Letters - 2026

LONGFELLOW PARK IS GREAT
I wanted to mention to you the topic of Longfellow park and recreation center. They have a lot of yearly events the are always fun and build community. The gym is always fun after school for basketball or to get a snack because they hand those out too. They have really tried to bring the community together no matter what season it is, whether it is ice rinks or the corn feed. The staff are always very kind and welcoming. They always welcome us with a big smile. I think Longfellow park is a great part of this community and its whole.
Jasper Davis, 8th grade, Sanford Middle

Say yes to homes in Minnesota
I became an advocate for housing issues as a student when I helped connect people with impactful volunteer opportunities around the world. Stable and sustainable housing should not be something many Minnesotans have to think about – it should be something that families can count on every day. I experienced this while living in a housing complex in St. Paul for a year. I saw first-hand how many immigrant families flourished. Living in affordable housing in St. Paul was a transformative experience that fundamentally shaped my commitment to housing justice and advocacy. Within that community, families from all walks of life were not just surviving – they were flourishing.
We all know that we cannot solve our housing crisis without decisive state action to allow more of this type of housing to be built. I know that we must advocate for laws and regulations that make it easier to build stable and sustainable housing across the state for every person who wants to belong here. Many Minnesotans know all too well the struggle to find a place to live, make rent, or cover our mortgage. When everyone, including the people who work in everyday, regular jobs, can afford to live near where they work, our communities are not only better, they’re also stronger. We must advocate to allow more homes and housing choices.
I applaud our elected legislators who are leading the effort to allow more homes and to address the barriers to new homes.
Brandon Gorringe
Nokomis resident and volunteer with the Hospitality Center and the Sierra Club