2026 Election: South St. Paul City Council

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We talked with candidates running for South St. Paul City Council. Our candidate questionnaire covers priorities, taxes, redevelopment, aging infrastructure, and more.

• More: See our full voter’s guide for information on other local races.

Race profile: South St. Paul City Council is a non-partisan position elected to a four-year term. There are three seats on the ballot so voters will choose three candidates. These are at-large seats representing South St. Paul.

Who’s running:

• Gusta Carr – Works as an assistant property manager and caregiver.
• Brian Ducklinsky – Works as a school bus driver.
• Margaret Durenberger (no website) – Durenberger did not respond to our questionnaire.
• Tyler Fehrman – Director of operations for a small energy cooperative based in the Twin Cities.
• Joseph Kaliszewski (no website) – Incumbent first elected in 2018, Kaliszewski is semi-retired and works part time at a private school as a science teacher.
• Matthew Thompson – Incumbent first elected in 2022, Thompson works as a correctional deputy.

Candidate Questions

We asked the candidates a series of six questions and asked them to respond in 250 words or less. The questions cover priorities, taxes, redevelopment, aging infrastructure, immigration response, and transparency around Flock cameras.

Priorities: What are your two to three top priorities and how will you address those issues to actually accomplish something?

Gusta Carr: Inclusion

South St. Paul should be a city where everyone feels seen, valued, and welcome. 

I will work to build a community where differences are celebrated, voices are heard, and every resident has a seat at the table.

Accessibility

Accessibility means more than simply meeting a requirement—it means making sure people can fully participate in our community. I will advocate for safer sidewalks, accessible public spaces, and infrastructure that works for people of all abilities. Everyone deserves the freedom to move around our city safely and independently.

Affordability

Families, seniors, and working people deserve a city they can afford to call home. 

I will focus on responsible spending, attainable housing, and practical solutions that help keep South St. Paul affordable, while maintaining the services and quality of life our residents depend on.

Inclusion. Accessibility. Affordability.

These aren’t just campaign words to me. They are the foundation for the kind of South St. Paul I want to help build. A city where everyone has the opportunity to belong, participate, and thrive.

Brian Ducklinsky: Reducing Taxes and Regulations as much as possible. 

Helping new small businesses locate to SSP, and find ways to keep existing ones.  Getting a city staff person to be a contact for businesses, so all information is in one place. 

Establish a city marketplace (flea market) to allow hobby business and small start ups a place to grow.

Tyler Fehrman: My top priorities are putting residents first, strengthening our local economy, and making sure South St. Paul is planning responsibly for the future.

First, I want City Hall to be more responsive and accessible. Residents deserve to know their concerns are heard and that decisions are being made transparently. That means improving communication, increasing opportunities for public input, and making sure important conversations happen where residents can see and understand them.

Second, we need to strengthen our local economy. I want South St. Paul to be a place where small businesses can open, grow, and stay. I support creating a Small Business Council that gives local business owners a direct voice in city decisions, while taking a more proactive approach to attracting the restaurants, retail, services, and employers our community wants.

Finally, we need to plan for the long term. That means responsibly addressing aging infrastructure, making smart development and land-use decisions, and carefully evaluating how we spend taxpayer dollars. My experience in operations, public administration, and on the Planning Commission has taught me that good ideas only matter if you can actually implement them. I will bring that same focus to the Council: listen, build consensus, set clear priorities, and follow through.

For me, it comes back to a simple principle: People First. Always.

Joseph Kaliszewski:

1) Maintaining our infrastructure- Our city is an older community that is in need of improvements. These improvements such as street re-paving, replacing older sewer lines, water lines where needed, and park updates and upgrades.

2) Be financially responsible- The council works very hard every year to keep our city property taxes as low as our budget allows. I strive every year to make sure the needs of our city are met, not the needs and the wants as first presented. We have one of the lowest tax capacities in the metro, and we work hard to maintain that recognition.

