Minneapolis for the Many, a left-wing political organization supporting Sen. Omar Fateh’s campaign for mayor, has issued an apology and retraction for comments it made about a Minneapolis-area businessman.
In a Wednesday statement, Minneapolis for the Many admitted to sending out social media posts and emails that described Jim Rubin as a “negligent” landlord who “is singlehandedly responsible for hundreds of property violations.”
“We retract those statements and sincerely apologize to Mr. Rubin,” said the group. “He has never been held negligent in his duties as a landlord by a court, nor is it fair to say he is personally responsible for every property violation found at his company’s properties.”
Rubin, the owner of Mint Properties, has lived in the Minneapolis area for decades and has run his real estate company for more than 30 years. At his peak, Rubin owned 78 buildings which contained over 1,500 apartments; 90% of them in Minneapolis. Many of Rubin’s properties are considered naturally occurring affordable housing (NOAH).
“Mr. Rubin’s efforts to create naturally occurring affordable housing in Minneapolis are laudable and much appreciated,” added the apology. “Minneapolis for the Many regrets the implication that Mr. Rubin could be considered a ‘slumlord’ or ‘negligent landlord.'”
Speaking to Alpha News for this story, Rubin said he has become heavily involved in Minneapolis politics in recent years to counter the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA) and their policies. In particular, Rubin said he has worked to elect moderate Democrats who will stop crime, restore public order, and act as a check on DSA-aligned public officials.
However, Rubin’s political activities have made him the subject of political attacks like the ones issued by Minneapolis for the Many, a group supporting DSA-aligned city candidates such as Omar Fateh, Robin Wonsley, Jason Chavez, and Aisha Chughtai.
Rubin said Minneapolis for the Many crossed the line by impugning his reputation and that of his company. After learning he had a potential defamation case on his hands, Rubin had his attorney reach out to Minneapolis for the Many.
Eventually, a confidential agreement was worked out.
While Rubin noted that he could not discuss the agreement’s details, he said both parties agreed to the wording of the apology. Further, he said he was happy with the statement and hoped the episode would send a signal that private individuals are off-limits when it comes to public, political attacks.
Rubin also told Alpha News he is in the process of liquidating his company due to the decline of Minneapolis. At present, Rubin has sold one-third of his portfolio and plans to sell the rest before moving to another part of the country.
Alpha News contacted Minneapolis for the Many for this story. However, a lawyer for the organization said his client has no further comment.
Luke Sprinkel
Luke Sprinkel previously worked as a Legislative Assistant at the Minnesota House of Representatives. He grew up as a Missionary Kid (MK) living in England, Thailand, Tanzania, and the Middle East. Luke graduated from Regent University in 2018.
