News
Bureau of Criminal Apprehension Investigating Fletcher Volunteers' Sign Tampering
The Pioneer Press reports another incident of Fletcher volunteers tampering with signs, this time at the corner of Marshall and Cleveland: "A man driving past a St. Paul gas station Wednesday said he saw two men putting up signs for incumbent Bob Fletcher. They pulled up two signs of challenger Matt Bostrom and left them on the ground, the witness said. The Bostrom campaign filed a complaint with police, determined the name of the registered owner of the vehicle and matched it to the name of an employee of the Ramsey County sheriff's office, said Randy Gustafson, Bostrom campaign spokesman." Gustafson added, "We did follow procedure."
"St. Paul police asked the BCA to investigate to avoid a conflict of interest, a police spokesman said, because Bostrom is a commander in the police department. The BCA was beginning its investigation Friday, agency spokeswoman Jill Oliveira said." Fletcher said, "Any additional comment would be inappropriate at this time."
"I have offered to immediately provide a list of all our sign locations to the Pioneer Press or anyone willing to investigate the illegal placement of Fletcher signs," Bostrom says. "I wonder how long it would take Mr. Fletcher to do the same." Read the full story.
No Sheriff Debates in 2010
Bob Fletcher refused to participate in two League of Women Voters debates and the Building Owners Managers Association debate in October. “The latest refusal came Tuesday night,” Bostrom campaign spokesperson Randy Gustafson says. “Bob’s newest and final reason for not debating is that ‘his schedule is too busy the last week of the campaign." What's interesting is that "Bob Fletcher had the time this past weekend to travel to Orlando, Florida for a conference, but didn’t have time for the citizens of Ramsey County,” Gustafson says.
“After sixteen years in office Mr. Fletcher has decided to run a campaign of isolation, hiding behind his advantage of name identification as noted in several recent news stories,” Bostrom says. “Apparently Mr. Fletcher is afraid to answer questions from ordinary citizens about their concerns on issues such as his mismanagement of the Gang Strike Forces, the FBI investigations of his department, his top aides convicted of stealing money and serving sentences in federal prison, the repeated overspending of his budget, and the lack of updated personnel policies to name a few.” Read the full Press Release.
Gun Owners Civil Rights Alliance PAC Endorses Bostrom for Sheriff
The GOCRA-PAC endorsed Matt Bostrom as their candidate for sheriff because of his pledge to get Ramsey County's denial rate in line with the rest of the state. "With service in law enforcement over three decades, Commander Matt Bostrom of the St. Paul Police Department is now running for sheriff with support across the political spectrum."
"Of particular interest to our members is 'The Bostrom Pledge' -- Bostrom has pledged to audit the permit program, including the high fees and expenses, and to bring Ramsey County's high permit denial rate in line with the rest of the state. Bostrom is running against Sheriff Bob Fletcher, who GOCRA-PAC has declined to endorse." Read the full story.
Open Letter from Matt Bostrom: Supporting Water Patrol, Reserve Volunteers, and Part-Time Licensed Officers
In an open letter dated October 25, 2010, Matt Bostrom states, "Ramsey County Water Patrol, Reserve Volunteers, and Part-Time Licensed Officers are recognized county-wide assets capable of being among the best in the state. These women and men are providing exactly the type and quality of service the county needs. The staff participating in these roles should know I intend to support them by improving training and equipment, and by increasing their numbers and opportunities to contribute throughout the county. Simply stated, my vision is a vision of growth, not disbanding or merging."
Matt commits staffing and supervision, funding and grant procurement, volunteer training and services, as well as "a two-track philosophy which supports those individuals hoping to get into a law enforcement career (our farm team), and those simply wishing to serve the community by volunteering. These tracks can complement one another, and will, if we create an atmosphere of common trust and mission goals." Matt continues, "The Water Patrol Unit is, by State Statute, one of the most important duties in the Sheriff’s Office mandates. My personal commitment to you is that, with your help, we will succeed and grow to the highest of standards and professionalism and become a leader in water safety and volunteerism." Read the full letter.
