courtesy of Keely Vandre • From left, “Why I Run” panel event participants Clare Verbeten, deputy political director of the Walz-Flanagan gubernatorial campaign; Huda Yusuf, an inspired audience member, Melanie Leehy, who is serving her first term on the Falcon Heights City Council after her third time running; Lila Eltawely, who ran for House District 53A, moderator Marquita Stephens; and Alberder Gillespie, who also ran for District 53A.