Dennis Egan has submitted his official letter of resignation (pdf here: Res 6536 Mayor's Resignation - 03-11-2013) as Mayor of Red Wing to the citycouncil
The official action follows the sand storm of criticism that swirling after he accepted the job as Executive Director of the Minnesota Industrial Sand Council. Critics felt that Egan couldn't serve two masters in the heart of Minnesota's battleground over the expansion of sand mining.
A preliminary timeline for the special election to replace Egan sets the special election for Tuesday, June 11.
Here's the text of the letter:
To: Lisa Bayley, President Red Wing City Council
Kay Kuhlmann, City AdministratorFrom: Mayor Dennis P Egan
RE: Resignation April 1, 2013
Red Wing has been home for my family the last 14 years and I have worked hard to ensure Red Wing is viewed as a special place to live, visit, and work. I am proud to serve as Mayor, and take my responsibilities as mayor very seriously.
In the last few weeks, people have expressed concern that I have recently taken work for the Minnesota Industrial Sand Council that may conflict with my duties as Mayor. I am pleased that the city attorney opined via letter that there is not a conflict of interest in my position, and I can continue to serve the city as its mayor.
Yet, I believe that a mayor must live to a higher standard than just avoiding conflicts of interest.
The position of Mayor is one of public service, and if a mayor' s activities serve as a distraction or roadblock for the city, the public is not well- served. The last few weeks have demonstrated that my new position can serve as a distraction to the city and my family, something that I cannot tolerate as Mayor.
Therefore, I will be resigning as Mayor of Red Wing on April 1, 2013. I will work with the City Council to ensure a transition that will not jeopardize the work we need accomplished at City Hall.
After then, I will refocus my time towards my family and growing my small business. I am confident I will stay involved with the Community of Red Wing just in a different capacity.
We should never lose our willingness to maintain the balance of interests, that has made Red Wing a strong city. This city on the working Mississippi River supports jobs, economic opportunity, a strong community and respect for the environment. We must never lose the ability to bring people together to look at facts, share information and make decisions that are in the best interest of our community.
I am honored to have had the opportunity to be the Mayor of Red Wing, and I look forward to continuing to serving this community. There's a resolution accepting the resignation prepared for the city council's approval on Monday, March 11, 2013:
The resolution:
RESOLUTION NO. 6536
Resolution Accepting Resignation of Mayor and Ordering a Special Election
WHEREAS, Mayor Dennis Egan submitted his resignation from the office of mayor in writing on March 7, 2013 to be effective April 1, 2013;
WHEREAS, in accordance with Minnesota Statutes Section 351. 01, subdivision 3( b), a resignation may be made to take effect on a future date and is deemed effective at 12: 01 a. m. on the stated date;
WHEREAS, Section 2. 06 of the Red Wing City Charter provides that a vacancy in the office of mayor shall be filled by a special election;
WHEREAS, when a future vacancy becomes certain to occur and the vacancy must be filled by special election, Minnesota Statutes Section 351. 055 authorizes the City to begin procedures leading to the special election so that a successor may be elected at the earliest possible time;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the City Council of the City of Red Wing, that:
1. The Council hereby accepts the resignation of Mayor Egan, effective at 12: 01 a.m. on April 1.
2. The Council hereby directs the City Clerk to begin procedures leading to the special election so that a successor may be elected at the earliest possible time.
The timeline:
Red Wing Special Election Timeline - CC 03-11-2013
Photo: Dennis Egan, whose supporters think was railroaded by ethics.
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