Pioneer Press Endorses Bostrom for Sheriff
The Pioneer Press has endorsed Matt Bostrom for Ramsey County Sheriff. "The gist of Bostrom's campaign is that the sheriff's office needs both tighter reins and better connections with other agencies and jurisdictions. He's right," writes the Editorial Board. "Trust in law enforcement is hard to build and easy to lose. Budgets are tight and will remain so for years to come. The job of every public-sector leader must include pinching and scraping and finding smart ways to stretch resources — including sharing services and facilities and people, wherever possible. Bostrom is well positioned to lead well in this environment, and that's why he has our support."
"Matt Bostrom said the job of the sheriff should be about "regional response" as well as its day to day duties. He has pledged to freeze the sheriff's budget for the next two years, and to cooperate more with other agencies and jurisdictions on behalf of public safety and efficiency." (MPR Photo/Jeff Horwich) Read the full story.
Star Tribune Endorses Bostrom for Sheriff
The Star Tribune has endorsed Matt Bostrom for Ramsey County Sheriff. "Temperament and leadership style are our primary concerns about Fletcher. The first time the former St. Paul officer and City Council member ran for sheriff, this editorial page expressed concern that he might stretch the office's mandates and make it too political. Those concerns were justified," writes the Editorial Board. "Bostrom has the temperament and a record of working well with other government law enforcement jurisdictions. That's a much-needed skill, since police, prosecutors and the courts will have to work together more closely in the future to make the best use of limited resources."
"Controversy has dogged the sheriff in a variety of ways. He is not known for working collaboratively with other officials, which is reflected in the fact that the majority of County Board members support Bostrom. Earlier this year, the state Department of Administration criticized Fletcher for using government data to identify gun owners and sending them invitations to a fundraiser/shooting event. On two occasions, members of his staff were involved in mismanagement of funds or property." (AP Photo) Read the full story.
Labor Community Gets Behind Bostrom
As the next sheriff, Bostrom is pledging to provide professional and collaborative leadership. This includes an emphasis on hiring deputies based on character and rewarding them for being involved in the community. Bostrom's message is resonating with the labor community. “Providing great service and being a true professional is what it's about," Bostrom tells the Union Advocate. "I understand that’s what people want to see out of their sheriff’s office, not seeing it run as a political office."
As a 28-year veteran of the St. Paul Police Department, Bostrom has “seen what a great public agency looks like.” He also earned a doctorate in public administration from Hamline University, an experience that taught him to “step back and look at what the best practices are across the country. How do you deliver great service? How do you deal with the major issues that are confronting us?” Bostrom’s experience and training have informed his comprehensive plan to move the sheriff’s department in a new direction – a plan that includes holding the line on the department’s budget and treating department employees with respect. Read the full story.
Letter from Retired Ramsey County Commander Published in Highland Villager
A recently retired commander in the Ramsey County Sheriff’s Office wrote a letter to the editor that was published in the October 13, 2010 issue of the Villager. Ron Petrusson reports that Fletcher has appointed more than 30 friends, relatives, and political workers outside of the normal civil service hiring channels. "He lost a $750,000 lawsuit for transferring and, in essence demoting a lieutenant and sergeant who had opposed him in the previous election. There have been no employee evaluations in Fletcher’s 16 years. Consequently, good employees who wish to be promoted can’t, because there are no measurements of performance in place. Fletcher’s political appointees, however, are brought in at high rank and pay levels," writes Petrusson.
"The time for change is long overdue. Matt Bostrom is currently seeking the Ramsey County sheriff’s office. The citizens of Ramsey County have the opportunity to elect a true man of honor and substance who is highly qualified to lead and bring integrity back to the sheriff’s office." Read the full Letter to the Editor.
Staunch Republican Calls Bostrom a Man of Extraordinary Character in Pioneer Press
In an October 12, 2010 Letter to the Editor of the Pioneer Press, lifelong Republican Dave Racer says Matt Bostrom will be an extraordinary sheriff. "Seldom have I been so enthusiastic about any other candidate at any level of elective office," writes Racer.
