I want only what’s best for Robbinsdale!  My position on this topic has not changed.  I support better public transit in our area, and am generally a supporter of passenger rail. However, I believe the proposed Blue Line LRT on Bottineau alignment is not the best fit for Robbinsdale. I’ve spoken with numerous residents and businesses who agree.

In March, Governor Walz said he would “absolutely” be open to exploring Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) for any additional routes beyond the Southwest Light Rail route (SWLRT), including the Blue Line extension. I intend to work through the Municipal Consent process with that fact in mind. 

On Municipal Consent, I will vote “No” with amendments and conditions to put Robbinsdale in the best possible position, if the Blue Line LRT project does come to fruition.  However, my conditions will not be based on a fatalistic view that this project is inevitable. I will continue to work with leaders in Robbinsdale and our neighboring cities to address the numerous concerns raised by community members and promote alternatives, like electric Bus Rapid Transit

(BRT), as a viable part of the discussion. 

This is a potential generational project and should be strongly negotiated as such to get only the best possible outcome for Robbinsdale.