To the Editor:
I am writing in support of Alicia Gibson who is running for election to Edina City Council. Alicia and I met as students at the University of Colorado School of Law where Alicia was actively engaged in the community and earned student attorney of the year in the Indian Law Clinic. She also contributed as an editor on the International Environmental Law Journal and was part of a successful moot appellate moot court program that competed at the national level.
Our paths crossed again more recently in Edina, where we now serve together on the board of the Morningside Woman’s Club. Alicia adds tremendous value to the club with her effective ideas. She generates new energy and members for the club, while honoring the beloved traditions that keep the group attractive to multiple generations.
It was striking to see how touched Alicia was when she told the club at a general meeting about a kind, generous former president of the club, Elaine Fernelius. Elaine was president of Morningside Woman’s Club from 1999 until 2000 when she passed away from a sudden illness. Shortly after that, her husband, Len Fernelius created one of the five scholarships the club gives to graduating Edina High School seniors each year, in Elaine’s name. Len continued to contribute to the annual scholarship every year until he passed away in 2025. Alicia was so moved by his civic contribution that she initiated a movement for the club to name and permanently fund the Fernelius Scholarship going forward.
Alicia is intelligent and perceptive; she asks for input, listens to others and leads with heart, finding creative solutions for the common good. That is good governance and why I support Alicia Gibson for Edina City Council.
J.J. McGawn
Edina