Ben Schierer Rebuilds Rural Trust in Government
Today on the show, host and NewDEAL Leader Ryan Coonerty talks with Ben Schierer, the mayor of Fergus Falls, Minnesota, about how smaller cities can adapt in order to thrive in a post-COVID world. He also shares his advice on how Democrats can rebuild trust in rural communities, based on his own experience of being elected and re-elected in a county that overwhelmingly supports Donald Trump. Ryan and Mayor Schierer discuss what the last few years have been like, raising five kids, managing two restaurant businesses, and working as the mayor. Finally, he touches on the importance of the ecology of Fergus Falls and the work he’s doing to protect environmentally and economically important resources.
Stay tuned to the end of the episode to hear Mayor Schierer talk about why folk are gravitating towards smaller communities like Fergus Falls, and why you must visit to enjoy everything from omelets to local art, the world’s largest otter, and more!