Here’s what St Paul residents are saying about Bernie Hesse:

Bernie Hesse epitomizes what a Progressive activist is supposed to be.  He is a social justice activist, a fighter for equal rights, and a crusader in the labor movement working to ensure that people have the opportunity to achieve economic independence.  I am proud to endorse Bernie for City Council from Ward Four.

Jeff Blodgett, St Anthony Park resident and
Executive Director for Wellstone Action

From Living Wage campaigns to forging Blue/Green coalitions, Bernie does the extra work required to make the connections that matter. He is a true community builder.

Mel Duncan, Community Leader and Organizer
Como Park resident

Over the years I have learned that when there is a need for someone to stand up and be counted in the battles for human dignity, Bernie is always there.  Bernie bridges the gaps between our communities in a way that few others have been able to do.  Saint Paul needs someone with a heart like Bernie’s on the city council.  I look forward to having an opportunity to work with Bernie for the good of Saint Paul.

Pakou Hang, community organizer and
candidate for Ward Six city council

Ward Four is many different neighborhoods with a series of issues that are neighborhood specific.  Bernie’s many years in our ward make him uniquely qualified when it comes to understanding that sometimes each neighborhood does have specific concerns that are valid and important.  In some respects, his work as an activist makes him just what our neighborhoods need.

I have known and respected the public Bernie for years.  Bernie’s ability to connect big picture issues to our neighborhoods and lives has convinced me that we need Bernie on the City Council.  I also know, respect, and like the private Bernie.  The balance that Bernie has in his life will come through as he approaches his duties on the city council.  Ward Four and the entire city of Saint Paul will benefit from having Bernie on the council.

Roy Magnuson, teacher and labor activist

Saint Paul has been transformed in so many ways by its’ immigrant population.  In many ways immigration in the past twenty-five years saved our school district, the eastern end of University Avenue, and much of Frogtown.  We need someone who will see the big picture for Saint Paul on many issues, including immigration.  Bernie is that person.

Kim Hunter, Midway resident and
Immigration Attorney

Bernie Hesse has been an active community gardener at Farm in the City for the past four seasons.  Community gardens are one of the few vestiges of the public commons left in the modern city.  There aren't many places where elders, teens, new Americans, people of different colors, practicers of different faiths, GLBT and straight, middle class and working class can all
come together to work for the common good: healthy food, a clean environment, a place that feels like home.  Bernie Hesse understands this and that's why he is the right person for Ward 4 in the St. Paul City Council.

Anna Wasecha, Community Garden Advocate

The Bernie Hesse that we read about in the newspaper fighting the good fight for immigrants, workers, consumers and environmentalists is the same Bernie that we have known for years in the Midway.  Bernie has worked side by side with his neighbors on issues that are crucial to us at the local level – playground improvements and service, library accessibility, relations with our colleges and public safety concerns - in short, he already has excelled at much of the less ‘prestigious’ duties of a city council member.

Emily Kunesh, Midway resident