3) Continue excellent city services- Our police, fire, streets and parks are the best. They along with city hall all do an excellent job in keeping our city run smoothly, safely and with efficiency. I have the most respect for the professionalism they all bring.

Matthew Thompson: My top priorities for South St. Paul are generally the same that I have been maintaining in the last four years on council.

• Maintaining focus on economic development opportunities. South St. Paul is a land-locked community so using the city’s Economic Development Authority or EDA is a key tool to encourage business development in areas that we do have for business development. Allowing this development increases revenues for the city to provide services to residents while also keeping home property taxes in control.
• Continue working on renovating our parks system. Parks should be considered our billboard for visitors to our community. With our parks system aging far past its intended lifespan, many playgrounds and facilities need to be updated to current standards. We have worked with various grant authorities to acquire funds to accomplish this and continue to renew our park system.
• Finally focusing on our cities infrastructure needs. Renovating our streets, maintaining our water pipelines and continuing to work towards making sure we have safe drinking water in our city. Major streets and water lines have been getting rebuilt every year with our plan to continue working on streets going forward working to catch up after years of deferred maintenance.

Taxes: Property taxes are always a concern, but this year they’ve drawn headlines. Do you support the current property tax proposal for South St. Paul? How do you balance local government needs with what residents can bear? 

Brian Ducklinsky: I would need to take a closer look, but I generally believe government spends more than it needs to so if I can find fat to cut, I will.

Housing costs are up and the cost of everything are higher than just the last ten or so years, the city needs to cut back before it’s citizens should. 

Tyler Fehrman: Property taxes are a real concern, especially for seniors, families on fixed incomes, and working households whose budgets are already stretched. I believe the City has an obligation to provide essential services and maintain our infrastructure, but we also have an obligation to recognize that every additional dollar we collect comes from someone’s household budget.

I do not support treating annual property tax increases as inevitable. Before asking residents to pay more, I want the City to clearly demonstrate what the additional revenue is paying for, what alternatives were considered, and what efforts were made to control costs.

That means going through the budget carefully, separating genuine needs from wants, looking for operational efficiencies, and prioritizing the services residents depend on most. My professional background is in operations and public administration, and I believe strongly that responsible budgeting is about more than simply cutting or spending—it is about getting the greatest possible value from the resources we have.

I will evaluate the current proposal using that standard. I am not interested in promising that taxes will never increase, because that would not be realistic. But I will insist that any increase be justified, transparent, and weighed against what South St. Paul residents can reasonably afford.

Joseph Kaliszewski: City property taxes are one part of the average property tax statement. I am the one who every year claims to our administration that the initial tax levy proposed to us is too high. And, as every year, we all on the council work to lower the initial levy to what we feel is an acceptable balance between wants and needs from our departments as presented to us.

Matthew Thompson: I have always expressed concerns about the city’s tax proposals, always being cautious about increasing the tax burden on its residents, seeking to clarify what spending is needed or necessary. South St. Paul is a land locked city that cannot leverage large land development against its budgetary needs. That is why we must continue to support business and economic development to increase the city’s revenue not at the expense of the residents. Looking into the 2027 tax proposal, council and staff are still working through the final details but I am in support of it. I am extremely concerned about future years where there is significant development that still requires funding. It will require looking at proposed spending and looking at what services are being utilized well and if any services that are under serving our community should be continued.

Gusta Carr: Property taxes are a real concern for South St. Paul residents, especially for seniors, working families, and anyone already struggling to make ends meet. I do not believe residents should be asked to simply absorb higher taxes without accountability and a clear understanding of where that money is going.

I support responsible investment in our city, including maintaining roads, sidewalks, public safety, and the services residents rely on. But those investments must be balanced against what our residents can realistically afford.

When considering the current property tax proposal, I would look closely at the numbers, prioritize essential services, identify opportunities for efficiencies, and ask whether there are ways to accomplish our goals without placing unnecessary pressure on taxpayers.

