Today I attended the SD64 Convention at Central High School in St. Paul. There was a very good turnout and the energy level was high. I had a good time and found myself grinning at all my candidate friends.
Let's get the awards out of the way first.
Best tie: J. P. Barone
Most applause: R. T. Rybak
Most Improved Presentation: Matt Entenza
Most Entertaining: Tom Rukavina
Most Elusive: Mark Dayton (he was nowhere to be found)
Most Campaign T-shirts: Paul Thissen and R. T. Rybak (all these t-shirts were running around like characters in a Disney movie)
Dave Pinto, a domestic violence prosecutor seeking DFL endorsement for Ramsey County Attorney in 2010, recently posted a campaign video in which he discusses his background and his plans to continue fighting for the vulnerable in leading the office. The video is embedded below:
A Ramsey County native, Pinto is the only candidate with experience in the County Attorney's Office and the only candidate in the courtroom every day fighting for our community's most vulnerable. Visit his campaign website to learn more about his qualifications and the many community leaders and organizations supporting his candidacy, including St. Paul Democrats for Civil Rights, the St. Paul chapter of the DFL Progressive Caucus, and Jack Nelson-Pallmeyer.
A Ramsey County native, Pinto is the only candidate with experience in the County Attorney's Office and the only candidate in the courtroom every day fighting for our community's most vulnerable. Visit his campaign website to learn more about his qualifications and the many community leaders and organizations supporting his candidacy, including St. Paul Democrats for Civil Rights, the St. Paul chapter of the DFL Progressive Caucus, and Jack Nelson-Pallmeyer.
The full text of the post is embedded in extended text below...
Dave Pinto, a domestic violence prosecutor seeking DFL endorsement for Ramsey County Attorney in 2010, recently published "Foster community collaboration to reduce and prevent crime," the sixth in a series of blog posts on his eight-point plan for leading the office. The series will continue throughout the month of January, leading up to precinct caucuses on Tuesday, February 2.
A Ramsey County native, Pinto is the only candidate with experience in the County Attorney's Office and the only candidate in the courtroom every day fighting for our community's most vulnerable. Visit his campaign website to learn more about his qualifications and the many community leaders and organizations supporting his candidacy, including St. Paul Democrats for Civil Rights, the St. Paul chapter of the DFL Progressive Caucus, and Jack Nelson-Pallmeyer.
Dave Pinto, a domestic violence prosecutor seeking DFL endorsement for Ramsey County Attorney in 2010, recently published "Strive for a criminal justice system that provides equal justice for all," the fifth in a series of blog posts on his eight-point plan for leading the office. The series will continue throughout the month of January, leading up to precinct caucuses on Tuesday, February 2.
A Ramsey County native, Pinto is the only candidate with experience in the County Attorney's Office and the only candidate in the courtroom every day fighting for our community's most vulnerable. Visit his campaign website to learn more about his qualifications and the many community leaders and organizations supporting his candidacy, including St. Paul Democrats for Civil Rights, the St. Paul chapter of the DFL Progressive Caucus, and Jack Nelson-Pallmeyer.
Dave Pinto, a domestic violence prosecutor seeking DFL endorsement for Ramsey County Attorney in 2010, recently published "Protect civil liberties while maintaining public safety," the fourth in a series of blog posts on his eight-point plan for leading the office. The series will continue throughout the month of January, leading up to precinct caucuses on Tuesday, February 2.
A Ramsey County native, Pinto is the only candidate with experience in the County Attorney's Office and the only candidate in the courtroom every day fighting for our community's most vulnerable. Visit his campaign website to learn more about his qualifications and the many community leaders and organizations supporting his candidacy, including St. Paul Democrats for Civil Rights, the St. Paul chapter of the DFL Progressive Caucus, and Jack Nelson-Pallmeyer.
Dave Pinto, candidate for Ramsey County Attorney, today unveiled a comprehensive plan for leading the Ramsey County Attorney's Office. His strategic priorities focus on leveraging innovation and collaboration to reduce and prevent crime, protecting civil liberties, ensuring equal justice, and promoting openness and transparency to make Ramsey County more livable and safer for all.
"This plan lays out the values and priorities that will guide my work as Ramsey County Attorney," said Pinto. "The plan has been shaped by the many conversations I've had with Ramsey County citizens about the community's needs, as well as by my wide-ranging experience in criminal, civil and public interest law and public policy."
