About Me

I’m Peter Dahlen, City Council Representative for Northfield’s Third Ward.

I have lived in the ward for 35 years. My successors have been the late Arnie Nelson, George Zuccolotto and Erica Zweifel – our current mayor. I think about them when I work on your behalf.

I am married to a social worker / social work professor (now retired). Our two children also grew up in Ward 3, and attended Northfield Public Schools. One lives in New York City and one lives in Des Moines (with our two grandchildren). I follow Des Moines city government because my son-in-law does. I also pay close attention to what the cities in Rice & Dakota counties and what our friends in Saint Paul are doing.

I graduated from St. Olaf (1979) and Wm. Mitchell / Hamline Law School (1983). My professional work has been in labor law which I immensely enjoy.

I feel quite strongly about many things, but two things stand out: the disparity of income in this country and the burdens on taxpayers, whether it is property taxes or fees. There are many other priorities, and I want local government to address them. Please let me know your views and I will do my best to represent you on those issues, too.