Marty Fridgen
Position running for: Vice President
Job title: President, United Teachers of South Washington County; Music Teacher
Local name: United Teachers of South Washington County
Email: fridgen.marty@gmail.com
Campaign links:
Statement
Who am I?
I am Marty Fridgen, a 27-year educator in the areas of student support and music, PreK-12. I’ve worked in rural and metro districts. Currently, I’m the president of the United Teachers of South Washington County. My other union experience includes:
- EdMN Governing Board
- EdMN Executive Committee
- EdMN Budget/Finance Committee
- Metro Area Council President
- St. Paul Regional Labor Federation Delegate
- MN AFL-CIO Convention Delegate
- NEA Director
I grew up in central Minnesota with a strong union background. My parents were involved in their local unions. My mom was a teacher, and my dad was a school custodian. They taught me the value of working hard, standing in union to improve economic and working conditions, and being a voice for those who do not have one.
Why Am I Running?
I am the most experienced candidate and ready to hit the ground running. I bring fresh eyes and continuity at a time when members want steady leadership and have high expectations. I have the track record to improve working conditions and bring economic security, including better compensation, affordable healthcare, and an improved pension for our members.
I’m running because no matter where we are from, where we work, or what we look like, we all want the same thing – the best public education system for educators and students.
What Can You Count On?
I collaborate, listen and take action. I do the work others are not always willing to do. For example, this past election cycle I participated in 16 door knocks, knocking on over 400 doors, and volunteered for phone banks. It’s not always fun, but it’s important.
I stand on picket lines. I march, rally, and support our union family across the movement. My involvement in the MN AFL-CIO helps demonstrate our union is not just here for ourselves. When we show up for others, they show up for us. We might be the largest union in the state, but we are not an island. We don’t succeed alone.
Why Me For VP?
I will be ready on Day 1 to improve the lives of our teachers, faculty, and education support professionals. This includes creating more connections between locals and strengthening relationships with our partners who share our same values of great public schools where professionals are respected and where all students are welcomed and included.
I do not run from difficult conversations. We can focus on bread-and-butter issues without sacrificing or alienating members who want a union that discusses more such as race and gender. It doesn’t make us less of a union. It makes us more powerful. The bread-and-butter issues of today were yesterday’s social issues.
The vice presidency is a unique position. It’s about being at the ready, a strong teammate, and utilizing my strengths so EdMN can be in more places and support the most members possible. I am the utility player prepared to step in wherever needed, making sure we keep moving forward with purpose.
Testimonial 1
Marty is a principled leader with a clear vision. She balances empathy and decisiveness well, which is key in union leadership. Her ability to listen to diverse perspectives and maintain a focus on what’s best for the collective is a powerful trait. She is unafraid of difficult decisions, showing courage in the face of potential opposition, while maintaining an energetic, action-driven approach. – Aaron Donais, St. Louis County Federation of Teachers; Ed Mn Governing Board Member, Zone 2
Testimonial 2
I’m proud to support Marty for Ed Mn VP. While Marty and I served on the NEA Board I witnessed her ability to convey clear and compelling arguments about education issues with members of Congress and their staff. She continues that work in Mn with her lobbying efforts and willingness to testify at the Capitol. As an educator in greater MN, I also appreciate the various perspectives and experiences Marty would bring as a leader. – Heather Bakke, St. Peter EA, Ed Mn Governing Board & NEA Director
Testimonial 3
I’ve known Marty for over 12 years and serve with her in a number of capacities. Marty has consistently demonstrated a deep commitment to public education and labor, an impressive breadth of knowledge, and an unwavering dedication in advocating for educators and students. She’s a natural leader and is, without a doubt, the right person for the job as Ed Mn VP. I’m confident she will continue to serve with the same passion and excellence she has always shown. – Kate Schmidt, DCUE President
Testimonial 4
Marty is a leader. She solicits input from all constituents, carefully considers all options, and takes decisive action based on that input. I witness Marty’s leadership while she serves as the Metro Area Council President, Governing Board member, and EdMN .68 committee. Her leadership is inclusive, effective, and conscientious. Marty will continue this style of leadership as Vice President. I look forward to voting for Marty at the RC. – Vince Wagner, President, Rochester Education Association
