WAYZATA — For longtime resident Elaine Ambrose, the call to bring more civility into public life began close to home. After four decades of community involvement—from serving on the Wayzata Charter Commission to years as an election judge—she’s now helping convene an evening of dialogue aimed at rebuilding trust and restoring the kind of respectful conversation that once defined civic life here.
On Thursday, October 9, 2025, from 6:30 to 8 p.m., Ambrose and Mayor Andrew Mullin will co-host “Bridging the Political Divide: How Local Leaders Can Help” at Wayzata City Hall.
The free, public forum will feature Bill Doherty, co-founder of Braver Angels and emeritus professor at the University of Minnesota, who will lead an interactive 90-minute discussion on how neighbors can “disagree better” through structured, civil dialogue.
A Life Rooted in Civic Service
Elaine and her husband, Bob Ambrose, moved to Wayzata in 1984 after years of public service and state policy work. Bob, a native of Woodstock, Vermont, worked for the Minnesota Senate and the lieutenant governor’s office before becoming a lobbyist for Great River Energy, a regional electric cooperative.
“When we first came here, we were drawn to its small-town feel,” Elaine said. “It reminded us of Woodstock—physically beautiful, civically engaged, and filled with people who care about their neighbors.”
Over the years, Bob Ambrose served on the Wayzata City Council and the Lake Minnetonka Conservation District, while Elaine contributed through election work and civic boards. “We’re very grateful to live here,” she reflected. “People are civil, the schools are strong, and there’s a real spirit of participation.”
She says those experiences deepened her respect for public service. “For a while I thought every person in the United States should have to do a year or two of civic responsibility—run for office, serve in the Peace Corps—something that teaches how hard, and how important, it is.”
From Frustration to Hope
Ambrose said her decision to partner with Braver Angels arose from a period of deep frustration and helplessness following the killing of her friend and former Minnesota House Speaker Melissa Hortman.
“I was heartbroken and frustrated—and I didn’t know what to do with those feelings,” she said in a follow-up message. “My hope is that introducing the Braver Angels way of having conversations between people who disagree, especially about politics, will open up a new avenue to move away from the hateful rhetoric.”
She believes many Americans share that exhaustion. “Most of us want to change this dynamic but don’t know how,” Ambrose said. “Braver Angels is one of many organizations working to help people bridge divides. It’s not easy work, but it matters.”
A Shared Concern Across the Aisle
That realization took on added urgency after a candid conversation with Alex Plechash, both a Wayzata City Council member and the current chair of the Minnesota Republican Party.
“I told Alex that I was so frustrated I was having physical problems,” Ambrose recalled. “And he said, ‘I feel the same way. I’m having difficulty sleeping. I’ve had death threats.’”
She said that exchange underscored how widespread the strain of polarization has become—even among public servants trying to do their jobs. “I told him, ‘No one should be threatened or afraid because of what they believe.’ It made me realize how important it is to start rebuilding trust right here in our own small town.”
Listening First
Ambrose describes the Braver Angels framework as “courageous conversation.”
“One person speaks, the other listens, and then repeats back what they heard before responding,” she explained. “That simple act of reflection changes the tone completely.”
Her hope is that the October 9 gathering will be just the beginning. “I’m so grateful that Mayor Mullin and Bill Doherty are partnering on this first conversation,” she said. “If we can start this in Wayzata, maybe other communities will follow.”
Media Spotlight and Broader Reach
Interest in the effort has already extended beyond the lakefront. Ambrose confirmed that she and Mayor Mullin have been invited to appear on TPT’s Almanac with longtime political reporter Mary Lahammer later in October to discuss Bridging the Political Divide and the broader Braver Angels movement.
“Mary told me she wants to focus on news that speaks to solutions, not just loud noise,” Ambrose said. “She wants to highlight examples of people trying to bring back respectful dialogue and common ground.”
The planned segment will showcase Wayzata as a model for how small communities can lead the way in rebuilding civic trust across Minnesota.
Strong Regional Interest
The event has already drawn interest from a wide range of local and regional leaders who have registered to attend. Confirmed participants include Judy Johnson of the Metropolitan Council; Jake Beard of Morgan Stanley; Becky Pierson, president of the Wayzata Area Chamber of Commerce; John Ross of St. John’s University; Bob Tunheim, Mayor of Orono; Charlie Miner, Mayor of Long Lake; Ann Johnson Stewart, Minnesota State Senator; Dario Anselmo of the Minneapolis Renaissance Coalition; Milind Sohoni, Chair of the Wayzata School Board; and School Board candidates Kate Knight and Laura Conway, and others.
Event Details
Bridging the Political Divide: How Local Leaders Can Help
🗓 Thursday, October 9, 2025
⏰ 6:30 – 8:00 p.m.
📍 Wayzata City Hall, 600 Rice Street East
🎟 Free Admission – Registration encouraged; walk-ins welcome
Visit braverangels.org/events or email mvoss@braverangels.org