Editor's Note: This essay is a response by Samantha Lee Pree-Stinson to a flyer produced by one of her competitors (see attached photo).

Yes. They do matter. This is not what being a progressive ally looks like. Black people in this country do not need a handout. We are not all standing around in the streets waiting in a bread line. I will not tolerate this. Ward 3 already has a very low percentage of people of color and acting as if we all need social services is ridiculous.

We do not need another mouthpiece telling us what we need to "get better". As a Black Mexican woman who grew up in the streets of LA, a product of public housing, government cheese, and food stamps. We can do better. Much better. What I did for myself can be replicated en mass for all those who are marginalized.

Taxing the rich is not what is going to address disparities nor make things better for Black Lives. Stop and Frisk is wrong but the root cause of the disproportionate excessive force and deaths is much deeper than that. Community policing model, there are many. Standardized de-escalation training of at least 100 hours will also be critical. Cadet HS programs so that more people from the community can grow up to protect their community. End the 4 year degree requirement. Elect leadership that holds those who serve us accountable.

Social services are not a pathway to something better. The system was not designed for that. It is something that I intend on working with the county to change.

I am laser focused on this race. I offer a clear path forward. One with no gaslighting and no polarism. My focus is more than potholes and density. Our priorities in housing, transportation, education, future infrastructure, equity and job training are my focus.

It all boils down to economics and closing the economic gap by creating opportunity pathways. We need homeownership and financial literacy programs. We need to fill the gap the silver tsunami is creating and build Green jobs because they pay wages in the mid $20 per hour range and more. We need to invest in bringing small to mid range start ups to town. We need to invest in our Arts because they bring in more money than sporting during Art A Whirl. We need to invest in our children to curb drop out rates and increase success factors, a citywide mentorship program to supplement the summer jobs program can fill this. We need to invest in every corner of our Ward not just Downtown East and NOLO.

What matters is having culturally competent, economically/environmentally wise, business savy, homegrown, vast professional and personal experience that knows at the very least why this poster along with the phrase not bought not sold and cannot serve to masters/bosses is offensive.

I have never lied in this campaign for political expediency. I have never taken credit for the work of others. We build concensus around the mission: people and then get things done.

Vote for me despite my color not because of it. Your clear 1st choice forward is Samantha Pree-Stinson for Minneapolis City Council, Ward 3. Soldier, mother of 3 sons in NE public schools, advocate for those who are vulnerable, and proven leader in education, military, for and non profit sectors.

Let's get to work with a clear vision forward. Vote November 7th. You are heard, seen, and valued.

Samantha Lee Pree-Stinson
City Council Candidate for Minneapolis Ward 3