"Matt is a man of extraordinary character. You see it in how he has conducted his life, raised his children and how he loves his wife, church, and community. You see it in his service as a St. Paul police officer and deputy chief, his work coordinating homeland security soon after 9-11 and the extraordinarily good job heading up police logistics for the GOP national convention. You see it in his community involvement and earning a Ph.D. I am proud of Matt Bostrom and glad to be his friend. He will make an extraordinary sheriff." Read the full Letter to the Editor.
Community Asked to Be Aware of More Illegal Fletcher Sign Placements
The Bostrom for Sheriff campaign has sent a letter to all the public work departments in the cities of Ramsey County advising them to be on the watch for illegal campaign signs. Matt expects the appropriate governing body to be responsible in removing illegal signs as required by state statute. “With his refusal to attend debates this year, Bob Fletcher has apparently decided that his campaign for re-election will rely solely on hiding behind his lawn signs,” says Bostrom campaign spokesperson Randy Gustafson.
The Bostrom for Sheriff campaign has received numerous letters and phone calls from Ramsey County residents stating that lawn signs have been placed on their property without permission. Bob Fletcher has demonstrated that he wonʼt abide by simple campaign laws about lawn signs. “The Bostrom For Sheriff Campaign has adhered to the law and taken great measures to only place signs where permission has been granted - people should expect the same from all candidates,” says Gustafson. “Unfortunately, the Fletcher campaign has a track record of placing signs without permission on private property, vacant homes, foreclosed properties and placing them on public property in violation of state law. This is not the first campaign Bob Fletcher has done this with his lawn sign strategy. “It is a shame when a law enforcement officer who should be enforcing laws chooses instead to violate them for personal political gain,” Gustafson says. Read the full press release, article in Pioneer Press, and story on KARE 11.
Open Letter from Matt Bostrom: Upholding the Second Amendment and Minnesota Citizens Personal Protection Act
In an open letter dated October 13, 2010, Matt Bostrom states, "As a lifetime member of the NRA and committed law enforcement professional, I have sworn to uphold the Constitutions of the United States and the State of Minnesota. I have also consistently, fairly, and equally supported and enforced the Statutes of the State of Minnesota. Therefore, individual rights such as the right to religion, free speech, due process under the law, to keep and bear arms, or any of the other rights recognized by the Bill of Rights, ought not be subject to the whims of any elected official, including the Sheriff of Ramsey County."
As the next Ramsey County Sheriff, Matt will issue permits within 30 days to applicants who meet the criteria set forth in subdivision 2, paragraph (b). Denials will be rare and used only for facts that are clearly articulated and related to specific public safety concerns, as prescribed by the statute and never as a political tool. "Under my administration," Matt continues, "the Ramsey County Sheriff will have a rate of granting permits consistent with those of other Minnesota sheriffs, because the people of Ramsey County are as responsible and law-abiding as those in the other 86 counties." Read the full letter.
Fletcher Refuses Another Opportunity to Debate
Bob Fletcher has refused to participate in another forum. The Greater St. Paul Building Owners and Managers Association rescheduled their forum to October 28th to accommodate Fletcher's schedule, but Fletcher later told Matt Anfang, the group's president, that he would not be available after all. "I was looking forward to giving our citizens of Ramsey County an opportunity to compare our education, experience, and vision for the Ramsey County Sheriff's Department," Bostrom says. "I have a very busy schedule too, but I cleared it to ensure I could participate in these time honored forums. Although this is disappointing news, citizens can go to my website to learn more about my vision for restoring their trust in the Ramsey County Sheriff's Department. They can also watch for a special invitation in their Valpak mailing." Read the full story.
