Recall Petition Formally Filed Against South St. Paul Council Member Pamela Bakken
SOUTH ST PAUL, MINNESOTA—A formal petition to begin the recall process against South St. Paul City Council Member Pamela Bakken was filed Friday morning at City Hall, marking the latest development in a months-long controversy surrounding the council member.
Molly Smith, Chair of the Committee to Recall Bakken, announced the filing in a press release on Friday, April 11, 2025, citing Section 3.08 of the South St. Paul City Charter. The move initiates a formal process that could ultimately lead to a special election and Bakken’s removal from office.
“It’s regrettable that it has come to this,” Smith said. “Since the beginning of this situation, almost four months ago, the citizens of South St. Paul have continually asked members of City Council to speak up in demanding accountability and answers from Council Member Bakken — but have been met with deafening silence.”
The call for Bakken’s resignation stems from a December incident in which a three-year-old boy allegedly ingested methamphetamine while under her care at her licensed in-home daycare. According to the Committee to Recall Bakken, the Minnesota Department of Human Services found Bakken responsible for the incident. Our original report on this incident is here: South St. Paul Council Member Pam Bakken’s Daycare License Suspended By DHS. Smith argues that this, coupled with what she describes as a lack of accountability and transparency, has eroded public trust.
“The facts stand – and they are simple: a three-year-old boy ingested meth while in Council Member Bakken’s care... and yet she – and others – have remained silent,” said Smith. “No person – but especially not elected officials – are above the law.”
The city clerk must certify the initial filing before the recall effort can proceed to the signature-gathering phase. Once certified, organizers will have 30 days to collect sufficient signatures from registered voters in South St. Paul to place the recall on a special election ballot. The City Clerk’s office has not yet confirmed the exact number of required signatures. Smith acknowledged the financial burden a special election could place on the city but emphasized that the recall is the only remaining avenue for citizens seeking accountability.
“Special elections cost money – something that will be a burden on the City financially,” she said. “But that’s the only avenue for recourse the citizens have been given. I truly wish members of Council would speak up for what’s right and join the community in calling for Bakken’s resignation.”
We have contacted Council Member Bakken and the City of South St. Paul’s Mayor for comment regarding the filing. We will provide an update when and if we hear one.
The Committee to Recall Bakken says it hopes the council member will resign voluntarily, avoiding what could be a divisive and costly process for the community.
“It’s always the right time to do what’s right,” Smith said.
Written By: Will Wight
