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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.
Previously we asked about candidates’ top issues, the position itself, environmental issues, what sets the candidate apart, and impact. This time we’re asking about local issues.
What can West St. Paul residents do to improve the environment and fight climate change in their own backyards and neighborhoods?
Here are the candidates’ responses:
Kendra Sommerfeld
West St. Paul residents can plant native species instead of turf grass, reduce or stop lawn irrigation, and speak up for better natural resource management.
Laura Zanmiller
My first involvement with the Dakota County SWCD was when I worked with them to plan and install a rain garden in my West St Paul home. I signed up for the Landscaping for Clean Water grant and suggest this is a great place to start if you are interested in learning more. If you are fortunate to live on a shoreline, there is technical expertise available to minimize shoreland erosion and improve water quality.
I recommend planting native trees, shrubs, and plants to help with pollinators. Native plant species are critical for the food web and require less maintenance to thrive in our community. Participate in the Lawns to Legumes program to support pollinators. Please keep leaves and grass clippings in the yard and not in the street. Adopt a Drain program supports keeping your local storm water drain clear of debris. Adopt a park in your neighborhood to keep litter picked up. Keep salt out of our water supply by shoveling snow and use sand instead of salt. If you do use salt, please sweep up the remainder after the ice melts. Backyard composting or using the compost site at Thompson Park is another option to keep organic matter out of landfills. Participate in our local litter clean-up day, and of course, Reduce, Reuse and Recycle. Be vocal with your elected officials about sustainable and environmental practices.
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.
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