Minutes - Council - 05/12/2026 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Mr. Ron Trail, 6025 Green Valley Road NW, addressed the Ramsey City Council regarding the Minnesota state flag discussion. He expressed frustration with the process for adopting the new flag and argued that Minnesota residents should have been allowed to vote directly on the design change. He also objected to reports that penalties could be imposed on cities that refuse to display the new state flag, stating that residents should determine what occurs within the City. Mr. Trail further argued that removing imagery from the former flag, including Native American representation and historic symbols tied to Minnesota’s development, erased important parts of the State’s heritage and history. He maintained that the former flag had represented Minnesota for many years and urged the Council to support displaying the historic design rather than the current flag. Mr. Michael Swanson, 5368 140th Court NW, Ramsey, addressed the Ramsey City Council regarding the Minnesota state flag discussion. He argued that the former state seal and flag symbolized the removal of Native Americans from Minnesota following the Dakota War of 1862 and expressed support for the State’s decision to adopt a new flag design. He also explained that while living outside Minnesota for several years, he found that many people could not identify the former state flag because it resembled numerous other state flags with dark blue backgrounds and detailed seals. He indicated the new Minnesota flag has a more recognizable and distinctive design and stated he was proud of the State for adopting it. He also thanked the Council for removing the related agenda items from consideration that evening. Mr. John Hornby, 15387 Geranium Street NW, addressed the Ramsey City Council regarding the Minnesota state flag discussion. He stated that he served 35 years in the military and expressed frustration that Minnesota residents were not allowed to vote directly on the new state flag. He argued that the decision should not have been made by a small commission and believed the matter should have appeared on a statewide ballot. He also indicated that the former state flag better represented Minnesota and claimed that residents in other states had criticized the new design during his travels. He questioned why the issue continued to be debated and urged support for the former Minnesota flag. Ms. Jacqueline Christensen, 16460 St. Francis Boulevard NW, addressed the Ramsey City Council regarding the Minnesota state flag discussion. She began by referencing the City’s mission and vision statements, which center on collaboration, responsible growth, and efficient government services. She explained that while history is important, discussions surrounding the former state flag should also acknowledge the painful history experienced by Indigenous communities in Minnesota, including forced removal from ancestral lands, the Dakota War of 1862, the mass execution in Mankato, internment near Fort Snelling, and long-term systemic inequities affecting Native Americans. Ms. Christensen also referenced prior comments made during a 2021 Council discussion that compared mask requirements during the COVID-19 pandemic to the internment of Japanese Americans during World War II, arguing that historical context matters when discussing public symbols and representation. She questioned whether revisiting the flag City Council / May 12, 2026 Page 6 of 15