by Dennis Dalman
The two city council candidates who won in the Nov. 5 election, Rustin Deters and Pat Lynch, took the oath of office Jan. 13 at the first meeting of 2025. They will fill the positions previously served by council members Alex Lewandowski and Jill Smith, who chose not to file for re-election.
Sartell City Administrator Anna Gruber administered the oath to the two council members after which their fellow council members applauded and Mayor Ryan Fitzthum gave them a thank-you and welcoming words.
Deters’ wife Dayna and two daughters, Adrianna and Stella, witnessed the oath-of-office ceremony in the council chamber.
Deters
Unlike Lynch, Deters is totally new to the Sartell City Council.
He is a health, wellness and fitness professional and also a member of the Sartell Fire Department. Deters told the Newsleaders during his campaign that he decided to file for the position because he is proud of the city and wants to help it grapple with future challenges.
Deters said he believes in a community in which everyone’s voice matters. His vision for the future of Sartell is a city “where we can work together to make Sartell grow for our families, businesses and future generations.”
He noted his background as a business owner and his long-time involvement in the city will help him be an effective council member.
“I’ve developed a deep understanding of the importance of leadership, listening and taking action that reflects the values and needs of our residents,” Deters said. “I’m passionate about keeping Sartell a safe, vibrant and welcoming city.”
Deters said he hopes to strengthen local businesses and community voluntarism in local organizations in order to improve public services.
“I want to ensure responsible development that respects both our businesses and community values. I’m committed to making decisions that puts our community first to thrive for generations to come.”
Lynch
Council member Pat Lynch served two terms on the council previously – from 2007-2010 and from 2015-2018.
He created two companies in the city: Payne Lynch (acquired by CH Robinson in 2006) and more recently Granite Logistics.
Lynch told the Newsleaders during his campaign that he decided to file for a third term on the council mainly because of what he perceived as lack of transparency in some council decisions.
Lynch was referring to how the council on a vote of 3-2, sold 81 acres of public land to a local businessman the year before last, a decision that angered many Sartell residents, including Lynch, as well as other former council members and mayors.
“I believe the most important attributes for a public official are transparency and a willingness to listen to those you represent,” Lynch said. “I know not everyone will agree with every decision made, but when residents raise concerns, the council needs to listen.”
During his time on the council, significant projects were realized: the buildout of Pinecone Central Park, the construction of the Community Center and authorization for a new Public Safety building (police, fire).
For 30 years Lynch was involved with central Minnesota organizations large and small, private, public and non-profit. He served on the boards of CentraCare Foundation, CentraCare Clinic, Catholic Charities, Junior Achievement and others.
During the campaign, Lynch also criticized “escalating city taxes” and ever higher utility bills, adding that the city needs more fiscal discipline.
Lynch said he would like to help make the Mill District (former paper-plant site), “a crown jewel” in central Minnesota.
Lynch is also excited about the ever-growing Medical Arts Campus in Sartell.
“That area of Sartell,” he said, “continues to attract high-quality investments in health care and other office facilities, adding much needed growth to our commercial tax base.”
Pat Lynch
Rustin Deters