Fletcher Afraid to Face Bostrom in League of Women Voters Debate
For the second time this election year Sheriff Bob Fletcher has refused to attend a candidate forum sponsored by the League of Women Voters.The latest rejection to the League of Women Voters of Arden Hills, New Brighton, North Oaks, Shoreview and White Bear was to their public candidate forum scheduled for October 20th. The first refusal was to a Saint Paul League of Women Voters forum scheduled for October 7th. Matt Bostrom, who is seeking election to the position of Ramsey County Sheriff, had agreed to participate in both debates. Bostrom has accepted an invitation to participate in the Saint Paul Building Owners and Managers Association forum on October 28th. "Why Bob is afraid to talk about issues of concern with voters in the time honored League of Women Voters tradition is a question you’ll have to ask him," Bostrom says. "League forums are very issue oriented and I think the forums are a great way for voters to become informed about how candidates think and communicate their ideas.” Read the full Press Release
Matt Bostrom Endorsed by Tom Foley and Susan Gaertner in Sheriff Race
Matt Bostrom added more prominent public safety leader endorsements to his growing list of supporters for his election bid for Ramsey County Sheriff today. Tom Foley, retired Ramsey County Attorney, announced his support at a news conference in front of the Ramsey County Courthouse where he detailed reasons why he is supporting the election of Matt Bostrom, and not supporting current Sheriff Bob Fletcher. Foley also announced that Matt Bostrom has the endorsement of current Ramsey County Attorney Susan Gaertner (who was out of town and unable to attend the news conference) and the support of Tom Heffelfinger, former U.S. Attorney for the District of Minnesota. “The key issues of trust, professionalism and integrity are the reasons the law enforcement community in Ramsey County are supporting Matt Bostrom,” Foley said. Joining Tom Foley in detailing why current Sheriff Bob Fletcher needs to be replaced were retired St. Paul Chief of Police John Harrington and Ramsey County Commissioner Tony Bennett. Following his supporters' statements, Matt Bostrom, former St. Paul Assistant Chief of Police, outlined his vision for the Ramsey County Sheriff Department should he be elected. Photo by Politics in Minnesota.
Bostrom is Clear Choice for Sheriff
A retired sergeant from the St. Paul Police Department, Chris Nelson, writes to the editor of the Park Bugle: "Matt was always one I could send into a difficult situation, and his positive dealings with people would lend itself to a peaceful solution. His excellent management skills allowed him to work with the community and the police to work together for common solutions. And he continued to improve his skills when he obtained his doctorate degree in public administration. He is the type of police officer and administrator that every city wishes to have. It is not surprising that many law enforcement leaders in Ramsey County have endorsed Matt. Like me, they know him personally and have worked with him and know what an excellent sheriff he will be for Ramsey County." Nelson continues,"Matt is a clear contrast and choice vs. the present sheriff we have. I know both men, and Matt Bostrom is far and away the best qualified both personally and professionally to manage and serve the people of Ramsey County as their sheriff." The Park Bugle serves St. Anthony Park, Falcon Heights, Lauderdale, Como Park. Read the full Letter to the Editor.
Bostrom's Record of Responsibility Makes Him Best Man for Sheriff's Job
In a September 23, 2010 Letter to the Editor, Jeanine Vickerman shares with the Pioneer Press her appreciation for Matt Bostrom's proven record of financial responsibility. "He has kept spending in check and stayed within his department budgets in his years as administrator. He understands the need to tighten the belt and find more economical ways to accomplish goals," writes Vickerman. "Bostrom has committed to operate within the existing budget for the Ramsey County Sheriff's Office for the next two years. He is a man of his word and accomplish this. When I compare the track record of Matt Bostrom to that of his opponent, I say Matt Bostrom is the man for the job." Read the full Letter to the Editor.
