Derek Pederson is a business agent at Laborers Local 1091. He’s the president of the Duluth Central Labor Body. And as of now, he’s a city-councilor-elect in Proctor.
 “I wanted to run to continue to keep Proctor moving in a positive direction and thriving by continuing to support working families and local businesses” Pederson said. “We’ve also got a large veteran and military community here, and I’ll continue to support them in anyway I can.”
He’s been a Laborer for 18 years and a business agent for eight, and during that time has seen again and again that “working people have to step up and run for local government to ensure we have a voice.  We have to fight everyday for our fair share.”
Pederson was one of five candidates running for two seats, one of which was held by incumbent  Troy DeWall, who held his seat.
Pederson said he thinks the city does a good job of maintaining taxes at a level that is affordable while still supporting services, and that infrastructure will be a big focus of his. “We have a lot of sidewalks that need replacing, and a lot of people who walk in this community,” he said. “Infrastructure is obviously a big thing for me, because of my background, and I’ll try to use that and help make this city even better.”
Ensuring big projects like that are completed with local workers to keep money in the community will also be a priority, Pederson said.