Mariam DeMello: Responses to We Love Minneapolis candidate screener

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

Name: Mariam DeMello

Website: https://www.mariamdemello.com/

Ward: Ward 11

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

Money raised in 2025: $Yes

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. Housing. Unsurpassed City Services.

Current Property Taxes in Minneapolis:  At the right level

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?  I strongly believe we can change this trend. By collaborating with both private and public entities, we can revitalize our downtown into a vibrant, diverse, and thriving city center, restoring it to its historic place of prominence.

What is the appropriate role of the City Council in developing policy and providing services under the ‘Executive Mayor’ system?  We need to return to a concept of teamwork and compromise. Where everyone is doing what they can to make Minneapolis a prosperous and safe place to live, work, and raise a family.

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?  The current city department responsible for business development is overly complex for the average small business owner, making it difficult for anyone but millionaire developers and high-end contractors to seize the majority of opportunities. To bridge this gap, we need more industry-specific liaison offices and local branches that offer direct support within the neighborhoods they serve. That’s why I plan to establish a Ward 11 office where residents can access city services, receive guidance, and network to find the resources they need.

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

If yes, do you support exemptions for new construction?    n/a

Are you open to supporting a different version of rent control than a strict 3% cap?  Yes

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?  Yes

If yes, what protections would you support?    no answer

The existence of homeless encampments is (can answer more than one):  A public health and safety emergency, Harmful to those living in and near encampments

Should encampment closures be halted?  No

What is an immediate and urgent solution to our Encampment situation in Mpls?  Minneapolis has a viable long-term solution to homelessness, but it’s far too complex to summarize in a questionnaire. Addressing this crisis requires coordinated efforts between public and private sectors, including nonprofits and agencies at the city, county, and state levels. A comprehensive approach must include mental health services, job training, higher education, temporary housing, substance use rehabilitation, and other critical components. I firmly believe we can and must implement this solution to move our city forward.

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?   Police accountability

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?  Public safety and police reform are deeply interconnected. On the city council, I would advocate for meaningful and substantial reform that enables law enforcement to effectively prevent and investigate crime while also redefining policing in a growing and diverse city. The civil unrest following George Floyd’s murder made it clear that outdated, 1960s-era policing tactics are no longer viable. We must take a realistic approach to reimagining public safety as a whole.

Complete List: We Love Minneapolis Screener Responses

Ward1: Brian Strahan

Ward 2: Shelley Madore

Ward 3: Michael Rainville

Ward 4: LaTrisha Vetaw

Ward 5: Anndrea Young

Ward 5: Jovan Northington

Ward 5: Tinitha Pearll Warren

Ward 5: Miles Wilson

Ward 6: Jamal Osman

Ward 7: Paula Chesley

Ward 7: Elizabeth Shaffer

Ward8: Josh Bassais

Ward 9: Marques Jones

Ward 9: Dan Orban

Ward 10: Lydia Millard

Ward 11: Mariam DeMello

Ward 12: Becka Thompson

Ward 13: Linea Palmisano