Politics & Government

St. Michael, Businesses React to Albertville Council's Decision

While many were surprised by the council's whirlwind decision to fire its city administrator, they agree the biggest question is what happens next.

In the hallway outside of the city council chambers atMonday night, emotions were still running fairly high.

Elmer Eichelberg, Wright County Commissioner, credited Kruse for bringing the Interstate 94 ramp for the to fruition. Kruse, he said, held countless meetings with adminstrators and the county commission to explain the merits of the ramp.

Former mayor Ron Klecker, who came to the podium for Kruse, was speechless, and asked to wait to comment.

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Outgoing City Administrator Bob Derus of St. Michael said the incident was a reminder of one of the aspects of the job.

"We enjoyed working with Larry [Kruse]. In this line of work, sometimes things change and you can wind up on the short end of the 3-2 vote," Derus said. "That's true of many jobs. However, because this plays out in such a fishbowl, I can tell you that's what can make this job, as well as the jobs of the mayor and council members so difficult. My heart goes out to everyone on both sides of this issue, because it is so emotionally difficult."

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Rob Rich of Auto Repair has been vocal in his support of Kruse. He's one of several businesses who is bearing a tax to help pay for the cost of the new ramp on the interstate, but understands the need for re-routing traffic.

Council member Larry Sorensen, who also worked to defend Kruse, said today "it's time to move on." But he wonders how hard that will be to do.

Derus said the city will continue to work closely with Albertville, including providing engineers for the ramp project. 

"I know that the city will continue to work in any way we can to build on our many collaborative efforts with the City of Albertville, and we will do everything we can to support the Albertville City Council and staff in making as smooth a transition possible," Derus said.


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