In a pre-election interview with Al McFarlane, Roslyn Harmon, the successful mayoral candidate for Golden Valley, expressed her commitment to public service, and her vision for Golden Valley. Harmon, a 30-year resident of Golden Valley and a community leader for the past decade, began by expressing her gratitude for the opportunity to discuss her mayoral candidacy on the show.
As Golden Valley’s newly elected mayor, Roslyn Harmon, and two returning council members, Sophia Ginis and Maurice Harris, officially took their oaths of office Jan 2, 2024, in a ceremony at the beginning of the City Council meeting. Pictured L to R: Roslyn Harmon, Sophia Ginis, Maurice Harris. Visit the City website to read more.
Caption: Baking pies for change: Rose McGee, inspired by frustration over Ferguson events, started Sweet Potato Comfort Pies. With support from the Golden Valley Community Foundation, she began an annual tradition in 2015. What began as a gesture of support has evolved into an event fostering dialogue about race. Credit: Sweet Potato Comfort Pie
She emphasized her deep roots in the city, detailing her involvement in community initiatives such as the “Sweet Potato Comfort Pie” project and her role in the development of the city’s first equity plan.
“I am seeing that because what our residents need and what our community needs, they need someone who will listen, and I do that. That’s what I do,” explained Harmon.
Harmon shared her unexpected journey into city government, recounting how she became involved in the creation of Golden Valley’s equity plan at the invitation of the current mayor, Shep Harris.
As an educator with over 20 years of experience and the executive director of the Dispute Resolution Center, Harmon highlighted her commitment to listening and being proactive in addressing community needs.
She then reflected on her role as an advisor for restorative work, envisioning Golden Valley as a restorative city. Harmon outlined the principles of restorative practices, emphasizing the need to repair harm, build positive relationships, and foster inclusivity and equity.
She also delved into the issue of public safety in Golden Valley, acknowledging the low crime rate but expressing concern about the loss of 28 officers in the past year. She attributed this loss to power struggles and communication issues within the department, leading to an investigation that revealed alarming findings.
“As you know, the city of St. Paul Mayor Melvin Carter, he’s on it with the restorative work, and in my organization, we have a lot of contracts where we are the direct service provider in that realm for city government, as well as with Ramsey County. But I thought, ‘Wow, how beautiful would it be to have Golden Valley be a restorative city,'” said Harmon.
In discussing her vision for Golden Valley, Harmon emphasized the city’s potential to serve as a symbol for what Minnesota can and should become. She outlined her plans for systemic change, including restorative practices, enhancing accountability, and building positive relationships within the community.
“For me, it’s about the heart of the people. What is it that at a local level you want to bring forth that systemic change on behalf of not only Golden Valley, but all communities, all cities? And that requires us to work together, and it not be one-sided, not to the left, not to the right, but in the middle. And that’s what I represent,” concluded Harmon.
A January 2, 2024 KARE 11 news report by Jennifer Hoff, said Harmon’s victory by 26 votes made history because she was the first Black person elected to lead the the affluent Minneapolis suburb which is 85% white.. She wrote, Harmon “takes over after an independent investigation rocked the city’s police department last year. It found the department had racist attitudes and there was alleged misconduct. That was followed by an officer’s firing and then a force that dwindled to just seven officers at one point. Harmon says the number of officers on staff is now up to 19 — five of whom were sworn in two weeks ago.”
She said Harmon has a background in restorative justice and is a longtime educator and therapist. She’s used to working with people and plans to continue that work as the newest mayor.
“The fact that we really did not allow for some people to be able to share their truth in their voice, which is what restorative practices is all about,” said Harmon. “People wanted to be heard.”
“We need healing and I’m here to do that,” said Harmon. “I’m a bridge builder, this is the work that I do, and I do it pretty well, I think.”
Harmon also wants to build affordable housing and transparency within the city that she will run for the next four years — even though she still doesn’t want to call herself a politician.
“It’s not just me leading this city, it’s all of us working together to make sure that Golden Valley is the best city for everyone,” said Harmon.