Starting on November 19, Pinto will post weekly to his campaign's blog on each of the eight principles outlined in his leadership plan.
Today a tantalizing job showed up on a job search. Someone is looking for a campaign manager for an independent candidate for Ramsey County city attorney. Do note that some of the quoted facts here are wrong.
Looking for experienced campaign manager/lead to direct Ramsey County Attorney race for the second largest county in Minnesota. There were about 200,000 voters in 2008 from approximately 100,000 households.
Seat is open, as 16-year incumbent is running for Governor. The incumbent is a democrat who never earned DFL endorsement but instead ran against DFL-endorsed candidates in all 4 of her races. The candidate is the only elected official; only woman; and only one from the suburbs running. She is also a former prosecutor. She was elected in 2005 and 2008.
The candidate is NOT seeking endorsement in this legally designated non-partisan race, viewing the county attorney position to be more akin to a judgeship, which is nonpartisan and non-endorsed in Minnesota, than to a policy-making position like state legislator. Party affiliation will not show on the ballot. The candidate has a strong history as a democrat, but has always run non-partisan in the past.
Dave Pinto, a domestic violence prosecutor in the Ramsey County Attorney's Office, announced today that Jack Nelson-Pallmeyer has endorsed his candidacy for Ramsey County Attorney.
"I choose to endorse Dave Pinto because of the work he is doing to protect children from domestic violence and abuse," said Nelson-Pallmeyer. "Dave is also working hard to ensure the civil rights of all the citizens of Ramsey County by promoting diversity within the county attorney's office."
In addition, Nelson-Pallmeyer emphasized the value of Pinto's experience as an active prosecutor in the Ramsey County Attorney's Office: "I admire the work Dave is already doing for Ramsey County, and I am sure he will do an excellent job leading the Ramsey County Attorney's Office," he added.
Nelson-Pallmeyer sought the DFL endorsement for the U.S. Senate in 2008 and for Congress from the Fifth Congressional District in 2006. He is an assistant professor of justice and peace studies at the University of St. Thomas in St. Paul.
"I have great respect for Jack because of his thoughtful and courageous leadership on so many important issues," said Pinto of the endorsement. "I am honored that he has endorsed my candidacy for Ramsey County Attorney."
Pinto also was recently endorsed by St. Paul Democrats for Civil Rights and the St. Paul chapter of the DFL Progressive Caucus. A list of the many other community leaders endorsing his candidacy is available on his website, at http://www.davepinto.com/endor... .
A Ramsey County native, Pinto is a dedicated prosecutor, a proven leader and a committed public servant, in the courtroom every day fighting for children and our community's most vulnerable. He is seeking the DFL endorsement for 2010.
Dave Pinto received an endorsement from St. Paul Democrats for Civil Rights for the Ramsey County attorney's race to be decided next November. St. Paul Democrats for Civil Rights formed in response to civil rights violations that happened at the Republican National Convention (RNC) in St Paul last year. The group hopes to prevent future civil rights abuse and hold elected officials accountable for all types of civil rights in St. Paul and Ramsey County.
All four candidates interviewed for endorsement: John Choi, Dave Pinto, Tammy Pust and David Schultz. Tammy Pust withdrew after interviewing. Surprizingly, all three candidates were perceived positively by the Civil Rights group. Dave Pinto was impressive because of his eloquent defense of civil rights and his actual willingness to pledge and to form citizen advisory groups. John Choi has actually implemented effective programs that improve economic injustice. He has also led in restorative justice. David Schultz was recognized for his strong courtroom experience in civil rights cases. While Dave Pinto has the prized endorsement, both John Choi and David Shultz received "acceptable" ratings. The acceptable ratings indicate a strong positive group support for Choi or Schultz, if they win the DFL endorsement.
Of all four candidates, only John Choi was the only candidate active in Republican National Convention, the other candidates were not involved and did not speak out. In the discussions of endorsement, it was clear that the members of the St. Paul Democrats for Civil Rights, thought that John Choi had not released people from consideration of charges fast enough, especially journalists. Eventually over 80% cases were released over 6 months.
Do note that all of the high profile felony cases are being processed at a different office, by the Ramsey County attorney Susan Gaertner. Susan Gaertner has chosen to run for governor instead of re-election as Ramsey county attorney.
Dave Pinto stood out for his recognition of the injustice of too many people charged on too little evidence at the 2008 Republican National Convention. Pinto believes we could have learned from previous National Special Security Events in other cities so as to proactively set up processes which better-protected civil rights.
