A local businesswoman, Dee Svensson, is one of two people who have thrown their hat into the ring in the race for Carroll’s mayor this November. Svensson, who moved to Carroll in 2017, spent the earlier parts of her life in Alabama, where she served for eight years in law enforcement, 20 years as a paramedic, and also ran her own business. Svensson says this is her first foray into politics, but her motivation to run is clear.
Svensson purchased a Touch of Country in the Westgate Mall in 2024, which she says shows her confidence in Carroll and a commitment to the community’s success. She and her husband, Dr. Charles Svensson, who is running for one of the Carroll Community School District (CCSD) Board of Education seats, have made Carroll home by choice. Svensson says Carroll is a wonderful community, but there are areas where it could be even better.
Svensson cites the previous choice to put bricks in the downtown and argues it didn’t bring substantial value. She believes the city’s budget needs to better prioritize needs over wants before funding projects or initiatives that do not directly benefit residents. The city’s tax rate and policies appear to be one of the leading issues for many voters this November, and Svensson says those concerns are downstream from the city’s spending.
Historically, Carroll has had one of the lowest rates in the state for communities of a similar size, but Svensson says that doesn’t mean they can’t find other areas to trim. Svensson says Carroll needs an energetic and vocal leader, and believes she fits the bill.
Only one other candidate has filed to run for Carroll mayor, and that is Jerry Fleshner, the current mayor. Carroll Broadcasting will have more from him and other local candidates in upcoming newscasts.
