District 6 candidate Q&A: Jen Westmoreland

Biography

Jen Westmoreland (she/her) has served on the Hopkins School Board since 2018, and her board colleagues unanimously elected her chair for four years. Westmoreland stated that her leadership is rooted in authentic community engagement, data-driven decision-making, research on innovative practices, and collaboration with colleagues across multiple layers of government.

She holds a doctorate in educational leadership from Minnesota State University, Mankato. A career educator and union member, Westmoreland has taught and led equity-driven programming at Normandale Community College for the past 15 years.

More information on Westmoreland and her candidacy can be found on her campaign website: jenwestmoreland.com.

Question 1

Introduction and priorities: Why are you running for the Hennepin County District 6 seat, and what are the main issues you are focusing on in your campaign? 

Westmoreland: I’m a lifelong resident of District 6 and I am in my seventh year as a Hopkins School Board member. I grew up in Hopkins and Minnetonka, lived in Mound, and currently live in the Hopkins School District portion of Edina. I understand the diverse and unique needs of District 6 residents. As a volunteer, organizer, and local elected official, I have taken a relational and values-driven approach to leadership in our community for the past three decades.

During the six months that District 6 has been unrepresented, I have been serving as a bridge between community members and Hennepin County, especially on youth and housing issues. Once elected, I will be ready to hit the ground running to ensure our community’s priorities are advanced through policy, budget, and programming decisions on the Hennepin County Board. These priorities include environmental action, accessibility and support for seniors and people with disabilities, inclusive housing, worker protections, economic development, accessible mental and physical healthcare, and thriving youth.

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Question 2

Fiscal management: How do you intend to balance fiscal responsibility with the need to invest in community services and infrastructure?

Westmoreland: The second-largest government structure in the state must be innovative, equity-driven, transparent, and collaborative. This requires visionary leadership and authentic relationships. My approach includes a holistic community engagement strategy with collaboration between commissioners, Hennepin County staff, local elected and appointed leaders, and community partners. Decision-making must be data-driven and combine best practices nationwide with the insights of our community members. This will ensure that we are solving for actual community needs, aligning fiscal resources appropriately, and avoiding duplicative efforts/spending. We also need a collaborative and effective strategy for advocating to the state and federal governments for funding to advance the county’s goals.

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Question 3

Public safety: Can you outline your strategies for improving public safety and enhancing trust between law enforcement and the communities they serve?

Westmoreland: I take a collaborative and data-driven approach to community safety that includes partnerships between first responders, community groups, and local government (county, cities, school districts). As your next commissioner, I would advocate for a countywide community response model, including mobile crisis teams and behavioral health units, that alleviates the burden on law enforcement and provides targeted and appropriate mental and physical health responses to emergency calls. I would also ensure that Hennepin County’s public safety, public health, and justice partners have the information and financial resources they need to engage in data-driven, equitable, and collaborative practices to advance community safety.

As a believer in data-driven and humanizing practices, I would advocate for restorative justice programs to hold people accountable, repair harm, and make our communities safer in the short and long term. This includes investing in small, community-based centers for young people who are involved in the criminal legal system where they can receive the support they need to thrive and no longer cause harm to themselves and others. This is how we ensure ongoing community safety.

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Question 4

Economic development: What plans do you have to support small business growth, ensure fair labor practices, and encourage sustainable development in our district?

Westmoreland: I will prioritize economic support and mentorship for small business owners in Hennepin County. An example of this is the county’s Elevate Hennepin program. I would work to reduce the barriers to securing county contracts for small organizations, including those owned and operated by historically marginalized community members. As a union member, I understand firsthand the need for robust worker protections, just wages and healthcare, and meaningful collaboration with labor partners. I commit to meeting regularly with labor leaders and workers throughout the county system to address problems as they arise and take an anticipatory, thoughtful approach to negotiations and structural changes. 

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Question 5

Land use and development: How will you approach the challenges of development, including managing green spaces and promoting affordable housing?

Westmoreland: I will partner with city leaders to ensure we protect our natural resources in District 6 while investing in housing that makes our community accessible and welcoming. There are several community groups working on climate issues in District 6 that I will partner with to thoughtfully approach the care and expansion of our green spaces. We need housing at all price levels, including more affordable housing. Affordable housing must be built ethically with strong worker protections in place. For the past two years, I have served on the Heading Home Hennepin Executive Committee working on affordable housing issues. In addition to collaborating with city leaders on advancing affordable housing, I would advocate to the state legislature for the statutory changes and funding we need to expand this vital resource. 

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Question 6

Southwest Light Rail Transit Project: What is your position on the 14.5-mile extension of the current Green Line to Eden Prairie, and how will you address the community and financial concerns brought by some residents and legislators related to this project?

Westmoreland: I support the completion of the Green Line, and would collaborate with the Met Council and the Regional Railway Authority to build an integrated and accessible public transportation system throughout the county. I would advocate for increased federal funding to complete this project. The economic and environmental vitality of our community depends on it.