Jim Ivey Endorsed by TakeAction MN

On Tuesday, Sept 20, TakeAction Minnesota members present for a packed and lively city council screening voted 73% in favor of endorsing Jim Ivey over incumbent Dave Thune. Earning endorsement by such a strong margin demonstrates that Ivey offers Ward 2 the best combination of commitment to putting people first with grassroots engagement, progressive vision, and strong experience. TakeAction MN is a high-profile progressive advocacy group, tackling issues like health care for all, good jobs, and ending racial disparities and discrimination.

Speaking with TakeAction members after the event, Ivey was elated. "This is what we've been working toward for the past year, putting together a progressive vision with a grassroots model of community leadership. TakeAction has led the way on many progressive reforms, and we're excited to have such a strong partner in carrying our message out, both during and after the election."

Two issues boosting Ivey were his strong support for Ranked Choice Voting, which was adopted by voters and endorsed by TakeAction, and the second was his opposition to granting exemptions from Saint Paul's living wage ordinance. The Living Wage Ordinance is of the key achievements of Saint Paul progressives and labor advocates in the last decade. It ensures that all workers benefit whenever public dollars are use to subsidize a large private development.

Ivey said he sees stronger community engagement as the city's most pressing need.  "We need a new, progressive vision for making Saint Paul sustainable and self-reliant, and it won't come from a top-down, status quo approach at city hall.  We need new voices at the table to discuss new ideas and models, and champion the ones that will work best in Staint Paul."