Thanks to Jameson’s Irish Bar for their support.
This year’s election includes candidates for Dakota County Soil & Water Supervisor District 2, which represents West St. Paul. We’ve asked the candidates a series of questions to see where they stand on the issues. We’ll share one question and the responses at a time leading up to the general election on November 5. See our 2024 voter’s guide for more.
Our first question is about candidates’ top issues.
What are your two to three top priorities over the next few years? How will you address those issues?
Here are the candidates’ responses:
Kendra Sommerfeld
My top priorities are supporting increased funding and grants for Soil and Water Conservation Districts (SWCDs), promoting sustainable land and water use practices in both rural and urban areas, and enhancing community engagement. I aim to implement practices that balance development and agriculture with natural resource protection, while prioritizing outreach programs that educate and involve residents in conservation.
Laura Zanmiller
My top priorities are to continue to raise the visibility of the Dakota County Soil and Water
Conservation District (SWCD) and how the SWCD benefits our community’s natural resources
through voluntary conservation projects. I will continue to support the Landscaping for Clean
Water grant and help residents obtain access to resources to improve their environment.
Another priority is to ensure proper funding for the SWCD, because the SWCD has no taxing
authority. Dakota County does have a budget for the SWCD, and this budget is used to enhance
and leverage outside funding resources. Much of the conservation work is funded through
grants, the Board of Water Resources, and the Clean Water Fund. I will continue to lobby at the
MN State Capital to educate our legislators
Vote on November 5
The general election is on Tuesday, November 5. Learn more about where and how to vote. You can also vote early with an absentee ballot, either by mail or by stopping at the Dakota County offices.
See our 2024 voter’s guide for more on the candidates and other races.
Thank you to the candidates for taking the time to respond to our questions.
This local election coverage only happens thanks to the support of our members. Consider joining West St. Paul Reader to ensure local election coverage continues. Membership starts at just $3 per month.