Editor’s note: This profile is part of The Minnesota Daily’s continuing coverage of Minneapolis’ mayoral candidates.

Since Debra Joyce Renderos moved from Washington, D.C., to Minneapolis in 1989, she has seen things she wants to change about the city: most importantly, the way the city treats the poor.

Renderos said she wants homeless people to get more education, job training and jobs that pay between $10 and $20 per hour. She’d also like minimum wage to go up to $8 to $10 per hour.

“I’d like welfare to go up,” she said. Renderos cited the high costs of rent, car payments and tuition as reasons welfare recipients should receive more money. “If you go to vocational school, it costs, like, $6,000 a year in tuition and fees.”

Renderos, 48, is interested in getting more scholarships for University students and offering higher loan amounts.

Mayor Sharon Sayles Belton has done a good job, she said, but more needs to be done for crime prevention, low-income housing and homeless shelters.

“I don’t think Sayles Belton has the funds (to make these changes),” Renderos said. “I can petition Washington (for funding). I’m a U.S. representative.”

Renderos said she has years of government experience, including work in the U.S. House of Representatives and the Pentagon. An official at the House of Representatives said Renderos is not and never was a representative, and there are no records of Renderos’ Pentagon employment.

Renderos said she could also petition the State Capitol or the Department of Transportation to fund her numerous project ideas.

“I believe in the freedom of the United States government. We have to participate in our government to insure our freedom,” Renderos said. “We all have to do our part.”

Latasha Webb welcomes comments at [email protected]