The Feeding Our Future scandal in Minnesota has cast a long shadow over state officials, particularly Attorney General Keith Ellison and his son, Councilman Jeremiah Ellison. The allegations against Keith Ellison involve significant issues: accusations of accepting money from individuals linked to fraud schemes totaling over $250 million. He is currently under federal investigation for allegedly diverting COVID relief funds. As if this storied backdrop were not enough, Jeremiah Ellison’s actions have prompted additional scrutiny.
Jeremiah Ellison’s position as a city council member earns him a salary of $110,000 yearly, supplemented by a $57,000 stipend during his fellowship at Harvard University. Recently, he sought taxpayer funds for bi-weekly flights from Cambridge to Minneapolis for council meetings. This request raised eyebrows and was ultimately denied, deemed a matter of personal development rather than necessary council duties. Critics argue these actions dilute Northside representation, particularly through committee reassignments that leave gaps in local advocacy.
While the details surrounding his fellowship and travel requests are troubling, Jeremiah Ellison’s previous statements add another layer of complexity to his public standing. In 2020, he publicly declared support for ANTIFA, a move that did not sit well with constituents. His commitment to changing public safety responses also drew backlash, suggesting a radical departure from traditional practices that many in the community may not support.
Council member LaTrisha Vetaw voiced her disappointment about the current situation. She emphasized the lack of representation for North Minneapolis on relevant committees. “Without Council member Ellison sitting on those committees, we have zero North Minneapolis representation on those committees,” she stated firmly. Such sentiments reflect a growing frustration with the perceived privilege enjoyed by Jeremiah Ellison, raising questions about accountability among elected officials.
Community members have expressed their dissatisfaction with the preferential treatment shown to the Ellison family. “I would like to know if there are other employees who are given that privilege,” said constituent Linea Palmisano, calling for transparency in how leave of absence requests are handled. This concern resonates with a broader audience, reflecting a sentiment that public officials should be held to the same standards as ordinary citizens.
Local media coverage has also shown a strong reaction to the councilman’s conduct. Reports have revealed that since accepting the fellowship, Jeremiah Ellison missed five of the eleven city council meetings. The media attempted to reach him for comment, finding him dismissive of the coverage, which he labeled as “flimsy” and an example of hit pieces. Such responses may only serve to deepen public scrutiny.
In defense of his travel request, he explained that these trips were related to his urban planning education. Even with these claims, the broader implications of his absence from city council duties remain problematic for his constituents. Residents expect their elected officials to prioritize local engagement and accountability over personal pursuits.
The development of this story highlights not just individual responsibility, but the impact of personal actions on public trust within local government. As allegations against Keith Ellison emerge, including his potential ties to fraudsters and misallocation of funds, Jeremiah Ellison’s actions further complicate the narrative. Minnesota may find itself at a crossroads, with both officials needing to address not just the allegations, but also the palpable concern from their constituents about integrity and representation.
"*" indicates required fields