My approach is simple: invest where we need to, spend responsibly, and be transparent with residents.

I also believe residents deserve a voice in these decisions. I want to listen to homeowners, renters, seniors, and working families—not just after a decision is made, but throughout the process.

South St. Paul needs a financially responsible government that plans for the future without losing sight of the people who live here today. Affordability is one of my three priorities, and property taxes are an important part of that conversation.

Redevelopment: How should the city approach redevelopment? What, if any, subsidies should be used where and how do you make those decisions?

Tyler Fehrman: Redevelopment should strengthen South St. Paul for the long term, not simply fill an empty property or chase the next proposal. I want the City to be proactive about identifying areas ready for reinvestment and clear about what we want redevelopment to accomplish: growing our tax base, creating jobs, supporting local businesses, expanding housing options, and bringing amenities residents want.

I am open to tools like tax increment financing and other development incentives, but they should never be automatic. Public assistance should be used strategically when a project provides a clear public benefit and when the development would not reasonably happen—or would not achieve the same community benefit—without that assistance.

Every proposal should be evaluated on its individual merits. What is the return to taxpayers? What infrastructure or services will the project require? Does it fit our long-term plans? Does the developer have a strong track record? And, most importantly, does the project make South St. Paul better for the people who already live here?

My experience on the Planning Commission has reinforced that development decisions can shape a community for decades. I support redevelopment, and I want South St. Paul competing for quality investment, but taxpayer resources should be used carefully, transparently, and only when there is a strong case that the community will receive meaningful value in return.

Joseph Kaliszewski: Our city has gone through a tremendous redevelopment over the past 25 years. After the packing houses closed, after the stockyards ceased operations, we have redeveloped our entire tax base into a bustling array of new offices, warehouses, and industries. We will continue to develop land as available and grow into an even more thriving community by using grants and loans to help businesses expand.

Matthew Thompson: This is one of my key priorities for South St. Paul as there is not much land that is left to develop within our city. We must seek options to develop what we do have through redevelopment. In the last year I have worked to support a housing redevelopment loan that was launched and been utilized by residents with great success. This option is offered with low interest to residents who might be just above the state or the county’s “median income threshold” which gives opportunities for home owners to renovate their homes which in turn improves South St. Paul’s housing stock to support long term homeownership within our city. For businesses we need to continue engaging with existing businesses as well supporting them in their growth and development. There are also loan options for them as well to improve the sites they are in. Finally using our EDA to support new businesses entering into South St. Paul by sourcing grant funding and working with them on zoning and planning compliance to make sure we are getting the businesses that are desirable to bring revenue into our community.

Gusta Carr: South St. Paul should approach redevelopment with a clear goal: build a stronger city without losing the character and affordability that make our community special.

I support redevelopment that brings good jobs, housing options, small businesses, and new investment to areas that need it. But development should benefit the community, not the developer.

Public subsidies can be an appropriate tool when they create a clear, measurable public benefit that would not otherwise happen. Before approving incentives, I would want to know: What are we getting in return? How many jobs or housing units will be created? Will the project increase accessibility? Is the investment sustainable? And will taxpayers see a meaningful long-term benefit?

I would favor transparency and accountability in these decisions, including clearly communicating the costs, benefits, and expected outcomes to residents.

I also believe we should prioritize projects that align with our community’s needs—such as attainable housing, accessible infrastructure, economic development, and revitalizing underused properties.

Redevelopment should not be about giving away taxpayer dollars. It should be about making strategic investments that strengthen South St. Paul for everyone.

My standard is simple: If public money is being used, the public should receive a public benefit.

Brian Ducklinsky: I am not totally against subsidies, but tend to prefer the free market work without interference.  However the smallest and newest businesses struggle the most so, allowing less upfront taxes and regulations to be waved or post poned might be the way to go.

Aging infrastructure: Multiple facilities from the public works building to the pool are reaching the end of their life. How will you balance the needs of the city and the cost for residents? 

