I’m Sarah Opitz, and I’m running for Moorhead City Council in Ward 1 because this community supported me through my hardest chapter and gave me a second chance. As a mom, homeowner, social worker, nonprofit founder, entrepreneur, and person in long-term recovery, I know firsthand that we are never defined by just one difficult moment. I’ve dedicated my life to helping others, and now I want to give back to the city that welcomed me in and allowed us a new beginning. We can grow Moorhead responsibly, supporting local businesses and maintaining our infrastructure, while facing tough challenges like mental health and addiction with both compassion and accountability. To me, leadership isn't about having all the answers; it’s about listening, being transparent, and ensuring everyone has a seat at the table. Public office belongs to the people, and I would be honored to represent the heart and potential of Ward 1.
We must responsibly maintain the foundation our community already depends upon. This includes streets, utilities, public facilities, parks, and transportation systems. It also means ensuring that police officers, firefighters, EMS personnel, direct-care professionals, and other frontline workers have the staffing, equipment, and support necessary to serve Moorhead effectively. Strong infrastructure and dependable public services are essential to the safety, stability, and quality of life of every resident.
Fiscal responsibility requires balancing future growth with careful stewardship of existing resources. New projects and economic development incentives should be evaluated based on their long-term public value, financial sustainability, and measurable benefits for residents. Moorhead should continue welcoming responsible development and new employers while also investing in local entrepreneurs, family-owned businesses, established neighborhoods, employees, and working families. Progress should strengthen what is already here, not leave existing businesses, services, or residents behind.
Housing and food insecurity, homelessness, substance use, mental health needs, childcare, education, transportation, workforce shortages, and business sustainability are deeply interconnected. City government cannot address these challenges alone. I support cross-sector collaboration among the city, Clay County, schools, colleges, healthcare providers, first responders, businesses, nonprofits, faith communities, neighborhood groups, and residents with lived experience. City leadership should connect existing resources, identify service gaps, reduce unnecessary duplication, and strengthen the valuable work already happening throughout Moorhead. Compassion, accountability, fiscal responsibility, and public safety are not competing values. Thoughtful solutions can protect neighborhoods and public spaces while treating people with dignity, connecting them with appropriate support, and maintaining reasonable community expectations.
Moorhead is at a pivotal point. We have an opportunity to define our city’s next chapter through intentional, responsible growth while preserving the history, neighborhood character, community connection, and sense of belonging that made Moorhead home in the first place. Residents most directly affected by a decision should have meaningful opportunities to participate before that decision is made. My commitment is to invite voices from every level of the community to the table, listen respectfully to differing perspectives, seek informed guidance, and make transparent decisions with Moorhead’s long-term interests at the center.
Have questions or suggestions? I would love to hear from you!
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916 Silver Spur Rd, Rolling Hills Estates, CA 90274