Conservative group lands new venue for 'crime crisis' forum in Rochester

A conservative group that was at the center of a canceled country club event has found a new venue to host a forum focused on the topic of crime.

The Center of the American Experiment, according to its website, plans to host the rescheduled event, “The Crime Crisis: Rochester,” on April 26 at the Rochester Event Center, 7333 Airport View Drive SW.

The listing says the presentation will be led by CAE public safety policy fellow Jeff Van Nest, and will “cover current crime trends, an overview of the criminal justice system, the role of key officials in fighting crime, and proven strategies to reduce crime.”

Both Rochester Police Chief Jim Franklin and Olmsted County Sheriff Kevin Torgerson have said they plan to participate in the panel discussion.

Franklin, who expressed disappointment after the last event was canceled by the venue, said he views the forum as an opportunity to engage with community members about the work RPD is doing.

“I welcome the chance to provide local law enforcement perspective regarding public safety issues impacting our community and our response to those issues,” said Franklin. “As chief of police, I participate in conversations with a wide variety of groups. I view not participating in these conversations as missed opportunities in creating a better shared understanding.”

The event had previously been booked for the Rochester Golf and Country Club on March 15. The club, however, canceled the reservation in the lead-up to the event, saying it had “generated controversy” among its members.

CAE has since filed a lawsuit against the club for breach of contract, saying the “arbitrary and capricious cancellation” has caused damage to the group.

Erin Nystrom, a club member who started a petition against the event, is also listed as a defendant in the suit. Nystrom said her concerns were based on the divisive nature of a previous CAE event on education.

The rescheduled event at the Rochester Event Center is one of several “crime crisis” events being held across the state.

Nick Powers, president of Powers Ventures, which owns the venue, said the decision to book the event is consistent with the company’s “clear track record of not discriminating against any potential client.”

“Our business is not about segregating customers based on our own personal beliefs,” said Powers. “Not only would that be a detrimental business model, it’s also not right on a personal level.”

Sean Baker is a Rochester journalist and the founder of Med City Beat.