Some leaders in the areas hit hardest by violence say they wish candidates would spend more time engaging them and residents instead of using public safety as a flashpoint in campaign ads.
"We are tired of the wars that are on the airwaves, we haven't seen a lot of people that are running for office come and talk to us," said Bishop Harding Smith.
The Metropolitan Council recently approved a plan to extend the Blue Line to run through the Lyn Park neighborhood and past Kathy Neitzke's home on Lyndale Avenue.