Patch Candidate Profile: Cathy Abene For Minneapolis Parks

MINNEAPOLIS — Next week, on Nov. 2, Minneapolis residents will vote in several important local elections. Among the offices on the ballot are the mayor and city council seats, as well as the Minneapolis Park Board.

Cathy Abene is running for Minneapolis Park Board Commissioner District 6.

Patch asked candidates to answer questions about their campaigns and will be publishing candidate profiles over the coming weeks.

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Are you running for office in Minneapolis? Contact William Bornhoft at william.bornhoft@patch.com for information on being featured in a candidate profile and submitting campaign announcements to Patch.

Age (as of Election Day): 57

Town of Residence: Minneapolis

Position sought: Minneapolis Park Board Commissioner District 6

Party Affiliation: DFL

Family: Married with three kids. Two at Washburn and one at the U.

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government? My high school daughter works for the Park Board.

Education: B.C.E - Bachelor of civil engineering

Occupation: Professional civil engineer - 23 years

Previous or Current Elected or Appointed Office: None.

Why are you seeking elective office?

I am a longtime Minneapolis resident, living in Lynnhurst with my family. My kids attended Minneapolis Public Schools and Rec Plus at the parks. I am a licensed professional engineer with a career in public service. Currently I am principal civil engineer for the University of Minnesota, where I manage natural and man-made water systems throughout the University’s large, state-wide portfolio. I’ve been an activist for various causes throughout the years, and I’ve volunteered for the DFL party and its candidates. I want to apply my unique skillset as a parent, a water resources expert, a public sector employee and an engaged voter and citizen to a Minneapolis treasure that has meant so much to all of us—the world-class Minneapolis parks system.

I know what it’s like to work inside of an elected board-governed organization; my two decades of experience in managerial roles inside of public organizations gives me plenty of insight into how these places prioritize, make decisions, and operate. I know that organizational barriers - not lack of community support - can hinder progress the most. When I speak with people in District 6, I find a lot of interest in making meaningful progress for our community. I believe that our strong thread of common values, rooted in fairness, justice, and equity, is our greatest opportunity. I support the current mission of the MPRB and plan to emphasize youth programming and environmental stewardship, especially water quality.

Minneapolis is at a crossroads, and the MPRB will need leaders who understand stewardship of its resources for today and its role in the city for years to come. I am stepping up as a citizen with the right experience and a commitment to progress that unites us and moves us forward.

The single most pressing issue facing our (board, district, etc.) is _______, and this is what I intend to do about it.

...that progress is elusive! MPRB needs to get out of MPRB’s way. I’ve had countless conversations with people who are frustrated with MPRB’s failure to consider requests for new sports or expanded activities. I believe in public systems, and it disappoints me when public organizations reinforce stereotypes of government as rigid and stymied. I’ve worked in public service for over two decades, and I’ve seen the “this is the way we’ve always done it” mindset up-close. If I’m elected commissioner, I will bring honest, creative collaboration and a long track record of getting to yes in public service.

What are the critical differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post?

My professional experience is unmatched. In addition, I'm the only candidate to have worked in leadership and management inside of organizations like the MPRB. I know what to do to be effective and I know how to do it.