor of Political Science. He provided a review of historical shifts in political ideology and analysis of the 2016 and 2018 elections.

Professor Schultz compiled the suggested reading list below and provided us with the syllabus from a class he teaches on American politics. You may also enjoy his blog.

• Bill Bishop, The Big Sort

• David Schultz and Rafael Jacob, Presidential Swing States

• Arthur M. Schlesinger, Jr., The Cycles of American History

• John Naisbitt, Megatrends: Ten New Directions Transforming Our Lives

• Dave Durenberger and Lori Sturdevant, When Republicans Were Progressive