I'm pleased to announce a number of major endorsements in my campaign for Ramsey County Attorney, including White Bear Lake Mayor Paul Auger, former St. Paul Mayor George Latimer, State Senator Dick Cohen, St. Paul School Board members Anne Carroll and Tom Goldstein and former Ramsey County Commissioner Ruby Hunt, among many others.
I'm honored to announce these endorsements from such respected leaders in our community. I value the trust that these leaders have placed in me, and I will continue to work hard to earn the support of the voters in Ramsey County.
Here's what some had to say about their endorsements:
"Dave's legal career reflects his deep commitment to protecting children and the most vulnerable. His dedication to public service and his vision for the Ramsey County Attorney's office will continue to mean a strong and safe community for all of us."
--White Bear Lake Mayor Paul Auger
"Dave brings the right perspective, principles and experience to make an outstanding Ramsey County Attorney. He will aggressively fight crime, especially gang violence, while protecting our civil rights. I strongly endorse him for Ramsey County Attorney."
--Former Saint Paul Mayor George Latimer
"Dave's strong management skills will be a major asset for Ramsey County in today's challenging budget environment. He is uniquely prepared to make smart decisions and provide focused leadership to ensure public safety remains a top priority, even with scarce resources."
--State Sen. Dick Cohen (DFL-SD64), chair of the Minnesota Senate Finance Committee
"I trust Dave's vision for leading the Ramsey County Attorney's office. Dave understands the importance of collaborating with our schools and other key stakeholders to focus first on prevention. His commitment to community, shared leadership and problem-solving will help us all rethink how we work with youth and families to ensure a safer and healthier community."
--Anne Carroll, St. Paul School Board member
"I'm supporting Dave Pinto for Ramsey County Attorney because I believe he will be proactive on crime prevention, seek justice in a fair and equitable manner, and not allow political considerations to dictate his use of prosecutorial discretion."
--Tom Goldstein, St. Paul School Board member
"Dave is hardworking, fair and deeply committed to public service. He is already serving the county as a domestic violence prosecutor, and his significant legal and courtroom experience and wide-ranging background will greatly benefit the people of Ramsey County."
--Former Ramsey County Commissioner Ruby Hunt
I'm pleased to have a number of other key endorsements as well, including:
Peter Lindstrom, mayor of Falcon Heights (campaign co-chair)
Carol Mueller, Mounds View city council member
Will Rossbach, Maplewood city council member
Jim Llanas, candidate for Maplewood city council
Mike Ciresi, former DFL candidate for U.S. Senate
Ashwin Madia, former DFL candidate for U.S. Congress in the Third Congressional District
State Sen. Kathy Saltzman (DFL-SD56)
State Rep. Steve Simon (DFL-HD42A)
State Rep. Ryan Winkler (DFL-HD42B)
A.L. Brown, chair, St. Paul Human Rights Commission
Sue Cummings, former Roseville school board member
Paul Anderson, former North St. Paul city council member
Charles H. Williams, Jr., former Referee, Ramsey County Family Court
Pat Williamson, chair, Senate District 55 (Maplewood)
Bob Venters, treasurer, Senate District 54 (Roseville)
Todd Anderson, former chair, Senate District 54 (Roseville)
Mitch Gordon, former chair, Senate District 64 (Saint Paul)
Stu Alger, former chair, St. Paul City DFL
Peter Armstrong, former president, Highland District Council
Shawn Bartsh, president-elect, Warren Burger Inn of Court
David Galligan, former president, Ordway Center for the Arts
Marlene Kayser, longtime St. Paul DFL activist (campaign co-chair)
One year ago, St. Paul hosted the 2008 Republican National Convention, an event that tested our public leaders' ability to protect civil liberties while balancing the demands of public safety and crowd control. Although county and city officials planned carefully for convention protests, the end result was far from ideal for all involved.
The fallout from the RNC has undermined some community members' faith and trust in the legal process, strained community-policing relationships, and damaged law enforcement morale. From my past experience, I understand these perspectives. I have been a staunch advocate for First Amendment rights and civil liberties, working closely with the ACLU of Minnesota to defend the rights of high school students facing discrimination at school. As a domestic violence prosecutor, I work closely with dedicated and honorable law enforcement officers every day to ensure the most vulnerable members of our community are safe. These experiences have taught me that our community is strongest when there is public trust in the legal process and universal commitment to upholding the rules, laws, and ethical standards we've developed as a community.
