Law-enforcement veteran announces run for Goodhue County Commissioner Seat

RED WING, Minn. - Aug. 15, 2019 - PRLog -- Long-time resident, former police officer and youth program pioneer Linda Flanders has filed for the vacant commissioner seat for District 1 in Goodhue County.  If elected, she would be the second woman ever to be a Goodhue County commissioner.

Flanders grew up in Minnesota but settled in California as a young Navy wife, where she had a son and earned a degree in criminal justice.

She went on to serve as a police officer and detective for 17 years, specializing in child sex abuse.

The experience led her to her second career: harnessing the power of media arts to start an innovative program for at-risk youth. The program was recognized by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Service Agency (SAMHSA) as "most promising in the Midwest."

Flanders is an author and entrepreneur who has worked with families and agencies in the community to make the whole county stronger.

She believes innovation is key to the success of Goodhue County.

"Red Wing's 2040 Plan outlined many issues around jobs, housing, mental and physical health, improving family health and the environment," Flanders said. "These issues are not going away, and the old ways won't work anymore. We need to work together to create innovative new solutions to our challenges. As a Goodhue County commissioner, I can help our people thrive."

The District 1 seat is currently vacant following the death of commissioner Ron Allen in April.

A special election will be held for the vacant District 1 seat on November 5. If there are three or more candidates, a primary election will be held in November and the Special Election will follow in February of 2020.

Learn more about Linda Flanders at http://www.flandersforcountycommissioner.org.