Priorities

Lead with Practical Experience and Integrity

Proven leadership grounded in service and a deep personal commitment to ensuring Hennepin County is a safe, fair, and welcoming place for all.

- - 15 years as an Assistant County Attorney and Criminal Trials Division Director.
  - Prior frontline experience as a correctional officer, police officer, and sheriff’s deputy.
  - Refugee/ Immigrant lived experience.
  - Track record of building trust and communication between prosecutors, law enforcement, and community.
  - Board Member: Asian Women United MN (domestic violence); MN Crisis Intervention Team (mental health crisis deescalation); National Asian Pacific Islander Prosecutors; Prosecutors’ Center for Excellence; and MN Asian Pacific American Bar Association.

Build and Strengthen Partnerships

Build trust and collaboration across the justice system and with the community through bridge-building leadership. Solving crimes and improving systems and practices require that we do it together.

- - Hold structured listening and problem-solving sessions with courts, law enforcement, community groups, advocacy organizations, business leaders, and impacted residents.
  - Ensure every justice partner is heard and lines of communication remain open.
  - Promote transparency and accountability in decision-making and policy development.

Deliver Public Safety with Fairness and Accountability

Reject the false choice between safety and justice reform – safety requires trust, upholding the rule of law for all, and innovative evidence-based changes.

- - Hold individuals accountable for crimes ranging from quality-of-life offenses (auto theft, vandalism, retail theft) to serious and violent crimes.
  - Ensure every neighborhood in Hennepin County has the right to safety and livability.
  - Support victims through trauma-informed culturally responsive practices and meaningful engagement.
  - Uphold constitutional rights while maintaining high standards of prosecution.

Use Smart, Evidence-Based Justice Solutions

Improve outcomes by addressing root causes of crime and focusing on the most serious crimes.

- - Implement data-driven policies and move beyond politicized, soundbite-driven approaches.
  - Work with law enforcement on improving the investigation and prosecution of shootings.
  - Improve system response to sexual assault and domestic violence through training and proven practices that support victims.
  - Support and expand mental health and addiction diversion programs.
  - Increase restorative justice initiatives that repair harm, hold people accountable, and reduce recidivism.
    Support youth intervention and prevention programs.
  - Provide meaningful second chances through alternatives to incarceration and records clearing when appropriate.

Invest in Excellence Within the County Attorney’s Office

Maintain and strengthen a highly competent, professional staff. A strong and well-trained staff with clear guidelines helps to ensure the proper use of discretion.

- - Retain and invest in experienced attorneys and staff who deliver excellent public service.
  - Develop and elevate staff skills through training and leadership development.
  - Streamline charging, trial, and sentencing functions for consistency and efficiency.
  - Establish measurable performance metrics to increase transparency and accountability.
  - Create open forums to communicate office decisions with justice partners and the community.

Advance Equal Justice for All

Ensure the justice system works for everyone. A fair and trusted justice system is essential in and of itself, and improves public safety.

- - Identify and reduce any racial disparities in charging, diversion, and sentencing decisions through data transparency and policy reform.
  - Expand culturally responsive diversion and restorative justice programs.
  - Prosecute hate crimes and bias-motivated offenses aggressively.
  - Protect LGBTQ+ residents and other communities from violence, harassment, and discrimination.
  - Ensure respectful, trauma-informed treatment of victims and defendants alike.
  - Engage directly with impacted communities to build trust and accountability.

Protect Constitutional Rights and Guard Against Federal Overreach

Ensure local residents are protected from unlawful or abusive practices, regardless of the level of government involved. Public safety depends on trust. When people fear interacting with law enforcement for any reason, everyone is less safe.

- - Uphold constitutional protections for all residents, including due process and equal protection under the law.
  - Prosecute crimes committed by any government actors, regardless of the level of government.
  - Ensure that local resources are used for local public safety priorities — not to carry out federal civil immigration enforcement. Promote clear policies so that victims and witnesses can report crimes without fear of immigration consequences.
  - Work with community organizations and legal advocates to educate residents about their rights.

Revitalize and Protect Business Districts

Support thriving, safe economic centers across Hennepin County.

- - Partner with business owners and neighborhood organizations to create safe, welcoming spaces.
  - Work collaboratively with law enforcement to maintain safe environments for workers, customers, and entrepreneurs.
  - Engage community and business leaders to support investment and economic growth.

Fight Wage Theft and Stand with Workers

Protect working families and ensure fair treatment in the workplace.When workers are paid fairly, families are stable and communities are stronger and safer.

- - Proactively investigate and prosecute wage theft and worker exploitation.
  - Partner with labor organizations, worker centers, and state enforcement agencies to identify violations.
  - Hold employers accountable who steal wages, misclassify workers, or violate labor protections.
  - Protect immigrant and vulnerable workers from retaliation when reporting abuse.
  - Promote education and outreach so workers understand their rights under Minnesota law.

Enforce Environmental Laws and Protect Community Health

Safeguard clean air, clean water, and safe neighborhoods for all residents. Safe communities depend on healthy environments.

- - Hold corporations and individuals accountable for environmental violations that harm public health.
  - Partner with state agencies and local governments to investigate environmental crimes.
  - Ensure transparency when contamination or environmental hazards threaten neighborhoods.