Jeff Hayden announces for 61B
In the ever-shifting situation in my neighborhood, Jeff Hayden has officially announced that he's running for the 61B House seat vacated by Neva Walker who announced she will not seek reelection. Matthea Little Smith who had announced when Jeff wasn't going to, has announced that she will step aside for Jeff to run. Russ Adams is still considering and will decide sometime tomorrow, Thursday.
Jeff and Russ will be meeting for lunch tomorrow to discuss their candidacies. I assume that Russ will make his decision after their lunch. Jeff has one advantage over Russ -- Russ would more than likely have to quit his job at the Alliance for Metropolitan Stability where his job as Executive Director involves lobbying. Jeff told me that his employer, Hearth Connection, would allow Jeff to work part-time while he serves in the legislature.
Here is Jeff's announcement:
“I understand the concerns of people in this district, and they deserve a hard working and inspired voice at the Capitol,” said Hayden. “I’m the person who can advocate for them and I will work tirelessly to build a stronger community
in South Minneapolis.”
Hayden currently works as a Provider Support Manager for the Hearth Connection, a Minneapolis-based organization that works to end homelessness by providing comprehensive services for those in need. His campaign platform includes providing more affordable housing, advancing economic development, improving transportation, and strengthening education.
Hayden’s strong political experience includes a bid for the Minneapolis City Council in 2005, and work as an aide to Minneapolis City Council Member Gary Schiff.
Hayden has deep community ties and neighborhood involvement. He is a board member of the Minneapolis Chapter of MAD DADS, and Community Action of Minneapolis. He previously held leadership positions with the Powderhorn Park Neighborhood Association and Bryant Neighborhood Association. He also is a
founding member of the City of Lakes Community Land Trust, a former commissioner of the African-American Men’s Project, and a founding board member of the former Minnesota Renaissance Initiative.
Hayden lives with his wife Terri and their two children in the Bryant neighborhood.
(Mpls Issues List)
Here is Matthea's letter:
seeking re-election at the end of the upcoming Legislative session. This announcement came in the midst of the holidays and all that goes with it, leaving very little time for thoughtful consideration of those seeking to fill her vacant seat.
Because of my own desire and passion for strong leadership for our District, I initially stated my intention to run for the open seat, but after having an opportunity to sit down and have some heart to heart talks with other potential candidates I have decided that my personal goals and commitments to working with the community as a consultant and trainer are very much what I am most comfortable doing at this point in my life.
With that said, I have decided to give my full support to the candidacy of Jeffrey D. Hayden. I have known Jeff for several years and have been impressed with his knowledge of the issues and his tireless work in the areas of Housing and Economic Development, advocacy for low-income families, and the 38th Street Corridor. Jeff is a board member of the Minneapolis Chapter of MAD DADS, and Community Action of Minneapolis. He has also worked as the Policy Aide for City Councilmember Gary Schiff giving him significant experience and insight into
the political process.
Jeff Hayden is committed to working on issues that are critical for the future of District 61B; including Affordable Housing, Business and Economic Development, Transportation Issues and solutions to the Mortgage Foreclosure Crisis. I hope that you will join me in supporting this strong DFL candidate for State Representative for District 61B.
Sincerely,
Matthea Little Smith
(Mpls Issues List)
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