St. Kate's safety director will run for Ramsey County sheriff

Last update: December 28, 2009 - 8:20 PM

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Laura Goodman, a former Minnesota crime victims' ombudsman with law-enforcement roots in the Ramsey County Sheriff's Office, is embarking on a bid to unseat Sheriff Bob Fletcher.

"I think it's time for a change in Ramsey County," said Goodman, the director of public safety at St. Catherine University in St. Paul. "I think I have a unique background to fill the seat."

In addition to her 11 years as head of the ombudsman's office, Goodman also has been a Minneapolis police investigator and a Brooklyn Center deputy police chief. From 1981 to 1984 she was a Ramsey County sheriff's deputy.

Goodman will compete with Matt Bostrom, a St. Paul assistant police chief, for DFL endorsement in the sheriff's race. He announced his candidacy earlier this month. Precinct caucuses are set for Feb. 2.

On Monday, Goodman said that she has formed a campaign committee, but that she is planning to wait until early January -- when she formally announces her candidacy -- to release the names of supporters.

Bostrom's backers include U.S. Rep. Betty McCollum, D-Minn., state Sen. Mee Moua, DFL-St. Paul, and Ramsey County Commissioners Victoria Reinhardt and Tony Bennett.

ANTHONY LONETREE

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