City Council and Mayor Gather for Photo Outside Ramsey County Courthouse
in Support of Bostrom
All seven members of the St. Paul City Council and Mayor Chris Coleman gathered outside the Ramsey County Courthouse for photos with Matt Bostrom to show their support for his election bid for Ramsey County Sheriff. The photo session at 3:00 p.m. on Wednesday, September 22, 2010, took place on Fourth Street outside on the Courthouse plaza. “Having the support of the city leaders throughout Ramsey County is very encouraging in my campaign for Ramsey County Sheriff,” Matt Bostrom says. “Community, collaboration and trust are the focus of my reasons for seeking election. Support from city leaders confirms we are on the right path to restore professionalism to the Sheriffʼs office. My philosophy of community policing is one that promotes and supports organizational strategies, addresses the root causes of crime, increases a sense of safety, and improves quality of life through problem-solving and partnerships between law enforcement and the community. Support from local government leaders confirms my positive message is gaining ground.” In addition to Mayor Coleman and all seven St. Paul City Council members, Matt Bostrom, former Assistant Chief of Police for the City of St. Paul, has the support of twenty-six other current and former city leaders from throughout Ramsey County.
Letter to Editor in White Bear Press Touts Bostrom's Excellent Reputation
In the September 21, 2010 issue of the White Bear Press, Mike Carter shares how impressed he is by Matt Bostrom's ability to work with people of all backgrounds and how the community trusts him. "As a fiscal conservative of people’s tax dollars, he has been careful to plan well and never go over his annual budget. In fact, some years he even returned funds to the taxpayers," writes Carter. "I find it fascinating that he has gotten DFL, Labor, and the Republican leadership in Ramsey County behind him. That speaks well for his consensus approach to management. I have several friends who are independents and have expressed their positive impression of this man." Read the full Letter to the Editor.
Letter to Editor in East Side Review Cites Bostrom's Qualifications for Sheriff
In the September 19, 2010 issue of the East Side Review, Christeen Stone writes a letter to the editor highlighting Matt's qualifications for Ramsey County Sheriff. Matt has "devoted 28 years of his life to law enforcement," writes Stone. "He is a graduate of the FBI academy...and the author of The Influence of Education on Police Officer Work Habits and the co-author of Character Based Police Officer Selection. He has been married to Cheryl for 28 years with three adult children who reflect his values and has been involved on the East Side as a youth sports coach, Union Gospel Mission Board, Upper East Side Football and member of the Hall of Fame. Matt really has a heart for young peoples' welfare." Matt is also featured in the East Side Review online. Read the full Letter to the Editor.
Bostrom Featured in the Hamline Oracle
Matt Bostrom earned his Doctor of Public Administration degree at Hamline University, and recently Maxwell Nesterak of The Oracle spoke with him about the university’s role in shaping him as a leader and as an individual. Bostrom says the doctoral program at Hamline helped him to understand the theories of public leadership and how to apply them in practical ways. The program also prepared Bostrom to teach Foundations of Public Administration at Hamline University, Public Safety Systems at St. Mary’s, and Police and Community to first-year criminal justice students at Northwestern College. As for his strategies for public safety, Bostrom has six core values that he plans to deliver as Ramsey County Sheriff: 1) Establish community trust; 2) collaborate and not compete with law enforcement partners; 3) practice fiscal management; 4) recruit and promote for diversity; 5) touch the lives of kids; and 6) leverage technology to improve transparency. Read the full story.
Republicans Endorse Matt Bostrom, Candidate for Ramsey County Sheriff
Matt Bostrom’s vision for the Ramsey County Sheriff’s Office continues to gain a broad spectrum of support, including prominent members of the Republican Party. Typically, the party does not endorse candidates for nonpartisan elected positions. However, the current Chair of the Republican Fourth Congressional District and former Mayor and Councilmember of Arden Hills, Bev Aplikowski, has announced the formation of the Republicans for Matt Bostrom Political Action Committe. “As Republicans we believe that Matt Bostrom is by far and away the best candidate for Ramsey County Sheriff. He has the law enforcement experience and qualifications to restore integrity to the Sheriffʼs Office,” says Aplikowski.
“I am honored to have the formal support of both parties,” Bostrom says, “and I see this as another opportunity to work together to keep our community safe.” Bostrom has a 28-year track record of ethical leadership and financial accountability and understands that to be an effective law enforcement leader, he must uphold the constitutions and statutes of the United States and the State of Minnesota. Read the full Press Release.
