It is time to believe in Faribault

Faribault has been my home for the last ten years. I see so much potential for this community that I love. Yet, so much of what I hear is the demoralized voice of those resigned to the status quo. I am running for Faribault’s City Council to do my part—to serve—and to help build a community that works for everyone; a community that we can all unabashedly and proudly call home. It’s time to believe in Faribault.

About Faysel

Like many who call this country home, my family came to the United States in search of a better life—one beyond the danger of Somalia’s civil war. At an age when most of my American peers were enjoying recess, I was embarking on the long journey from Hargeisa in Somaliland to Nairobi, Kenya.

This path eventually took my family to San Diego, where, at 18 years old, I began the daunting process of acculturation. Like many first generation immigrants, I grew up with a foot in each world: pulled forward by the wonders of US culture but simultaneously feeling the familial obligation to retain my own cultural heritage.

Eventually, I grew up. I became a US citizen. I met my wife, Nasrin. We chose Faribault as the place to call home. We chose Faribault as the place to raise our three children, Susu (11), Adam (8), and Dawud (4). We chose Faribault as the place we want to invest in, to support, and to help grow. We chose Faribault because we see such great potential.

Over the past decade, I’ve tried to help realize this potential. I’ve worked with Rice County Social Services, Workforce Development Inc. (now CareerForce), the Faribault Diversity Coalition, and Faribault Public Schools. I’ve started my own small businesses and I’ve coached others through the entrepreneurial process. I’ve volunteered with nonprofits and served on community boards and commissions. Through this work, I’ve met so many amazing, dedicated, and passionate people working tirelessly to grow this community. Yet, despite these efforts, barriers and disparities persist.

So I am choosing to run for Faribault’s City Council to continue working towards this vision for Faribault—to help build a community that works for everyone; a community that we can all unabashedly and proudly call home.

Faysel's Vision for Faribault

A sunrise walk down Central Avenue is remarkably inspirational. Downtown Faribault quietly sits in anticipation of another busy workday. These tranquil moments help me reflect on my vision for Faribault.

My vision is actually quite simple. I see a community with a highly-engaged populace—one where government and community members work in tandem towards a common goal; one with vigorous but civil discourse; one with active participation from all segments of society.

I see a thriving economy—a community of makers, creators, artists, and entrepreneurs, shaping our downtown storefronts. I see the continued growth and contributions from both Faribault’s major employers and small businesses. I see a robust hub for tourism, drawing eager visitors from through the state, region, and country. I see bustling festivals, sold out performances, and a deepening connection with the arts. I see green spaces for preservation, recreation, and connection.

I see young adults with deep ties to this town who choose to use their skills and knowledge to further grow this community. I see a community of elders who choose to retire in a flourishing and caring environment. I see a town that is able to celebrate the heritage of coexistence that was instilled by its namesake. I see a community that does not just tolerate diversity but instead fully embraces it.

I see a community that allows all of us who call Faribault home to thrive. What about you? What do you see for Faribault‘s future?

Faysel, on the Issues

Faribault‘s potential for greatness is not an excuse to sit idly by. In fact, this potential demands persistent action, not only from government staff and elected officials but also from community members. Each of us has a stake in the future and well-being of our community. I see several distinct areas we can work on:

Economic Development: A strong economy forms the foundation for any thriving community. This requires fostering not only our small businesses and entrepreneurs but also working with our existing major employers. It requires that we, as a community, create the necessary infrastructure to support these businesses. It requires a hard look at transportation and housing, both of which are necessary for continued growth. And it requires a holistic approach that incorporates arts, culture, festivals, and celebrations to further support our tourism industry.

Youth Development: Our young people are one of our greatest assets. We need systems to not only invest in these young people but also retain these skills. We need opportunities for young adults to meaningfully contribute to their community—to volunteer, to work, to lead, and to serve. We need pathways for young people to help shape this community. We need to avoid the persistent trickle of “brain drain” by acknowledging and valuing our young people.

Civic Engagement: A thriving city demands an engaged populace. We need community members to be well-informed. We need community members to be vocal and engaged while maintaining respect and civility. Most importantly, we need community members to show up—to be present at meetings, information sessions, and events; to make their opinions known so policies can reflect the will of the people. We need systems that allow all people—not just those who agree with us—to engage meaningfully with their community. We need practices that not only respect diversity but embrace equity and strive for inclusion.

These ideas are not new, nor should they be partisan. They are not complicated concepts to comprehend. But they do require work. They require persistent action from each and every community member. They require effort. In a time of a seemingly unending list of unparalleled global challenges, effort and action may be spread thin. But if we truly believe in the potential of this community, then we must be willing to step up and serve it.

It's time to believe in Faribault

I hope you share my belief in this community’s potential. I hope you will join me in pairing this optimism with persistent action in order to help us reach this future.