Joseph Kaliszewski: Our city is an older community that is in need of improvements. These improvements such as street re-paving, replacing older sewer lines, water lines where needed, and park updates and upgrades.

Matthew Thompson: When I first started on city council four years ago I was very much against a new public works building and the costs that would bring. After significant discussion I have realized that operating in the same facility that we do now has its own costs and challenges. Throughout the planning process we have worked to be very thoughtful on what we want versus what we need for a new facility. The new facility does not need to be built for major growth. But it does need to be able to store and maintain our public works vehicles. We have already been successful with getting funding through the state to support development. We also moved the intended location to another site that was largely “undevelopable” in the private market which in turn freed up land that has already started the purchasing process by a private company to develop into a new business. The funds from this sale of property will support reducing the cost of the new public works building. It is creative work like this that must be done to make sure that costs are not simply put on residents property taxes. The new pool also faces the same thoughts but at a significantly lower cost and with more state funding to support it. This will likely end up being an item that the city will have to issue debt for but I see significant benefits coming from this amenity that will serve the community for generations to come.

Gusta Carr: South St. Paul has aging facilities, and we can’t afford to ignore them. At the same time, we can’t expect residents to shoulder the cost of everything at once. We need a long-term plan that prioritizes needs, spreads costs responsibly, and protects taxpayers.

I would support conducting thorough assessments of city facilities and creating a transparent capital improvement plan that identifies what needs immediate attention, what can be maintained longer, and what should be replaced or reconsidered.

Essential infrastructure and facilities should come first, while projects that can safely wait should be scheduled over time. I would also look for opportunities to use grants, state and federal funding, partnerships, and other outside resources before relying solely on property taxes.

For major projects, I would want residents to understand the full cost, not just construction, but long-term maintenance and operating expenses. We should ask whether renovating, replacing, sharing resources, or finding another solution makes the most financial sense.

Affordability means making difficult choices, not avoiding them. I want us to invest in the facilities our community truly needs while being honest about what those investments will cost.

My goal is a city that maintains what we have, plans ahead for what’s coming, and makes every taxpayer dollar work as hard as possible.

Brian Ducklinsky: When it comes to parks and the pool, when possible have space for vendors to defur some of the costs. 

Tyler Fehrman: South St. Paul has some significant infrastructure decisions ahead of us, and delaying them indefinitely will only make them more expensive. At the same time, we cannot address every aging facility at once and simply pass the cost on to residents.

I believe we need a clear, long-term capital plan that prioritizes projects based on necessity, public safety, usage, cost, and the consequences of waiting. A failing public works facility that affects the City’s ability to deliver essential services may require a different level of urgency than an aging recreational facility. We should be transparent with residents about those tradeoffs.

For major projects, I want us aggressively pursuing state and federal grants, partnerships, and other outside funding before relying on property taxpayers. We should also evaluate renovation versus replacement, opportunities to share facilities or services, and whether projects can be phased over multiple years to reduce the financial impact.

Most importantly, these decisions cannot be made project-by-project without considering the City’s overall financial picture. We need to know what is coming five, ten, and twenty years from now and plan accordingly.

We will have to make some difficult choices. My commitment is to make them based on need, long-term value, and what our residents can realistically afford—not simply on what would be nice to have.

Immigration: Minnesota saw significant impacts from the increased Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operations earlier this year, including closed businesses, students missing school, protests, and law enforcement conflicts. How do you rate the city’s response and what should the city do in future conflicts?

Matthew Thompson: The Federal ICE operations that happened in Minnesota this year were a terrifying chapter in all our lives and very polarizing on many issues. My feelings on the matter were that it was overly heavy-handed and a misuse of governmental authority. However, understanding the layers of government is key with the entire issue. There were many residents that demanded statements and proclamations. While I share the community’s thoughts and feelings on the matter. I know that communities were put in a paralyzing situation as cities and states have zero authority over the federal government. It was my belief that if the city were to make any kind of proclamations it could end up actually backfiring resulting in increased operations in our community which I was not willing to risk. I know that our staff and police department did everything they could to support our community while limiting their interactions with deployed agents.