Vadnais Heights Councilmember Says Bostrom is Clear Choice for Sheriff
In a letter to the White Bear Press, Joe Murphy, a member of the Vadnais Heights City Council, says "It's time to restore integrity to our Sheriff's Department and Matt is the only person who can restore deputy morale." Murphy cites Matt's solid reputation with local law enforcement agencies and sees him as a "very fair minded professional who does not play politics with public safety. As an Assistant Chief for the Saint Paul Police Department, Matt has built a resume with a wide range of experiences within the department and...across many agencies. Matt Bostrom will make us all proud to have him as our Ramsey County Sheriff." Read the full Letter to the Editor.
Bostrom Receives DFL Senior Caucus Endorsement
The DFL Senior Caucus, with over 1,000 senior members in Ramsey County, has endorsed Matt for Sheriff. "We were moved by your message that a principal objective of law enforcement is to help those who have offended, offend no more. We also thank you for your emphasis on the serious problem of elder abuse," says Don Bye, Chair and Karla Sand, Associate Chair. The caucus stands ready to work for the Bostrom campaign: "We have campaign strategies, particularly our Seniors Calling Seniors program. The Senior Caucus represents a large and fast growing voting block, and the percentage of seniors who vote is by far the largest of any age group. We want them on your side."
Bostrom Encouraged by Gang Strike Force Settlement
Matt Bostrom was encouraged by the $3 million settlement on August 25 for victims of the Metro Gang Strike Force. “While this is a significant step in making the victims whole again, I remain concerned about how we got to this place,” says Bostrom. “What people may not realize is that while officers and administrators of the 
strike force were coming and going over the past eight years, one constant was Ramsey County Sheriff Bob Fletcher. Still to this day, Fletcher has expressed no concern, despite his own direct leadership and substantial involvement in this unit." According to the reported terms of the settlement agreement reached by the parties, after the victims are compensated, any remaining settlement dollars will go towards creating a fund to retrain officers and supervisors in community policing. Bostrom is the author of Recruitment, Hiring, and Retention of Community Policing Officers: Character Based Selection and Assessment, a study developed in concert with the U.S. Department of Justice.
Candidate for State Representative Endorses Bostrom for Sheriff
Candidate for State Representative 66A, Chris Conner, agrees it's time for a new sheriff, someone who can restore the public's trust. "Bostrom will drive efficiencies, cost-saving partnerships, and diversity, and turn vision into reality as our next sheriff," says Conner. "He knows the challenges facing our public safety agencies, our communities, and our families. And he proposes a unique and transformative vision for rebuilding a safe and secure Ramsey County."
New Chief Joins the List of Public Safety Leaders in Support of Bostrom
The newly appointed Saint Paul Police Chief, Tom Smith, joins the list of public safety leaders in support of Matt Bostrom for Ramsey County Sheriff. He agrees that Bostrom has the collaborative leadership skills to improve public safety for Saint Paul and all of Ramsey County: “Bostrom will make a great sheriff,” says Smith. “And I’m looking forward to collaborating with him on innovative strategies that will increase our ability to serve our community.”
Resident Writes Letter to Editor of Maplewood Review
In the July 7, 2010 issue of the Maplewood Review, Christeen Stone writes a letter to the editor: "I support Matt Bostrom for Sheriff. I am very impressed with his qualifications and proven experience as an extended family of law enforcement officers." Stone encourages her community to study the candidates and to be informed voters in the upcoming primary and general elections. The primary election is August 10 and the general election is November 2. Bostrom will be on the general election ballot.
IBEW Endorses Bostrom for Ramsey County Sheriff
The International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) Local 110 has endorsed Matt Bostrom for Ramsey County Sheriff. IBEW represents more than 2,100 workers in the electrical industry. "Please accept our endorsement for your candidacy for Ramsey County Sheriff. We appreciate all of the outstanding work you have done and will continue to do for working families in Ramsey County," says Michael Redlund, Business Manager/Financial Secretary. "We look forward to working with you in the future."
