My Platform

As your city council representative, my focus will be on the needs of our residents and making fiscally responsible decisions. I am a firm believer in the power of collaboration and ensuring the voices of all residents are heard and valued in our decision-making processes. Your concerns and ideas will guide me.

I am committed to:

• Managing our city budget in a fiscally responsible manner, while not raising taxes

• Upholding our safe city designations by fully supporting our police and firefighters

• Attracting new economic opportunities to support the needs of our residents

• Developing future city leaders who will move us forward, while preserving our core values

• Fostering a positive, collaborative environment where our community can thrive together

Map of RSM Districts

District 3

Neighbors and Friends,

My name is Keri Lynn Baert and I am running to represent you on the RSM City Council for District 3. Twenty-two years ago, my husband and I chose this wonderful city to raise our family. I am a dedicated volunteer in our community and have successfully led multiple nonprofit organizations with a focus on fiscal responsibility, building community, and advocacy. I know how to find solutions and deliver results that positively impact our community.

I will utilize these leadership and business skills on the RSM City Council. My governance is grounded in transparency, accountability, and serving the best interests of our city. My experiences have given me a unique understanding of the challenges that come with raising a family and having senior parents in RSM. The past year has shown us the importance of having representatives who truly understand and are engaged with our community.

It’s time for a new voice and a fresh perspective! Feel free to email me if you have any questions.

Sincerely,

Keri Lynn

Why I'm Running & What I Support

• Term Limits - RSM does not have term limits and when proposed several years ago, current members of the city council voted against it. Thus, we have had the same representation for many years, with the same ideas, whose decisions show a disconnect and lack of transparency with the community. I support term limits! The new city map districts were drawn with the specific purpose of keeping all current city council members in office, even though the map breaks up neighborhoods, ignores natural boundaries like Santa Margarita Parkway, and divides school communities.

• Fiscal Responsibility & Fiscally Conservative - I believe city leaders should be good stewards of taxpayers' money. In January 2024 RSM City Council UNAMIMOUSLY voted to spend $300,000 on a history museum that was to be open part-time. I don't believe this was a fiscally responsible decision. History is important, but there are other less expensive ways to showcase the history of RSM.

• Transparency in Government - With the City Council's approval of the museum, the RSM Community learned this was planned to be housed in the same location as our city Boys and Girls Club. Thus, the city decided not to renew the club's lease in the Bell Tower. This decision was not transparent, as it was not discussed in public prior to the city's decision and was a surprise to both residents and the Boys and Girls Club. In addition, while the city accepts eComments, they do not read them at city council meetings or add them to the minutes in a similar way to those that go to speak. We need transparency in city government decisions and issues.

• Community Connection & Representation - These decisions from the past year alone, show a real disconnect with our community. We need a District 3 representative who is connected and involved in our community and who understands and values the importance of raising and supporting children. I have that community focus and proven advocacy on behalf of our families.

• Civility - Citizens should be able to attend and speak at city council meetings and be treated with respect and civility. While there are and should be different opinions, we need to listen to each other and value our neighbor's ideas and willingness to work together. Our city leaders should model civility and treat others with dignity. I have support from many neighbors and families of all different political backgrounds because of my character and actions in how I treat others.