South St. Paul city council member Pam Bakken is facing mounting calls to resign after her in-home daycare license was suspended in December by the Minnesota Department of Human Services.
Residents and other concerned individuals spoke out during Tuesday night's South St. Paul city council meeting and demanded Bakken resign amid the investigation that involves the Lakeville Police Department.
"Our community deserves a city council this is about reproach," said resident Steve Richter. "As a citizen my trust in your ability to be transparent has been eviscerated and my trust in your decision making has been left in question."
A letter dated December 9th from DHS to Bakken listed "an imminent risk of harm to persons served" as the reason for the temporary immediate suspension of her license.
There are reports that a 3-year-old boy tested positive for meth after spending a day at the facility.
The letter states that due to the investigation, additional information cannot be released, but did say that based on allegations, "DHS cannot ensure the health and safety of the children served by your program at this time."
According to the Minnesota Star Tribune, the Lakeville Police Department was asked by the South St. Paul Police Department to look into the incident and that it involved a child that was, "potentially exposed to a harmful substance."
"It is imperative that councilmember Bakken takes a temporary administrative leave or resign if that is not an option while this investigation is active," said resident Nicole Larson.
Among those supporting Bakken on Tuesday night was South St. Paul English teacher, Brandon Lambert, who told the council Bakken had cared for his two children.
"Pam raised our children with love, Christian morals, and ethics," Lamber said. "I know that Pam had nothing to do with this, I know that in my hear and I guess that's not enough."
Lambert criticized ongoing social media conversations about the investigation.
"The Bakken's have children, too. I want you to consider some of the spurious things you say and some of the dots that you connect that aren't there. The bullying you do then is passed on to your kids who do the same thing in school. The glass house isn't all that. Keep in mind that these are people, too."
Bakken did not indicate if she plans to resign. At this time no criminal charges have been filed as part of the investigation.