Hmong Leaders Support Bostrom for Ramsey County Sheriff
Several Hmong Americans have added their names to the list of Bostrom supporters for Ramsey County Sheriff. Community leaders including Charles Vu, Nucheng Xiong, Saint Paul Police Officer Charles Ly, and local attorney Fue Thao, spoke about Bostrom, describing him as “fair,” “honorable,” and “humble.” As sheriff, Matt will continue utilizing community liaisons to immigrant communities because it has made all the difference in everything from social service referrals to improved police-community relations with new Americans. "I realized long ago that the key to safe and vibrant communities is not about trying to identify the ideal number of uniformed police for a given population, but about developing and improving the fabric of safe the communities and neighborhoods – the parks, neighborhoods, churches, schools, and families," Bostrom told the Asian American Press. (AAP story and staff photo by Tom LaVenture)
Bostrom is IUPAT Choice for Ramsey County Sheriff
District Council 82 of the International Union of Painters and Allied Trades (IUPAT) has chosen to endorse Matt Bostrom for Ramsey County Sheriff. The IUPAT represents a growing force of over 140,000 working women and men whose skills are in high demand. Their goal is to build and nuture a bond with elected officials, regardless of party affiliation. "It is an honor to award Matt the endorsement of the IUPAT District Council 82 in his run for Ramsey County Sheriff," says Nelson and Mullin. "We take our commitment very seiously and we look forward to a long and properous relationship." Terry Nelson is the Business Manager/Secretary/Treasurer and Don Mullin is the Political Director of IUPAT.
Bostrom Is Greeted Warmly at Numerous Community Events
If you've attended a community event in Ramsey County recently, you've probably seen Matt! Matt has been greeted warmly as he talks with members of the community and shares his message on collaborating with local law enforcement, restoring trust through fiscal responsibility and connecting with youth. Check out the photos on Facebook!
Minnesota Nurses Association Supports Bostrom Candidacy
The Minnesota Nurses Association, a statewide union of nearly 20,000 registered nurses, has endorsed Matt Bostrom for Ramsey County Sheriff. "Our endorsement reflects our whole-hearted support," says Linda Slattengren, Chair of the MNA Political Committee. Some of the criteria the MNA uses to screen candidates include demonstrated leadership ability and electability, such as the candidates' other endorsements, how they present themselves to the public, and their fundraising to date.
Bostrom Attends American Indian Event
Matt attended a powwow hosted by the American Indian and World Cultures Magnet School in Saint Paul. Brenda Peltier (pictured at right) has served as principal of the school for seven years. Friends from the American Indian Family and Children Services (AIFACS) were also kind hosts at the annual event. In the last three years, AIFACS has provided care for over 250 American Indian children who come to placement from all the tribal communities within the State of Minnesota. AIFACS also serves American Indian children affiliated with tribes outside of the state such as San Carlos Apache, Lakota and Dakota from Rosebud, Standing Rock, Sisseton, and Pine Ridge, HoChunk from Black River Falls and Ojibwe from Turtle Mountain. Watch Facebook for more event photos.
United Auto Workers Endorse Bostrom for Sheriff
The Community Action Program Council of the UAW is the union’s nonpartisan political department of the International Union and it endorses candidates on the basis of their records and their stand upon issues that affect working Americans. "The UAW Minnesota State CAP Council is pleased to inform you that you have been endorsed for Ramsey County Sheriff...and we would like to wish you success in this endeavor" says Dan Manuel (Chairperson) and James Reinitz (Secretary-Treasurer). Local and regional political endorsements are made by the UAW's 160 CAP Councils or by other union bodies action upon CAP Council recommendations. CAP Councils are made up of rank and file union members and retirees.
Bostrom Campaign Has New Headquarters
The Bostrom for Sheriff campaign has leased office space in a strategic location where the cities of North Saint Paul, Maplewood, and Saint Paul converge. At the corner of White Bear Avenue and Larpenteur Avenue, campaign volunteers will be using the space as headquarters for administration and volunteer support. The campaign is also looking at additional space in a community in northwestern Ramsey County.
