Quinn Nystrom, 28, filed her candidacy for a seat on the Baxter City Council Tuesday.
"Our family has a strong tradition in public service going back many generations," Nystrom stated in a news release. "My great-great uncle, Claus Theorin was the Crow Wing County Sheriff almost a 100 years ago. Both of my parents serve on local boards. It's a privilege to serve people. I have always called Baxter home and I am looking forward to helping shape our community's future."
Nystrom stated Baxter is a vibrant, growing city filled with many young families.
"It's important that the Baxter City Council include women and men, as well as a range of ages," Nystrom said. "Government needs to be representative of the population it serves. We bring our experience and points-of-view to accurately represent our residents."
Nystrom said her background in business management and government affairs will provide depth on the council. Nystrom is a professional speaker, author and blogger, advocating and fundraising for people living with diabetes. Her nonprofit organization, Dateline Diabetes, provides opportunities and support for young people living with diabetes. She sits on the Minnesota board of directors of the American Diabetes Association and was the youngest recipient of the Star Award for her contributions.
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Prior to her nonprofit work, Nystrom worked as an account manager for a large pharmaceutical company.
"My business background in managing budgets, setting priorities and building relationships will provide valuable experience on the Baxter City Council," she said.
"Our first priority as a city is managing Baxter's growth while maintaining our quality of life," Nystrom stated. "In the last 50 years, our community has exploded from 1,037 residents to our current population of 7,781. We have to be thoughtful and strategic as we go forward."
Nystrom stated she is looking forward to developing new ways to communicate with Baxter residents. She said the city already has an online presence with information on road and building projects. Other areas that would be helpful, Nystrom said, include links to elected officials and department heads.
"We need to expand our website to offer opportunities for residents to voice their opinions on Baxter's plans and priorities," Nystrom stated.
Nystrom graduated with a political science and mass communications degree at Hope College in Holland, Mich. in 2008.
She is completing her master's degree in communications management through Syracuse University. The program is designed for those currently in the work force, offering independent study and weeklong symposiums quarterly.
"I'm taking classes on finance, crisis management and research-based public relations," Nystrom explained. "These skills will be very valuable as a public official."
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Named as the National Diabetes Youth Advocate when she was l6, Nystrom has traveled extensively, meeting with United States congressmen and governors as well as the United States Secretary of Health and Human Services.
"I bring experience in local, state and national government working across lines on diabetes advocacy," Nystrom said in her news release. "I've learned how to bring people together to find solutions."
Filings closed Tuesday. There are two open seats on the city council as both incumbents Jim Klein and Rob Moser are not seeking re-election.
