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Commissioners Bid Farewell
Pope County Tribune - Starbuck Times
Written by Zach Anderson - Starbuck Times New Editor   
Thursday, 08 January 2009 15:56


• County Attorney Belvin Doebbert: "I'd like to express my personal appreciation to the outgoing commissioners. All three of you have been wonderful to work with. You're professional and courteous to each other and staff and I know we have good people coming in [to office], but you're going to be missed."

• County Coordinator Riaz Aziz: "It's been an extraordinary privilege to be part of the body here. To all three of the outgoing commissioner, I wish I could find words better than 'thank you.' I don't think I'm overstating the sentiments of the management staff when I say it's been an extraordinary opportunity for those of us serving with you. You three have served your constituents, this board, and certainly the staff of Pope County, remarkably. There are those out there who will never recognize the efforts of county commissioners - they don't make front page newspaper stories, but for those of use who work with you, it has been extraordinary. You will be terribly missed. With our utmost gratitude we wish you the best."

• County Board Chairman Larry Kittelson: "I echo the same sentiments. I'm really going to miss working with you, Jeanne.. and Dean. And Paul, he's been here a short time, but we're going to miss him and we certainly wish him luck. It's been a pleasure working with you three people."

• Commissioner Randy Shaw: "I'd like to reiterate what was said. It's been really good working with you three. And I'd like to congratulate Paul on his win to go to the state legislature. Hopefully you'll ruffle a few feathers down there and get Pope County some money."

• Commissioner Dean Paulson: "I've appreciated working with the entire board. We really got into a situation where we could agree to disagree agreeably. It may be easiest to say, 'no more spending,' and you could come away a hero, but that may not be what's best for Pope County. I see other counties in terrible financial distress because they've avoided facing issues and it's not easy raising taxes - I don't like raising own taxes, but don't think you can always put off 'til tomorrow; you have to be progressive and look forward. I apologize for my mistakes, but I don't apologize for giving my best for four years. I've really enjoyed the people I've worked for in district three, and the entire population of Pope County. It's been a pleasure to serve on the board and I'm going to miss it. This is a great county, second to none. So, what will I do now? Live in Pope County. This is where I now have my roots and it's just a great place.

• Commissioner Jeanne Olson: "It's been my honor and privilege to serve Pope County; especially my constituents in Glenwood, they're the ones who elected me and had faith that I could do a good job. I really appreciated their confidence in me."

• Commissioner Paul Anderson: "I'd like to put a couple things out there on next year's wish list. First, don't give up the courthouse security thing... I'd encourage you to continue thinking about security here. The other thing I'd like to encourage is that you keep moving on highway garage in Starbuck; it could be pursued for a better purpose. Third, I'd like to comment on the law enforcement center. It was a difficult decision and a long decision; I feel good that it was right thing to do. Good luck with planning - it's going to be a good thing for Pope County."

At that point, Anderson read a letter of resignation to the board. He said, "I've thoroughly enjoyed the last two years and I'm confident Pope County is in a strong position. I thank the people of Pope County for the privilege of serving them."

Commissioners-elect Gordy Wagner and Paul Gerde will be sworn into office on Tuesday during the county board's 2009 organizational meeting.