Bostrom Files Affidavit for Candidacy
Matt Bostrom, candidate for Ramsey County Sheriff, has filed paperwork to officially kick-off the general election season in Ramsey County. Bostrom will be campaigning against current Ramsey County Sheriff Bob Fletcher, who has announced his intention to seek reelection. “It’s going to be a spirited campaign, but in the end, one of the critical skills to the job of sheriff is the ability to build relationships to solving our most pressing problems.” states Bostrom. As former colleagues with the City of Saint Paul, John Choi, who is running for Ramsey County Attorney, and Bostrom have worked together in helping the city fight crime at its source and leveraging resources to help keep people from returning to crime. Bostrom, the author of a study sponsored by the U.S. Department of Justice on character-based policing, and Choi, a nationally-recognized leader on restorative justice and diversion initiatives, have proven that their shared experience and expertise will lead to lower crime rates and more cost-efficient outcomes once people enter the criminal justice system.
Latino Peace Officers Get Behind Bostrom for Ramsey County Sheriff
The NLPOA-PAC and the Minnesota Chapter Latino Peace Officers Asssociation are both endorsing Matt Bostrom for Ramsey County Sheriff. Their decision was based on Matt's views "regarding the promotion retention and hiring of Latino peace officers, civil liberties, and general Latino issues," says Arnulfo Curiel. Curiel adds that Matt's views on these issues "exceed the threshold we established for all candidates wishing to be considered for our endorsement." The Minnesota Chapter was particularly impressed with Matt's commitment to the communities of the City of St. Paul and of Ramsey County. "This is exactly the type of long standing relationship we would like to develop with our law enforcement leaders."
DFL Endorses Bostrom for Ramsey County Sheriff
Senator Mee Moua, Commissioner Victoria Reinhardt, and Saint Paul Police Chief John Harrington introduced Matt Bostrom at the DFL Ramsey County Convention Saturday at Roseville High School. It's unusual for a police chief to support a candidate, but Chief Harrington says, "Matt has led the way on our most challenging projects, such as integrating the communication centers and using innovative technology to aid public safety efforts. As important was managing one of the largest budgets in our city with notable skill and great fiscal responsibility." Chief Harrington adds, "I am particularly proud of the Saint Paul Police Department’s success in reducing domestic violence. Our Blueprint for Safety project has become a national model and Matt Bostrom has been an integral part of our efforts from day one. If elected Sheriff, we can count on him to take our success to the rest of the county."
Ramsey County Deputies Supporting Bostrom for Sheriff
DARRT-PAC is a group of Ramsey County sheriff's deputies, including active, retired, and reserve members.They formed their committee "out of concern about the leadership, image, and reputation of the Ramsey County Sheriff's Office. No one can tell us what we already know so well. Ramsey County needs a sheriff who will lead by example. We need someone who will provide sound, ethically-based leadership and vision to our deputy sheriffs and our citizens. For these reasons, we have endorsed Matt Bostrom for Ramsey County Sheriff. Matt Bostrom will bring a new sense of duty and honor to the office of Ramsey County Sheriff. Controversy will be replaced with cooperation. Negative headlines will be replaced with real accomplishments. And the citizens of Ramsey County will have a sheriff of whom they can be proud. Please join us in supporting Matt Bostrom for Ramsey County Sheriff."
DFL Veterans Caucus Endorses Bostrom for Ramsey County Sheriff
The DFL Veterans Caucus endorsed Matt Bostrom for Ramsey County Sheriff because he “stood apart with astrong commitment to serve our veterans,” says Trista Matascastillo, chair of the caucus and military veteran who served in the Navy, Marines, and Minnesota Army National Guard. “Matt Bostrom is committed to training line officers to recognize and identify someone who is experiencing a mental health crisis and ensuring that anyone who has served in the military is identified and connected with appropriate services” said Matascastillo. “This includes mental and physical health services, shelter, and chemical dependency services.” As sheriff, Matt Bostrom also plans to partner with veterans organizations at job fairs to recruit from this strong pool of qualified candidates.