Bio

Growing Up in Richfield:
I grew up in Richfield on 18th Avenue near the airport. I attended St. Peter’s Parochial School, played girls’ softball with the East Richfield Little League, and graduated from Holy Angels Academy. In 1979, my husband and I bought a home in Richfield and enrolled our children in the Richfield Public Schools.

Education:
I attended the University of Minnesota and graduated summa cum laude with a Bachelor of Arts degree in International Relations. After working for a couple of years, I went back to school and graduated from the University of Minnesota Law School with a Doctor of Law degree in 1975.

Work Experience:
Since 1980, I have managed my own small business, first in South Minneapolis and since 2002, in Richfield. My law practice, Sandahl & Associates, currently employs five people. I am a member of the Richfield Chamber of Commerce and the Minnesota State Bar Association. More information regarding my legal background can be found at www.sandahllaw.com.

Youth Involvement:
When our children were young, I was a Cub Scout and Girl Scout leader and a volunteer in the school system. I served on the Richfield School District Advisory and numerous PTO committees. I have been a room mom, a team mom, a Swim Team volunteer, a Band Booster parent, a trip chaperone and an extra mom to my children’s friends and school mates.

Community Involvement:
I have been involved in numerous civic and community organizations for many years. I chaired the Richfield Charter Commission, served on the Richfield Transportation Commission, chaired the Richfield Community Services Commission and served as volunteer coordinator for School and Community Referendums. In 1991, I helped to organize the first Richfield Remodeling Fair and co-chaired this annual event for five years. I am also a long-time member of the Richfield Historical Society and the League of Women Voters of Richfield.

Elective Positions:
In 1998, I was elected to the Richfield City Council At-Large position. I was re-elected in 2002. I have served as the Mayor Pro-Tem and testified before Congress on airport noise issues. I was also selected by the City Council to serve as the N.O.I.S.E. representative to a National N.O.I.S.E. Conference dealing with airport noise issues. More recently, I have dealt with transportation issues as a member of the 35W Solutions Alliance and the I-494 Corridor Commission.

Endorsement:
Labor endorsement from the AFL-CIO.

John, Mike, Sue and Bryan Sandahl in front of their Richfield home
(The yellow ribbon is in honor of Sue's niece who is in the army reserve and is currently stationed north of Baghdad.)