(Editor’s note: The candidate stories are based on questionnaires given to the candidates.)
by Dennis Dalman
Three men are competing for two positions on the Sartell City Council to be decided in the Nov. 5 general election.
The candidates are Rustin Deters, Marshall Grams and Pat Lynch. The two incumbents in those open seats are Alex Lewandowski and Jill Smith, who both chose not to file for re-election.
Deters aims to help city with future challenges
Rustin Deters is a health, wellness and fitness professional who decided to file for a position on the Sartell City Council because he is proud of the city and wants it help it grapple with any future challenges.
A 22-year Sartell resident, he and his wife, Dayna, have two daughters – Adrianna and Stella.
In response to a questionnaire provided by the Newsleaders, Deters said the following:
“Sartell is more than just a place to live for our family, it’s a community I’m proud to call home. (Throughout) the years, I’ve had the opportunity to see our city grow and evolve, but I also recognize the challenges we face as we navigate that growth.“
Deters said he believes in a community in which everyone’s voice matters. His vision for the future of Sartell is a city “where everyone’s voice matters, and where we can work together to make Sartell grow for our families, businesses and future generations.”
His background as a business owner and long-time involvement in the city, he stated, 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 put our community first to thrive for generations to come.”
Grams wants to make sure Sartell keeps thriving
Marshall Grams filed for a seat on the Sartell City Council because he said he wants to help ensure the city “remains a thriving, safe and welcoming place for all residents to call home.”
He went on to say: “I want to use my voice to represent the needs of our families, businesses, neighborhoods and work collaboratively to build a stronger Sartell for years to come.”
Grams is a wealth advisor who works for and co-owns Dakota Wealth Management. He earned a degree in finance from St Cloud State University. He moved to Sartell six years ago after having lived in Sauk Rapids and St. Cloud. He and his wife, Kelsay, have three children – Finnegan, 8; Maverick, 6; and Taylor, 4.
Grams listed his skills and experiences that would help him be an effective council member: an effective communicator, a keen listener, an ability to articulate the needs of the community, an eye for detail and a talent for recognizing patterns and trends.
“That allows me to identify both challenges and opportunities that might otherwise be overlooked,” he stated.
His 17 years of military service, he added, “instilled a deep understanding of resource allocation and the importance of maximizing efficiency under constraints.”
Grams also noted his background in finance would help him make sound decisions regarding budgeting and capital management.
Sartell’s biggest strengths he listed as an exceptional school district, a growing health-care economy and commitment to safety.
“I’m proud of our investment in education, and our dedication to offering diverse recreational opportunities, both indoors and outdoors. This creates a vibrant, family-friendly community that attracts new residents and businesses alike. Additionally, the emerging healthcare district is poised to further enhance Sartell’s reputation as a desirable place to live, work and operate a business.”
The city’s weaknesses, he said, are lack of a vibrant downtown, roads that have long been neglected and the need for a thriving restaurant scene.
“We lack a vibrant downtown core that serves as a gathering place for families and fosters a sense of belonging.”
His years in the military taught him that “America wins when we all come together,” adding that Sartell, too, has that winning combination.
“I commend the efforts of our dedicated staff and outgoing council members, but there’s more to be done,” he said. “As your council member, I’ll work tirelessly to ensure transparency, accountability and open communication.
Grams said he strongly believes in the city partnering with the school district for the benefit of one and all.
“It’s no secret that the number-one reason residents choose to live in Sartell is because of the exceptional school district,” he said. “While I recognize the clear distinction between a council member and a school board member, I look forward to partnering and collaborating with the school district to ensure its success for the benefit of Sartell.”
In closing, Grams said this: “I’m running because I believe my experience and dedication can make a positive difference in shaping the future of Sartell. I’m ready to listen, learn and lead with integrity.”
Lynch wants to increase transparency on council
Two-term former Sartell City Council member Pat Lynch decided to file for election to the council because he said he believes there is a need for new leadership and a renewed emphasis on total transparency in council decisions.
“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.”
Lynch referred to how the council sold 81 acres of public land to a local businessman last year, a decision that angered many Sartell residents, including Lynch, as well as other former council members and mayors.
“Last year a majority on the council basically said it had no need to hear from the residents of the city on what they actually wanted, because they had already invested too much time in the process,” he said about the controversial land sale.” That is not acceptable. I will be accessible, transparent and will listen to your concerns, whether we agree or not.
Lynch served two previous terms on the Sartell City Council (2007-2010, 2015-2018). A long-time resident of the city (28 years) he is co-president of Granite Logistics and lives in Sartell with his wife, Carrie. Lynch holds a degree in management from St. John’s University.
Lynch elaborated on his skills, talents and experiences that would help him be an effective council member: Serving twice before on the council. (“I can step in immediately and make a difference without the typical learning curve new members must deal with.”)
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.
Lynch created two companies in the city: Payne Lynch (acquired by CH Robinson in 2006) and more recently Granite Logistics.
“I have a record of working with others to get things done,” he said.
Lynch said Sartell’s biggest strength is its people who take great pride in their city.
When you have residents who care, almost anything is possible. They will find a way to get things done that improves their lives.
“I don’t believe city government is or should be the determinant of quality of life in Sartell,” he said. “The city has certain responsibilities that need to be fulfilled that only it can provide, and many of those are things residents correctly assume the city will take care of. It’s the people and other organizations working together that truly enhance our quality of life in Sartell.”
Lynch listed what he views as city weaknesses: escalating taxes, higher utility bills, the need for more fiscal discipline.
“Sartell is getting to be a very expensive place to live,” Lynch said. “Review your property taxes for the past couple of years and you’ll see the city share increasing at a much faster rate than the county or schools.”
Utility rates (for example, water usage) are expected to increase starting next year.
“When questioned by council members on the impact to those on fixed incomes, city staff essentially said they could use less water.”
On fiscal responsibility, Lynch had this to say: “The city boasts it hasn’t raised the tax rate the last couple of years, but given the soaring property values, it should do like many other local governments have and actually reduce the tax rate.”
If elected, Lynch said he would like to help make the Mill District (former paper-plant site), “a crown jewel in central Minnesota. The current council deserves credit for the work it has done on this (Mill District) project already, but there is still plenty of heavy lifting to be done yet. This will be a multi-year effort that will span more than a single council term, but the city must find a way to fund the necessary infrastructure investments so we can see this begin to take shape.”
Lynch said he is also excited about the ever-growing Medical Arts Campus in Sartell.
“That area of Sartell continues to attract high-quality investments in health care and other office facilities, adding much needed growth to our commercial tax base.”
Rustin Deters and wife Dayna
Marshall Grams and wife Kelsay
Pat Lynch
