Jerry Peterson (St. Louis Park City Council Ward 1, Minnesota, candidate 2025)

Jerry Peterson

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Nonpartisan

Candidate, St. Louis Park City Council Ward 1

Elections and appointments

Next election

November 4, 2025

Education

Bachelor's

Bethel University

Personal

Birthplace

Albert Lea, Minn.

Contact

Campaign website

Personal LinkedIn

Jerry Peterson is running for election to the St. Louis Park City Council Ward 1 in Minnesota. He is on the ballot in the general election on November 4, 2025.^[source]

Peterson completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2025. Click here to read the survey answers.

Biography

Jerry Peterson provided the following biographical information via Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey on September 26, 2025:

• Birth place: Albert Lea, Minnesota
• High school: Albert Lea High School
• Bachelor's: Bethel University
• Gender: Male
• Incumbent officeholder: No
• Campaign slogan: A trusted neighbor, a dedicated leader, and a lifelong advocate for families and communities.
• Campaign website

Elections

General election

The general election will occur on November 4, 2025.

General election for St. Louis Park City Council Ward 1

Daniel Bashore, Jerry Peterson, and Sarah M. Steffen are running in the general election for St. Louis Park City Council Ward 1 on November 4, 2025.

		Candidate
	Submit photo	Daniel Bashore (Nonpartisan)
	Submit photo	Jerry Peterson (Nonpartisan)
		Sarah M. Steffen (Nonpartisan)

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	Incumbency information for this election was not available.
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
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Endorsements

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Campaign themes

Ballotpedia survey responses

See also: Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection

Jerry Peterson completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2025. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by Peterson's responses. Candidates are asked three required questions for this survey, but they may answer additional optional questions as well.

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Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

I grew up in Albert Lea, Minnesota, and have lived in St. Louis Park for 26 years. My wife Beth and I have been married for 36 years, and together we raised our seven children—four of them right here in St. Louis Park. We’re proud grandparents of eight, with two currently attending our local schools. For over 30 years I worked for the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board, serving as an outreach worker, recreation supervisor, and area manager. Over that time, I supervised thousands of staff and volunteers, built community programs, and partnered with neighbors to make communities safer and stronger. I’ve coached youth sports, served on local boards, and volunteered in our schools. Today, I work in sales at Bloomington Acura/Subaru, but my heart remains in public service. I’m running for City Council to continue giving back to the community that has given my family so much.

Please list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office?

• I am committed to safer neighborhoods and affordable housing, ensuring families, seniors, and new residents can thrive and feel secure in every corner of Ward 1.
• I believe in fiscal responsibility—protecting taxpayers by making sure city spending is transparent, balanced, and focused on the priorities of residents.
• I will support strong schools, parks, and green spaces that keep St. Louis Park a family-friendly community, while working to maintain the quality of life our city is known for.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

I am most passionate about neighborhood safety, fiscal responsibility, and housing affordability. These issues affect residents every day and are key to keeping St. Louis Park a welcoming and livable community. I also care deeply about preserving our parks and green spaces so people of all ages have places to gather, play, and connect.

What qualities does this office possess that makes it a unique and important part of the state government and legal system?

While not part of state government, City Council is the most direct link between residents and their local government. It’s where everyday concerns—like housing, public safety, parks, and infrastructure—are heard and acted upon.

What characteristics or principles are most important for an elected official?

Integrity, transparency, and accountability. A councilmember should listen to residents, treat all voices with respect, and make decisions based on what is best for the community rather than personal or political interests.

What do you believe are the core responsibilities for someone elected to this office?

To represent the people of their ward, ensure responsible use of taxpayer dollars, set policies that keep neighborhoods safe and affordable, and work with the community to maintain the city’s high quality of life.

Are there any little-known powers or responsibilities held by this office that you believe more people should be aware of?

Yes. City Council votes on budgets, zoning, and development decisions that directly shape how our neighborhoods look and feel. These choices can impact everything from property taxes to the character of a block for generations.

Do you believe that it's beneficial for holders of this office to have previous experience in government or politics?

Experience can help, but it isn’t the only path. What matters most is community involvement, leadership, and the ability to listen, collaborate, and solve problems. My decades of managing staff, budgets, and community programs prepared me well for this role.

What kind of skills or expertise do you believe would be the most helpful for the holders of this office to possess?

Strong communication and listening skills, fiscal management, conflict resolution, and the ability to bring people together around common goals. A councilmember also benefits from a deep understanding of how policies impact everyday families.

What qualities does this office possess that makes it a unique and important part of the local government?

City Council is unique because it is closest to the people. Residents can easily reach out to their councilmember, share concerns, and expect a response. The council shapes local policies that residents see and feel every day—making it one of the most impactful levels of government.

What is an accomplishment that you are proud of?

Being married for 36 years, raising great kids and helping raise great grandkids!

Note: Ballotpedia reserves the right to edit Candidate Connection survey responses. Any edits made by Ballotpedia will be clearly marked with [brackets] for the public. If the candidate disagrees with an edit, he or she may request the full removal of the survey response from Ballotpedia.org. Ballotpedia does not edit or correct typographical errors unless the candidate's campaign requests it.

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Candidate

St. Louis Park City Council Ward 1

Website

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