At the top of the agenda for the Dec. 2 meeting of the Ramsey County Commission was board reorganization with Commissioner Blaine Volk agreeing to assume the chair for 2026, by unanimous ballot, and Commissioner Paul Wilhemlmi assuming the Vice Chair position, also by unanimous ballot.
Some discussion centered around changing some of the portfolios that each position was responsible for and it was agreed that switching might be a good idea to help the commissioners learn about the various boards and meetings within the county. Some should, however, remain the purview of the chair, for example, while others could change or be reassigned once a new commissioner is on board.
At the bottom of the agenda was New Business addressing the vacancy on the commission.
Blaine Volk thanked the 11 people who had expressed interest in filling the vacancy created when Commissioner Lee Gessner resiged his position. Those who submitted letters of intent were:
Scott Diseth
Michael Steffan
Heather MacDonald
Mark Olson
Ed Brown
Wade Sharbono
Terry Wallace
Kelsey Eidsness
Emily Jaeger
Aaron Pallansch
Steve Herrick
Each sitting commissioner expressed their appreciation for those who had applied. “There are a lot of strong candidates,” Commissioner Jeff Frith stated.
Commissioner Paul Wilhelmi said he thought it would be important to have different view points and fresh eyes but maybe someone with experience, who had sat on the Commission in past years.
One person from this list was nominated and the vote was unanimous, former long-time commissioner, Ed Brown, was elected. He fills the vacancy for the next year and then would have to campaign and run again at the next general election.
Volk thanked everyone who had expressed interest and stated that when election time comes around he hoped as many folks would continue to be interested in a position, there will be three positions to be filled at that time.
