On Thursday October 16, 2025 at 7:00pm, Minneapolis Park Board Commissioner Elizabeth Schaffer and Minneapolis City Council Member Katie Cashman participated in a political forum at the Lake of the Isles Lutheran Church. The forum was held to aid the community in better understanding where each candidate stands politically for the Ward 7 Minneapolis City Council seat. A political forum is similar to a debate in that each candidate is given a set amount of time to answer questions. However, unlike in a debate, candidates in a forum respond individually and do not directly engage with or respond to each other’s answers. The purpose of political forums is to help voters decide which candidate best aligns with their own values, priorities, and visions for the future.
Two standout questions from the forum touched on some of the most pressing issues for ward 7—rent control and the police force. The candidates were asked. “Do you support rent control,” and “What are your thoughts on the police force and renewing Chiefs O’Hara’s contract?”
Elizabeth Schaffer stated that she is not in favor of rent control because it leads to fewer housing options for renters. She hopes to support renters by increasing the availability of affordable housing in Minneapolis. She explained how research has shown that if the city imposes rent control, developers will be much less likely to create more housing. This proved to be true for St. Paul when the city imposed rent control. Katie Cashman, similarly, said she was against rent control—despite the fact that she has made several public comments in favor of it previously.
Regarding policing in Minneapolis and Chief O’Hara’s contract, Elizabeth Schaffer said she fully supported continuing Chief O’Hara’s contract, as he is a nationally respected Police Chief who she believes has made great strides in both reform and recruitment and has helped decrease crime in Minneapolis. She said she believes Chief O’Hara is doing a great job in a hard situation. As for the police department in general, she is all for increased reform efforts and training. She would like to once again reach the city’s charter mandate of 900 police officers (with proper training). Katie Cashman somewhat avoided the question on renewing Chief O’Hara’s contract, stating she would like to “investigate” it more. In the past, while serving on city council, she has made several negative statements about Chief O’Hara and voted in favor of defunding police recruitment, technology, and training. With regards to the police department as a whole, Katie Chashman said she would like to increase the number of investigators and non-violent/mental health responders on the force.
These two candidates are the leading contenders for the Ward 7 City Council seat. Ward 7 includes the neighborhoods of Kenwood, Isles, West Bde Maka Ska, Loring Park, Lowry Hill, and parts of downtown Minneapolis. If you live in this ward—or any other ward in Minneapolis—and are 18 years or older, be sure to research the candidates and make your voice heard at the polls. Statewide elections will take place on November 4, so don’t miss your chance to participate. Democracy works best when informed citizens vote, and every vote truly counts!
