Sharon F. Kelly
Name: Sharon F. Kelly
Email: [email protected]
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Candidate Bio
Current Incumbent: Sharon F. Kelly, seeking reelection to a 4-year term
Because of the 500+ Lauderdale residents casting their 2022 ballot for me, long term and recently elected City Council members with family and friends congratulate me in completing my first 4 year term on City Council!
During the summer of 2021, myself and the Pearson/Peterson residents distributed 2000+ introductory flyers. I asked recipients to not only vote for me but also vote in the general election.
Across the region, all newly elected City Councilors are encouraged in continuing education with the 193-year-old League of Minnesota Cities, a 900 entity-member organization promoting local authority. Twice monthly Council meetings require much reading for implementing governing plans!
Yearly local practices include accompanying City administrative staff and resident volunteers at the 77-year-old Lauderdale Day in the Park, contributing to our Halloween Party, and now our shared Sustainability and Environmental Fair with Falcon Heights–a growing partnership addressing County-wide climate matters. Lauderdale is a municipal partner with Northeast Youth and Family Services (NYFS). As their Council contact, I invited residents to contribute Jammies and UnCrustables snacks, program participants enjoy! During our 2026 Day in the Park, residents donated to the drive for personal items that youth need transitioning from homelessness.
What style of leadership would you bring to this position?
I will bring a collaborative style of leadership that I have honed in my first term.
What are your top three priorities if elected, and how might they be affected by growing uncertainty around state and federal funding?
Lauderdale has been challenged by the reduction of local government aid. Maintaining local infrastructure, roads, storm and sanitary sewers, parks, and sustaining the environment. Encouraging civic participation not only in voting but filing for elected office.
What is the biggest challenge facing Lauderdale right now, and where do you see the greatest opportunity?
The biggest challenge facing Lauderdale is engaging resident responsive action to climate change, safety for residents, workers, and visitors. An unfolding opportunity for Lauderdale is a possible municipal cannabis operation.
How would you characterize the business climate in Lauderdale, and what role should city government play in partnering with the business community to attract jobs, develop the workforce, and address shared challenges?
We have a modest business climate that is supportive of community events such as our longstanding Day in the Park as well as our Halloween party. Businesses in Lauderdale and Ramsey County support efforts to engage the local community.
What do you view as the most pressing public safety challenges in your community, and how would you address them?
Nationally, unsafe gun usage is the most pressing problem. We need everyone to check on their neighbors aging in the community. We have placed more surveillance cameras on Lauderdale property but apartment owners may need to consider cameras as public safety for tenants.
What ideas do you have to address housing shortages and affordability, and how do you view the role of rent control policies in that process?
Lauderdale City Council with the help of Ramsey County Commissioner McGuire obtain financing to build the Fern senior apartment building. Having senior housing in Lauderdale has permitted local and county-wide residents to age in place.
How would you improve transportation infrastructure and safety for drivers, transit riders, cyclists, and pedestrians in your community?
We encourage all public transit users and any considering use to complete the surveys requested by the Metropolitan Council to assess Metro Transit. We collaborated with the Minnesota Department of Transportation on the completed construction of Eustis street and the under reconstruction Highway 280.
Residential property owners across the region are feeling significant strain from rising property tax bills. How would you approach balancing fiscal responsibility with the demand for services when setting the city levy?
With the advice of our City Administrator we prepare early for the local property tax levy and limited as well as specific levy requests.
What are the two or three issues where you believe city government is best positioned to lead — and why the city rather than the state or county?
The elected Lauderdale City Council and residents are best positioned to lead with county and state supported local government aid on infrastructure maintenance. Lauderdale follows its ordinances or updates them for addressing local requests for housing variances.
What does real taxpayer transparency look like to you, and what specific steps would you take to achieve it — both in terms of financial reporting and public engagement?
The financial reporting of taxes paid is a legal requirement expected in Ramsey County. Public engagement is the challenge in all aspects of civic life. I participated with the League of Minnesota Cities. The league represents all municipal entities in exercising local authority throughout the MN region.
They offer a member learn academy especially for city staff, contracted partners, and elected leaders. I have enrolled in a number of courses, recently a 5 week challenge to learn about the practices other cities have implemented to engage residents. Complying with our taxes is a contribution to our community and society.