Gusta Carr: I believe South St. Paul’s response to federal immigration enforcement should be judged by two responsibilities: keeping our community safe while protecting the rights and dignity of every resident.

Local law enforcement should not be placed in the middle of federal immigration enforcement. The city should maintain clear policies defining the role of our police department and ensure officers understand what they can and cannot legally do when federal agencies are operating in our community.

Going forward, the city should prioritize communication, de-escalation, and transparency. Residents should have clear information about what is happening, where to seek help, and how to safely exercise their constitutional rights. Protests and demonstrations should be protected when they are peaceful, while violence, threats, or destruction of property should be addressed consistently regardless of who is involved.

I also believe the city should work closely with schools, businesses, community organizations, and residents to reduce fear and misinformation during periods of heightened federal activity.

South St. Paul cannot control federal immigration policy, but we can control how we treat one another and how our local government responds.

This is deeply personal to me, as one of my close neighbors was taken by ICE. I spent many months helping to support his family that was left behind. 

Brian Ducklinsky: I do believe the 10th amendment gives local and state government the primary power to do any and all law enforcement, the federal government needs permission to do anything in my view, however I think the Anti ICE people were out of line and went too far.

Tyler Fehrman: Immigration enforcement is a federal responsibility, and the City had a limited role in the federal activity taking place. But that does not mean City leadership should be silent. When an issue creates fear, confusion, business disruptions, protests, and questions, residents look to local leaders for clear, timely information. The City did not need to insert itself into federal enforcement decisions, but we could have communicated more consistently about what was happening, the City’s role, and where residents could find reliable information and assistance.

If a similar situation occurs again, the City’s role should be clear: protect public safety, protect constitutional rights, communicate accurate information, and serve every resident equally. Our police officers should remain focused on enforcing state and local laws and keeping our community safe—not acting as federal immigration agents.

We also have to recognize the real community impacts. When children are afraid to attend school, businesses lose customers, and residents are afraid to go to work, that affects South St. Paul regardless of anyone’s politics.

I support peaceful protest while expecting residents, protesters, local law enforcement, and federal officials to respect the law and one another.

The City’s responsibility in a crisis is not to inflame an already divided situation. It is to provide steady leadership, keep people safe, communicate clearly, and ensure every South St. Paul resident is treated with dignity and respect.

Joseph Kaliszewski: The city’s response to ICE , as I see it, was professional and appropriate. Police did not assist, nor did it hinder immigration officers. In the future, if situations arise, the city will abide by the laws in place at that time.

Transparency: Data privacy is an increasingly important issue with concerns about Flock cameras and sharing data with the federal government. Do you support the continued use of Flock cameras in South St. Paul? Why or why not?

Gusta Carr: I have mixed feelings about Flock cameras. I understand why they were brought to South St. Paul. Keeping our community safe matters, and technology can give law enforcement another tool to help solve serious crimes. I also understand why residents want police to have every reasonable resource available.

But I have serious concerns about privacy, data retention, and who ultimately has access to the information these cameras collect. I don’t believe residents should have their movements tracked and their information shared beyond our community without strong safeguards and clear justification.

Before deciding whether Flock should continue, I would want to see honest data about how often the cameras have actually helped solve crimes, what they cost taxpayers, how long information is retained, and exactly who can access or request that data.

If we continue using them, I would support strict limits on data sharing, strong privacy protections, transparency, and regular review of whether the system is actually working. If those protections cannot be guaranteed, then I would not support continuing the program.

For me, this isn’t about being automatically for or against technology. It’s about finding the balance between keeping people safe and protecting the privacy and trust of the people we serve.

