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My name is Charles Rodgers, and I am a husband, father, grandfather, and small business owner.
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I love this city, and I value our incredible park system. But the vision of the park system that
meets the needs of individuals, families and communities is becoming dimmer by the moment. That is
why I am running for District 5, Minneapolis Park and Rec board commissioner.
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Most of my adult life has been spent in Minneapolis and the neighborhood parks have always been
a part of my family's life. Some of my earliest memories are of teaching my oldest daughter to ice skate
at the rink at McRae and watching her play T-ball. My son played football at McRae and Pearl under the
watchful eye of Ed Solomon, former park commissioner. The parks are still a significant part of our lives,
and my wife and I walk our dogs along Minnehaha Parkway, Bde Maka Ska and Lake Nokomis as we enjoy
the golf courses, tennis courts, picnic tables, swimming, and playgrounds.
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Growing up in Memphis, the only child of a single mom employed long hours as a domestic to a wealthy family,
the parks were a refuge from the crime and poverty in my neighborhood. It was there that I first learned to
golf, a passion of mine still today. I learned how to play basketball and run track through the sports the
park offered. I also benefited from the mentoring of the older kids and adults who frequented the park.
It was there I learned the importance of community, a commitment that has guided me since.
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As a small business owner, I understand the day-to-day challenges of managing budgets, employees, inventories
and operations. I've worked with youth in a variety of settings and understand the important role a park can play.
As a former president of the Uptown Rotary and former board member of local nonprofits I'm grounded in the need
for public private partnerships.
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I'm running for park board commissioner because I believe there needs to be more accountability for where and how
the park's revenue is allocated. I believe there needs to be more accountibility for equitable outcomes, not just intent.
I believe in building on the capacity we already have and looking for gaps along the way.
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And, what do Charles' friends say about him?
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