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 six 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 and 2006. 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 Richfield's representative on the I-494 Corridor Commission and chair of the 35W Solutions Alliance.

Endorsement:
Labor endorsement from the Minnesota Professional Fire fighters.

John, Mike, Sue, Bryan

Bryan, Mike, Sue and John Sandahl

Community Involvement:

  • Elected to Richfield City Council as at large member in 1998, 2002, and 2006
  • Richfield Housing and Redevelopment Authority, member 2004 to present, Chair since 2006
  • Richfield Transportation Commission, former member and current City Council Liason
  • Small business owner in Richfield since 2002
  • 35W Solutions Alliance, Chair and Richfield representative
  • 494 Corridor Commission, Richfield representative
  • League of Woman Voters of Richfield since 1982, former board member
  • Richfield Community Services Commission, past member and Chair
  • St. Richard's Community Choir and Bell Choir member
  • Cub Scout and Girl Scout leader
  • School District Advisory, past member
  • Elder law Governing Council, MN State Bar Assn., member and past chair
  • State Advisory on Metropolitan Airport Planning, Richfield representative for seven years