About the Writers

This blog is a collective work that represents the thinking of the individual authors. While we strive to reflect the values of Growth & Justice in our posts, the Growth & Justice website is the official source for information about the organization, its policies and governance.

Dane Smith (email) is president of Growth & Justice. 

Dane recently concluded a 30-year career as a reporter for the Star Tribune and the Pioneer Press, where he developed a solid reputation writing about state, local and federal government and politics for Minnesota's two largest newspapers.

Dane is co-author of the book, "Professor Wellstone Goes to Washington: The Inside Story of a Grassroots U.S. Senate Campaign", and he serves as an adjunct faculty member at Inver Hills Community College. In 1989-90, Dane was the recipient of the John S. Knight Fellowship for Professional Journalists, providing a mid-career sabbatical and a year of study at Stanford University.

Tax fairness and the issues surrounding government's proper role in society were among Dane's favorite issues as a reporter, and he has particular expertise in these areas. He understands the importance of smart public-sector investment that can help all Minnesotans improve their lives and strengthen the state's economy.

Charlie Quimby (email) is a communications fellow at Growth & Justice.

He led Words At Work, the marketing communications firm he founded, from 1988 to 2005. During that period, his speechwriting and annual reports won national awards, and he co-authored books on urban planning, quality management, influencing defense policy and design education.

As a progressive who has been a business owner, a manager in a Fortune 100 company, a union member, an adjunct instructor and a leader of non-profit organizations, Charlie brings a broad and balanced perspective to issues facing Minnesota and its economy. Since late 2004, he has written a personal blog, Across the Great Divide.

Matt Kane (email) is a policy fellow for Infrastructure & Economic Development at Growth & Justice.

Matt has worked on public policy issues for more than 20 years, primarily at the national level. His research, articles and books cover a wide range of topics, including economic development, economic and demographic trends, regional economic analysis, transportation policy, urban revitalization, and work force issues.

Prior to joining Growth and Justice in 2007, Matt worked for the Washington-based Northeast-Midwest Institute, the National League of Cities, and a national association of economic development centers. He also taught economic development classes at the University of Michigan. Matt has testified before Congress about local economic development and worker dislocation. He holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of St. Thomas and a master’s degree from the University of Minnesota through the Humphrey Institute of Public Affairs.