Matt Privratsky

@mattprivratsky.bsky.social

Saint Paul MN. Local politics. Land use, housing, transportation, climate. (He/Him)

MPR Capitol View: "Do you live in a precinct that offers only mail-in voting? That's the case in more than 1,100 precincts across greater Minnesota. Or maybe you choose to mail in your ballot. If you're willing to talk to reporter Kirsti Marohn about voting by mail, email her at kmarohn@mpr.org"

Very cool - switching from gas to electric induction cuts kitchen temperatures by 10 degrees, cuts hob cleaning times from 24mins to 21 seconds, cuts energy use by 2/3rds (a 9k saving in one pub) and yes - wok hei is still possible www.theguardian.com/environment/...

The chefs turning down the heat by switching from gas to electric

As well as being quieter, cheaper to run and easier to clean, induction cookers can cut kitchen temperatures by up to 10C

theguardian.com

It’s not noted in the article but unlike EVs our extensive e-bike charging infrastructure also already exists, via any wall outlet. No further municipal investment required. It’s been mentioned before, but e-bikes might be dismissed for government support *because* they’re so cost efficient.

Dr. Aaron Thierry@thierryaaron.bsky.social · last wk.

"If you commute on an e-bike 20km a day, five days a week, your charging cost would be about $20 – annually."

I am already seeing examples of anti-trans campaigning in Minnesota races at the local level this fall. I don’t expect them to stop there. Candidates and campaigns should be ready to navigate these and there are no shortage of experts here in Minnesota to help you. But all of us can play a role.

“Gary’s number came up this time, but it’s going to be another city next time. And the problem with aging infrastructure and disinvestment tends to accentuate the impacts when they hit communities that have been experiencing those problems for a long time.” apnews.com/article/indi...

Some homes and businesses in Gary, Indiana, still without power 13 days after storms

A majority Black community in Indiana is frustrated by persistent power outages caused by storms nearly two weeks ago.

apnews.com

Here in Minnesota we are only(!) 4 weeks away from the start of early voting. Please repost and confirm that you are: ✅ Registered 🗳️ Have a voting plan 🧑‍🤝‍🧑 Can commit to asking 2 friends to do the same. The work we do now matters. Don't sit this election out.

This Saturday, we are bringing dancing to the river! Come to Lowertown Bike Shop and join @joyfulridersclub.bsky.social as we party our way through Saint Paul! 7pm meetup, featuring DJ Eve and Jen Symmetry! ~2 hour ride, with 4!! dance stops, this night is for sure something to be enjoyed by all.

Joyful Riders Club@joyfulridersclub.bsky.social · 3w ago

Join us August 22 for a DJ ride featuring Jen Symmetry and DJ Eve! We’re meeting at Lowertown Bike Shop and pedaling and dancing our way along the river.

Event flyer for the St. Paul DJ Ride at Lowertown Bike Shop on Saturday, August 22 at 7 p.m. Three circular photos show a DJ performing outdoors, a hand adjusting a DJ mixer, and cyclists riding together at night. The event features Jen Symmetry and E.V.E. and is sponsored by Joyful Riders Club and Lowertown Bike Shop.

Great breakdown by @carzharts.bsky.social. Looks like it might somehow be a *reduction* in density with buildings being replaced by surface parking? Feels like a big missed opportunity for denser mixed use development consider the high quality transit connection (A Line BRT right at the corner).

Mockup of a reuse of the current harmar mall site. Existing structures between Cub Foods and the rest of the mall would be removed. A roundabout at that site would make easier access to the east side of the mall. In short, multiple buildings would be replaced by parking lots and some new small commercial buildings would be added around the parking.
Carson Hartzog@carzharts.bsky.social · 2w ago

There's been a lot of speculation over the years about Har Mar's future. It turns out the Roseville shopping center's long-awaited redevelopment hinges on one company — Cub. Gift link for all my east metro faithfuls: www.startribune.com/har-mar-mall...

"We are hopefully here to bulldoze your Bronze Line, or at least the bridge” WHOOPS! Quiet part out loud! Not about the bridge. They just don't want transit. The Bronze Line should be going to White Bear Lake. Since it no longer can, dedicated ROW is next best. www.startribune.com/seniors-urge...

Seniors urge Met Council to scrap Bronze Line bridge near their home

Buses would pass within 50 to 60 feet of the Realife Cooperative on Johnson Parkway 240 times a day.

startribune.com

100% correct. And, every time somebody says they want to see Citizens United overturned, I think it would be helpful if they talked through the path they see us taking to get there. What are you going to do about the Supreme Court to make meaningful campaign finance reform possible?

Chris Kluwe@chriswarcraft.bsky.social · 2w ago

As someone currently running for office, we need publicly financed elections and the complete overturn of Citizens United. Our political process should not be indistinguishable from a scam operation.