Josh Bassais: Responses to We Love Minneapolis candidate screener

The following are the responses to the candidate screener conducted by We Love Minneapolis:

Name: Josh Bassais

Website: https://www.joshbforward8.org/

Ward: Ward 8

Endorsements – Do you plan on seeking the endorsement of any political parties, groups, or organizations?: DFL, Firefighters, LIUNA, Building Trades, MRLF

Money raised in 2025: $4,000

To what political parties and/or organizations do you belong (Ex: DFL, GOP, DSA, Green, Independent)? Please list all that apply: DFL

On a scale of 1-10, with 1 being most progressive and 10 being the most conservative, how would you rate yourself on the scale? 4

If elected, what will be your top three priorities? Public Safety, Affordable Housing, Economic Growth

Current Property Taxes in Minneapolis: Are too high and should be reduced

The City has committed to transforming George Floyd Square in a way that honors community values and vision for the future. What option do you support for this transformation? A Flexible Open-Street concept that would support development at the People’s Way.

What concept do you support for 3000 Minnehaha Ave, the site of the former Third Police Precinct? Election and Voter Services/Democracy center plus community space

Do you support the City of Minneapolis moving forward a Boycott, Divestment and Sanction policy against Israel where possible? No

Do you support the removal of I-94 through Minneapolis and replacement with a boulevard and/or public transit? No

The City of Minneapolis has a Separation Ordinance in place preventing city employees from asking about immigration status – do you support this ordinance? Yes

What should the City do to generate missing revenue as downtown building values fall? Reimagined commercial space not residential because of the tax revenue gap.

What is the appropriate role of the City Council in developing policy and providing services under the ‘Executive Mayor’ system? Developing a common vision, collaboration, and finding common ground.

What would you prioritize in immediate future city budgets? Focus more on core functions for which the city is currently primarily responsible like police, fire, and road maintenance.

Should a Labor Standards Board be revisited, its composition should be: Business and Labor have equal representation

If you answered “something else” in the previous question, please explain here: n/a

Increased vibrancy and activity downtown is important for: Everyone in Minneapolis

Minneapolis small and local business owners receive: Too little support from the City Council

How important is economic health and the business environment in Minneapolis? One of the top three most important issues facing our city

Do you believe that Minneapolis currently has a hospitable business climate? No

I believe that perception of crime: Has a real impact on local businesses and should be taken seriously by city policymakers

What should the City Government do to support small and local businesses? Cut red tape, collaborate on street redesigns and construction, get police back walking a beat

Would you support a strict rent control policy with rents capped at 3%? No

If yes, do you support exemptions for new construction? Yes

Are you open to supporting a different version of rent control than a strict 3% cap? No

In general, what effect do you believe the production of market-rate housing have on other units in the area? Decreases rent through increasing supply

Do you support the Revised Affordable Housing Right of First Refusal Ordinance? No

Do you think we need additional renter protections? No

If yes, what protections would you support? n/a

The existence of homeless encampments is (can answer more than one): A public health and safety emergency

Should encampment closures be halted? No

What is an immediate and urgent solution to our Encampment situation in Mpls? Address the root cause, drug addiction and mental health.

Do you support the minimum police officer mandate of 1.7 per 1,000 residents? Yes, and I believe the City should continue working to fulfill it.

As a city council member, would you support increasing funding for recruitment, hiring, and retention of officers as the mayor proposed and City Council majority rejected in their 2024 and 2025 budgets? Yes

Do you support the Office of Community Safety Department of Neighborhood Safety’s (DNS) RFP process awarding contracts to organizations through a basic competitive bidding process with expert-informed “best practices” proposal evaluations? Yes

Do you support the Department of Neighborhood Safety requiring data-driven accountability and reporting by violence interruption/prevention groups? Yes

With regard to public safety do you feel like the city’s more pressing issue currently is police accountability or staffing levels? Staffing levels

The City reached a federal consent decree with President Biden’s Department of Justice. Despite President Trump’s administration indicating it may abandon efforts to finalize the decree, Mayor Frey has stated he will support the city and the MPD complying with the agreement even if it’s not enforced by the federal courts. Do you agree? Yes

Do you believe Shotspotter is a valuable tool? Yes

Should ShotSpotter be expanded to include additional high-crime areas? Yes

What role should the City Council have in improving public safety? More community input at the precinct level. A fully staffed police force that continues to bolster it’s diversity within the ranks.