Brian Ducklinsky: I am not a fan of flock cameras but I have seen how they work, and there are many untrue rumors, I do not want to outright ban them but limit the use and have greater oversight.

Tyler Fehrman: I strongly support our police department and making sure our officers have the tools they need to protect South St. Paul. But when it comes to Flock cameras, I believe the risks now outweigh the benefits. I support following the lead of our neighbors in West St. Paul and discontinuing their use.

I understand why law enforcement agencies adopted this technology. License plate readers can help locate stolen vehicles, identify suspects, and solve crimes. My concern is not with our local officers or their intentions. It is with a system that collects and stores information on thousands of people going about their daily lives and creates opportunities for that information to be accessed or used in ways our community never intended.

Recent concerns about how Flock data can move between law enforcement agencies have shown that local policies alone cannot eliminate that risk. Once the information enters a broader network, our ability to guarantee how it will ultimately be used becomes much more complicated.

West St. Paul recently suspended its Flock program and began removing its cameras, even while acknowledging that its own police department had used the system appropriately. I believe South St. Paul should do the same.

Supporting law enforcement does not mean supporting every available technology. We can give our officers the resources they need to keep us safe while still drawing reasonable boundaries around surveillance and protecting the privacy of the people they serve.

Joseph Kaliszewski: The Flock cameras, or any other cameras in use are for the intended purpose they represent. We have heard of no misuse among our departments. We will continue to have discussions as they arise regarding surveillance cameras.

Matthew Thompson: My area of concern with Flock cameras is data privacy. I support the tool and how it helps our officers do their job and track individuals that would cause harm to all of us. But the concern for a private business having access to a significant amount of information on all individuals is what I think needs to be addressed. I have spent time with staff discussing this and am still doing fact finding myself on ways to use this tool or another while protecting the privacy of private citizens. It will be key to partner with state agencies and continue bringing up our concerns to them and if need be to bring them to the federal level.

Lightning Round

We asked candidates a series of 10 simple questions and asked them to respond briefly in 25 words or less.

1. Do you have a library card? When did you last use it?

• Brian Ducklinsky: No library card in years, honestly not much of a reader but the new library looks good.
• Tyler Fehrman: Yes! I last used my library card about two weeks ago. 
• Joseph Kaliszewski: Yes, I have one. Last used earlier this year.
• Matthew Thompson: Everyone in my home has one. I might be the only one in the home that has not used it recently however.
• Gusta Carr: Yes I have a library card. I use it all the time. The library is a great resource for hosting meetings.

2. How many City Council meetings have you attended in the past year?

• Tyler Fehrman: One or two in person, but I regularly watch meetings and follow agendas and minutes, especially as Planning Commission work regularly reaches City Council.
• Joseph Kaliszewski: I have been at almost all the meetings.I have only missed a handful due to illness.
• Matthew Thompson: Nearly every meeting, I might have missed 3 during my last term. I try to honor the privilege I have been given by the community.
• Gusta Carr: I have lost track of the number of meetings I have attended in the last year. I want to learn. That means showing up.
• Brian Ducklinsky: about 5 or 6 so far

3. Have you volunteered in your community in the past year? Where?

• Joseph Kaliszewski: many times, city affiliated events, Neighbors, Knights of Columbus, church, youth after school programs.
• Matthew Thompson: Volunteering is important to me, I am a member of the South St. Paul Lions, I really enjoy working the Christmas Tree lot in particular.
• Gusta Carr: Yes. Working as an Election Judge for the school referendum, and managing the new version of the Farmer’s Market with SSP4ALL.
• Brian Ducklinsky: No, years ago I did at NDC TV now Town Square TV
• Tyler Fehrman: Yes. I volunteer with the City Planning Commission, Kaposia PTA, and through the St. Paul Winter Carnival.