Email: [email protected]
Campaign Phone:
Campaign Website:
Twitter Handle:
Facebook Page:
Candidate Bio
Current Incumbent: Sharon F. Kelly, seeking reelection to a 4-year term
Because of the 500+ Lauderdale residents casting their 2022 ballot for me, long term and recently elected City Council members with family and friends congratulate me in completing my first 4 year term on City Council!
During the summer of 2021, myself and the Pearson/Peterson residents distributed 2000+ introductory flyers. I asked recipients to not only vote for me but also vote in the general election.
Across the region, all newly elected City Councilors are encouraged in continuing education with the 193-year-old League of Minnesota Cities, a 900 entity-member organization promoting local authority. Twice monthly Council meetings require much reading for implementing governing plans!
Yearly local practices include accompanying City administrative staff and resident volunteers at the 77-year-old Lauderdale Day in the Park, contributing to our Halloween Party, and now our shared Sustainability and Environmental Fair with Falcon Heights–a growing partnership addressing County-wide climate matters. Lauderdale is a municipal partner with Northeast Youth and Family Services (NYFS). As their Council contact, I invited residents to contribute Jammies and UnCrustables snacks, program participants enjoy! During our 2026 Day in the Park, residents donated to the drive for personal items that youth need transitioning from homelessness.
What style of leadership would you bring to this position?
I will bring a collaborative style of leadership that I have honed in my first term.
What are your top three priorities if elected, and how might they be affected by growing uncertainty around state and federal funding?
Lauderdale has been challenged by the reduction of local government aid. Maintaining local infrastructure, roads, storm and sanitary sewers, parks, and sustaining the environment. Encouraging civic participation not only in voting but filing for elected office.
What is the biggest challenge facing Lauderdale right now, and where do you see the greatest opportunity?
The biggest challenge facing Lauderdale is engaging resident responsive action to climate change, safety for residents, workers, and visitors. An unfolding opportunity for Lauderdale is a possible municipal cannabis operation.
How would you characterize the business climate in Lauderdale, and what role should city government play in partnering with the business community to attract jobs, develop the workforce, and address shared challenges?
We have a modest business climate that is supportive of community events such as our longstanding Day in the Park as well as our Halloween party. Businesses in Lauderdale and Ramsey County support efforts to engage the local community.
What do you view as the most pressing public safety challenges in your community, and how would you address them?
Nationally, unsafe gun usage is the most pressing problem. We need everyone to check on their neighbors aging in the community. We have placed more surveillance cameras on Lauderdale property but apartment owners may need to consider cameras as public safety for tenants.
What ideas do you have to address housing shortages and affordability, and how do you view the role of rent control policies in that process?
Lauderdale City Council with the help of Ramsey County Commissioner McGuire obtain financing to build the Fern senior apartment building. Having senior housing in Lauderdale has permitted local and county-wide residents to age in place.
How would you improve transportation infrastructure and safety for drivers, transit riders, cyclists, and pedestrians in your community?
We encourage all public transit users and any considering use to complete the surveys requested by the Metropolitan Council to assess Metro Transit. We collaborated with the Minnesota Department of Transportation on the completed construction of Eustis street and the under reconstruction Highway 280.
Residential property owners across the region are feeling significant strain from rising property tax bills. How would you approach balancing fiscal responsibility with the demand for services when setting the city levy?
With the advice of our City Administrator we prepare early for the local property tax levy and limited as well as specific levy requests.
What are the two or three issues where you believe city government is best positioned to lead — and why the city rather than the state or county?
The elected Lauderdale City Council and residents are best positioned to lead with county and state supported local government aid on infrastructure maintenance. Lauderdale follows its ordinances or updates them for addressing local requests for housing variances.
What does real taxpayer transparency look like to you, and what specific steps would you take to achieve it — both in terms of financial reporting and public engagement?
The financial reporting of taxes paid is a legal requirement expected in Ramsey County. Public engagement is the challenge in all aspects of civic life. I participated with the League of Minnesota Cities. The league represents all municipal entities in exercising local authority throughout the MN region.
They offer a member learn academy especially for city staff, contracted partners, and elected leaders. I have enrolled in a number of courses, recently a 5 week challenge to learn about the practices other cities have implemented to engage residents. Complying with our taxes is a contribution to our community and society.