Hallfin Reflects on Election Victory

Editor's Note: After last month's and elections, St. Louis Park Patch invited all of the winning candidates to write letters to the editor reflecting on their victories—and pointing toward what's next before they officially take office in January. Below is Steve Hallfin's letter, and we will post others as they come in.

When I decided to run for City Council earlier this year, I had no idea how humbling winning the At Large “A” seat would be. I received support from the entire city of St. Louis Park and beyond. This was a lot of hard work and time away from my family, but the hard work paid off. I would like to thank the Sun/Sailor and Patch for outstanding election coverage. I would like to thank all of you who stepped up and donated money to my campaign, hosted a lawn sign, or simply spoke with their friends, family and neighbors about this election.

Special thanks to Pam Rykken for more or less running my campaign, Carlos Siguenza for being my Webmaster,  Annette Stanek for your awesome lit designs, Karen Waters for your eloquent pen, and always being the voice of reason, Bridget Hoppman, Carlos & Terry Siguenza, and Elizabeth Griffin & Glen Foltz for hosting house parties. Thanks to Rep. Steve Simon, Rep. Ryan Winkler, and Sen. Ron Latz, and many of the seated School Board (Jim Yarosh, Nancy Gores, Bruce Richardson, Pam Rykken, Larry Shapiro) for your public support.  And many many others also for your public support.

I would like to publicly thank my wife Beth and my son TJ for putting up with me during this very long campaign. Beth has always been there for me and TJ throughout our 16-plus year marriage.  Thank you—thank you so much.

Finally, thank you St. Louis Park residents. Most of you were gracious as I knocked on your doors (interrupting your lives), asking if you had any questions, issues, or concerns with the city of St. Louis Park. Many of you did not have any, but for those of you who did, I made a list, and am excited to start working on these issues and concerns as one of your at large council members in January.

Thanks again,

Steve Hallfin