Minnesota and North Dakota Voter's Guide

Forum Communications Co., in collaboration with the League of Women Voters of Minnesota and of North Dakota, is providing this voter guide to help keep you informed ahead of the 2024 election.

  • Learn where candidates running for office in your community stand on the issues.
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Voter Guide

South St. Paul City Council Member {_getChooseLabel(this.selections.length)}

As local legislators who sometimes have executive power, council members can propose ordinances, set administrative policy, and authorize the budget proposed by the mayor. They oversee all city activities, including city services, programs, licensing, and public safety. Mayoral appointments to city government typically require council approval.Voting in local elections is important - learn more here: Why Vote for City Council

Click a candidate icon to find more information about the candidate. To compare two candidates, click the "compare" button. To start over, click a candidate icon.

  • Candidate picture

    Pam Bakken
    (NP)

  • Candidate picture

    Tyler C. Fehrman
    (NP)

  • Candidate picture

    Lori Hansen
    (NP)

  • Candidate picture

    Todd Podgorski
    (NP)

Biographical Information

Why are you the best candidate for this position? (750 characters)

If elected, what will your top three priorities be and why? (500 characters)

How do you plan to engage with and represent all members of our diverse community?(500 characters)

What steps will you take to ensure transparency and accountability in city government? (500 characters)

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Campaign Website http://www.FehrmanForSSP.com
Facebook (Full URL) http://Facebook.com/FehrmanForSSP
Campaign Twitter Handle @FehrmanForSSP
Campaign Email tfehrman@gmail.com
I believe that my background in State and Local government - as well as my Masters Degree in public administration and my experience in the private sector give me a broad perspective and unique knowledge of how government works. Beyond that, I am a passionate advocate for my community who wants to serve in a way that ensures that all residents feel seen, heard, and valued by their elected representatives. My motto is “people first - always and no matter what” because I believe that we can work block by block and neighborhood by neighborhood to solve the issues we face every day. South St. Paul needs elected officials with a new voice and fresh perspective who are focused on them - and that’s the kind of leadership I want to demonstrate.
1) No new taxes. Residents cannot afford the continual tax increases and levies from City Hall. We must examine our budget process to ensure all tax dollars are spent responsibly.

2) Creative funding solutions. I will work with county, state, federal, and private partners to secure funding for much needed projects to lessen the financial burden placed on the backs of residents.

3) People First local government. City Hall shouldn’t feel like an exclusive club reserved for a select few.
As someone who believes that all voices and stories are important - and that everyone should have a seat at the table - I will actively work with all members of our community to ensure that all voices are heard. I believe the city should create new coalition groups of diverse individuals that meet regularly to discuss the needs of different parts of our community. Additionally, we must welcome new residents with open arms. Our community is made better by the presence of diverse voices!
A great deal of my career has involved working towards better transparency - including working with the U.S. Department of Justice to help expose a $61 million corruption ring amongst elected officials. As a Council Member, I want to create an environment focused on communication.

- Council work sessions need to be recorded so that residents can see full discussions before votes are taken.

- More community forums on issues BECORE decisions are made.

- Earlier releases of meeting agendas.
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First, I want to say publicly I am fortunate to serve on a functional city council that cares about its citizens. Serving as an elected official and peace officer has been a calling of mine. I have served as a former SSP School Board Member and I am currently finishing my third term as a SSP City Council Member.

I earned an AA in General Studies and an AAS in Law Enforcement from Inver Hills CC. After Inver Hills I went to Winona State and earned a BA in Political Science with a minor in Sociology. Public service when done with integrity is noble in its ability to improve other's lives. As a parent, peace officer, husband and homeowner I have vested interest to help keep our community a great place to live, work and play.
There are a number of important issues in our community. Implementing our updated parks masterplan with a new pool is a top issue. Our parks and pools are important to our citizens and their quality of life. I believe the residents deserve to make their voices heard in 2025 with a voter approved parks and pool bond referendum. Economic development along Concord and at Wakota Crossing is important. Expanding our tax base helps keep our taxes lower. Public safety is also a priority.
Currently, I am out campaigning by door knocking and talking with our residents. This gives them an opportunity to be heard and listened to. I work at keeping an open mind when listening to understand people's concerns and viewpoints.

As a current Council Member we sometimes get emails with concerns. Staying accessible by email, phone and in person at posted meetings allows our residents to let their concerns be heard. SSP allows for Citizens Comments at their televised meetings.
This question goes to the heart of Public Trust. It's vital that as leaders and elected officials we understand the importance of public trust. It's one thing if the public is displeased with our actions vs if the public distrusts our actions. It's important we continue to be transparent and accountable for our actions and votes by continuing our meetings on Town Square TV for TV and online viewing. We also need to continue sending out our SSP newsletter and Social Media updates.
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The League of Women Voters of Minnesota and North Dakota crafted the questions sent to the candidates in the Spring of 2024. They reached out to candidates based on contact information in their public candidate filings. Candidates with email addresses were invited and reminded with emails. Candidates with only mailing addresses were sent a letter. Candidates with phone numbers received a phone call as well.

Candidate responses are published as they responded and have not been edited, except when responses were longer than the given character limit. In those cases, the responses are truncated.

VOTE411 is brought to you by the League of Women Voters Education Fund and League of Women Voters of Minnesota Education Fund. The League of Women Voters does not support or oppose any political party or candidate for office.