It is critical that we use the lessons of the RNC to move forward in a positive direction. As Ramsey County Attorney, I pledge to work tirelessly toward maintaining the highest standards of public safety while protecting the rights and civil liberties of Ramsey County citizens. I will:
* Create a citizen advisory board regarding civil liberties;
* Communicate openly with all groups and points of view;
* Work closely with law enforcement to support their efforts to protect both public safety and the rights of all citizens; and
* Prosecute criminals swiftly, fairly, and to the full extent of the law.
I pledge to lead an open Ramsey County Attorney's Office that engages the community in a dialogue on important issues. Please join me for an informal discussion of these issues on Thursday, September 10th, from 7 to 8:30 p.m. atThe Bean Factory(1518 Randolph Avenue, Saint Paul).
To understand the context of these numbers, here are some highlights from Ramsey County 2009 races:
Mayor Chris Coleman reported $134,199 on 1/31/09
Sheriff Fletcher reported $4,700 on 5/12/09
St Paul Police Federation PAF reported $31,977 on 1/28/09
John Choi also has a exploratory committee for Ramsey county attorney and has been very actively fundraising. No numbers available.
Promoted by Grace Kelly
The campaign of Dave Pinto, a domestic violence prosecutor who is running for Ramsey County Attorney in 2010, has announced strong fundraising results for the quarter ended June 30, 2009.
In the second quarter, the Pinto campaign raised $12,195 from 156 donors. From filing in mid-February through June 30, the campaign has raised a total of $21,425 from 278 individuals.
Pinto's campaign has relied in particular on small contributions from a wide range of individuals. Annual contributions to campaigns for county-wide office are limited to $100 per person in 2009. These impressive fundraising results show broad support for Pinto's candidacy.
"I'm gratified by these fundraising results and energized by the response my candidacy has received," Pinto said.
Pinto said his conversations with supporters and constituents give him a deeper understanding of the needs of Ramsey County and its citizens. "I look forward to serving those needs, and expanding my current work on behalf of the county, as the next Ramsey County Attorney."
For more information about Pinto's campaign, visit his Web site at www.davepinto.com.
We are pleased to note that President Obama has recently created the position of White House advisor on violence against women. Lynn Rosenthal brings a great deal of experience to this critical role: An Advocate for Women.
Domestic violence continues to be a serious problem affecting as many as one in four women in the United States. It's important that state and local governments follow the lead of the Obama administration and take steps to address this issue.
As a domestic violence prosecutor in the Ramsey County Attorney's Office, Dave Pinto is well-familiar with this issue. As Ramsey County Attorney, he will work to protect victims and their families. to hold offenders accountable, and to prevent domestic violence from occurring in the first place.
To learn more about Dave Pinto's campaign, visit: www.davepinto.com.
County Program Aid (CPA) and its companion Local Government Aid (LGA) provide a significant portion of the necessary funding for police and fire protection, as well as libraries, parks and recreation programs and other services in Ramsey County, its cities, and other counties and cities across Minnesota. CPA and LGA are vital lifelines in Ramsey County's public safety support network; Ramsey County citizens rely every day on the services and protection CPA and LGA help to fund.
Governor Pawlenty's proposed unallotments and budget cuts severely threaten CPA and LGA, and with them the public safety of Ramsey County citizens. This is unacceptable.
Ramsey County and its cities already face dwindling resources; at the same time our citizens need county assistance more than ever. In light of crime, a foreclosure crisis, and mounting numbers of people without health insurance, these actions would weaken Ramsey County at the very time its government is needed most.
As Ramsey County Attorney, I pledge to work with energy and innovation to protect Ramsey County citizens and represent their interests. Leadership requires vision and flexibility in the face of challenging circumstances. Unallotments--budget cuts by fiat--represent neither vision nor flexibility. Relying on them puts the safety, health, and welfare of Ramsey County citizens, and all of Minnesota's citizens, at risk.
Dave Pinto received an endorsement from St. Paul Democrats for Civil Rights for the Ramsey County attorney's race to be decided next November. St. Paul Democrats for Civil Rights formed in response to civil rights violations that happened at the Republican National Convention (RNC) in St Paul last year. The group hopes to prevent future civil rights abuse and hold elected officials accountable for all types of civil rights in St. Paul and Ramsey County.