4. Do you support more affordable housing in your city?

• Matthew Thompson: Homes in South St Paul are already affordable, my focus is to encourage housing maintenance and redevelopment.
• Gusta Carr: I do support more affordable housing in SSP as long as the property owners are held accountable keeping it in good shape.
• Brian Ducklinsky: For home owners yes, I would like to see renters become home owners. 
• Tyler Fehrman: Yes. But affordable housing policy is incredibly nuanced. We need solutions that fit our community rather than relying on a one-size-fits-all approach.
• Joseph Kaliszewski: Yes, I support affordable housing in our city

5. Have you attended city events in a non-campaign capacity in the past year? Which ones?

• Gusta Carr: I attended Music in the Park, as well as the carshow and fireworks during Kaposia Days.
• Brian Ducklinsky: On The Road Again
• Tyler Fehrman: Absolutely. Kaposia Days, On the Road Again, community taco feeds, grand openings, and other local gatherings throughout the year.
• Joseph Kaliszewski: Holiday parties at HighRises, tree planting, ground breakings, cleanups.
• Matthew Thompson: There are so many, I always try to get myself and my family to any city, non-city, sports activity or fundraiser to support our community.

6. Do you support more pedestrian and bike access?

• Brian Ducklinsky: So long as it does not reduce parking space on roads.
• Tyler Fehrman: Absolutely, where it makes sense. I support better pedestrian and bike access while considering existing infrastructure, practical use, and cost to taxpayers.
• Joseph Kaliszewski: We have a lot now,  but more would be good along busier intersections.    
• Matthew Thompson: Yes, not on every street possible but enough to have access throughout the community.
• Gusta Carr: Yes. I have a mobility disability, but still enjoy walking. I would like to do it safely along with my fellow neighbors.

7. What’s your favorite local park?

• Tyler Fehrman: Veterans’ Field. It’s where I coach my son’s baseball team, so I’ve spent many great evenings there with our community.
• Joseph Kaliszewski: Kaposia Park. The trees and trails are wonderful.
• Matthew Thompson: Lorraine Park would be my favorite, it’s where I took my children when they were younger. It checks all the boxes for a park.
• Gusta Carr: My favorite local park is Lorraine Park. I have many fond memories of events I have attended there.
• Brian Ducklinsky: Kaposia Park, tons of space.

8. Do you support displaying the new state flag at city buildings?

• Joseph Kaliszewski: I’m not a fan of the new flag.
• Matthew Thompson: It is a state matter, I do not love the new flag but I am not going to cause a problem because of it.
• Gusta Carr: Yes.
• Brian Ducklinsky: I prefer the old flag, but the new is fine by me also.
• Tyler Fehrman: Yes. Minnesotans helped select it through a competitive process, and I think our official state flag represents Minnesota’s identity and brand well.

9. Who is someone that inspires you?

• Matthew Thompson: Theodore Roosevelt, his unshakable resolve and willpower should be an inspiration to everyone.
• Gusta Carr: My mom inspires me every day. She is an amazing person. If you don’t know her you’re missing out.
• Brian Ducklinsky: Rush Limbaugh, it took him years to find the right gig and when he became a talk host he exceled.
• Tyler Fehrman: Dakota County Commissioner Joe Atkins—a dear friend and an exemplary model of public service, positive leadership, and strong character.
• Joseph Kaliszewski: Teddy Roosevelt

10. Do you use social media to connect with the community?

• Gusta Carr: I do use social media to communicate with the community.
• Brian Ducklinsky: I use facebook
• Tyler Fehrman: Yes! Social media is an important way I communicate directly with residents, answer questions, share information, and listen. Facebook: facebook.com/FehrmanForSSP
• Joseph Kaliszewski: I do use social media, but to a limited degree.  I believe in personal contact. 
• Matthew Thompson: I normally do not, I see social media as a major concern with social behaviors.

More Information

• Ballotpedia: Carr, Ducklinsky, Fehrman
• East Metro Voter’s Guide
• Town Square Television Candidate Forum

See our full local voter’s guide for information on more races and candidates.

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