ben-cooper.bsky.social @ben-cooper.bsky.social · 22/04/2026For these reasons, I oppose the proposed amendment as written. We should strive for flexibility in our Charter, accountability in our government, and transparency in our process. We can do this better. /end 1231
ben-cooper.bsky.social @ben-cooper.bsky.social · 22/04/2026The Charter Commission should hear from residents multiple times, across schedules and communities. Public legitimacy has to be built. It doesn’t happen automatically. 16/ 1192
ben-cooper.bsky.social @ben-cooper.bsky.social · 22/04/2026But written comments alone are not enough. For a structural change of this scale, one public meeting isn’t sufficient. 15/ 1141
ben-cooper.bsky.social @ben-cooper.bsky.social · 22/04/2026There’s also significant public interest in these changes, and for good reason. Residents should submit written comments explaining which departments should or should not require Council confirmation. 14/ 1151
ben-cooper.bsky.social @ben-cooper.bsky.social · 22/04/2026Council confirmation is not micromanagement. It’s about legitimacy, transparency, and coordination in departments that touch nearly every policy area. 13/ 1193
ben-cooper.bsky.social @ben-cooper.bsky.social · 22/04/2026Health is similarly cross-functional. Public health emergencies, housing stability, homelessness, opioid response, and environmental health all require coordination with Council-led efforts. Confirmation helps ensure alignment and shared responsibility. 12/ 1121
ben-cooper.bsky.social @ben-cooper.bsky.social · 22/04/2026From a policy standpoint, Civil Rights works closely with the Council on enforcement priorities, labor standards, and ordinance implementation. Confirmation reinforces oversight where legislation and enforcement meet. 11/ 1151
ben-cooper.bsky.social @ben-cooper.bsky.social · 22/04/2026From a budget perspective, both departments oversee significant General Fund spending, grants, and compliance obligations. Council confirmation strengthens accountability for departments that regularly return to the Council for funding and oversight. 10/ 1131
ben-cooper.bsky.social @ben-cooper.bsky.social · 22/04/2026I like to assume that everyone is operating with good intentions, but good intentions can have bad outcomes. And this will have bad outcomes. Let’s look at the Civil Rights and Health departments. These departments sit at the center of major policy, budget, and cross-departmental work. 9/ 1162
ben-cooper.bsky.social @ben-cooper.bsky.social · 22/04/2026I appreciate that most of the Commission supported retaining council confirmation for CPED & Public Works. In my view, that is a baseline, not the endpoint. The amendment removes transparency & public accountability for millions of tax dollars & the leadership deciding where that money goes. 8/ 1162
ben-cooper.bsky.social @ben-cooper.bsky.social · 22/04/2026When we put too much specificity in the charter, we sacrifice flexibility. That makes it harder for future administrations, regardless of ideology, to respond to new challenges. We should be cautious about turning today’s preferences into permanent rules. 7/ 1244
ben-cooper.bsky.social @ben-cooper.bsky.social · 22/04/2026Those details belong in ordinance, where elected officials can respond to current needs, budgets, and policy priorities. Charters are meant to endure. Ordinances are meant to adapt. 6/ 1262
ben-cooper.bsky.social @ben-cooper.bsky.social · 22/04/2026There is also a more fundamental issue. This proposal misunderstands the role of the city charter. The charter should set the overall structure of government, not lock in administrative details. 5/ 1253
ben-cooper.bsky.social @ben-cooper.bsky.social · 22/04/2026I will continue to work with my colleagues to determine if there is a way to put clear language on the ballot. If we cannot get clear language and fair ballot questions, it should not appear on the ballot. Full stop. 4/ 1181
ben-cooper.bsky.social @ben-cooper.bsky.social · 22/04/2026Thankfully, it appears that many of my colleagues on the Commission agree that a single ballot question is unworkable. There are several Commissioners working on proposals to bifurcate the question. But whether the actual changes can be successfully split is much more challenging logistically. 3/ 1161
ben-cooper.bsky.social @ben-cooper.bsky.social · 22/04/2026The amendment combines technical clean-up with major structural changes in a single ballot question. That’s a problem. These should be separated so voters can make informed choices. 2/ 1182
ben-cooper.bsky.social @ben-cooper.bsky.social · 22/04/2026As a Commissioner on the Minneapolis Charter Commission, I want to explain clearly why I cannot support the proposed charter amendment as written. This comes down to structure, process, and public trust. ⬇️ 1/ 15119
