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Excerpted from an April 17 article in the St. Paul Pioneer Press
by Karl J. Karlson

Fed up by what they say is inattention to upkeep and needs of tenants, nearly 30 activists gathered on Payne Avenue on St. Paul's East Side recently to complain about landlords and rundown properties.

Calling the event an "eat-in" or "sit-out," the group sat in folding chairs, ate pizza, and complained about East Side landlord Keith Pederson.

Through the Dayton's Bluff Community Council, renters are learning about their rights, such as how to escrow rent and use housing court procedures, said John Vaughn, council community organizer.

Other efforts include cooperation with city officials to bring two part-time code enforcement officers to the area.

Pederson disputes claims by Vaughn and others that he has been derelict in maintaining his properties.

"I am just not moving as fast as they want me to," Pederson said.

Pederson is only one of several landlords the group is focusing on, Vaughn said, and he expects more direct actions involving what they consider problem landlords. There are more than a few to pick from," he said.