The county boards in Scott and Dakota counties will have new leaders for 2010, with a man giving way to a woman and a woman giving way to a man.
Commissioner Thomas Egan took the reins of the Dakota County Board on the unanimous vote of his colleagues Tuesday, replacing Kathleen Gaylord. And in Shakopee, Barbara Marschall took over from Jon Ulrich without dissent as leader of the Scott County Board.
There were differences, however, on who was to be vice chairman in Scott County. Commissioner Tom Wolf, who represents the mostly rural southeast corner, nominated Joe Wagner, who represents the other rural district. Wagner voted for himself, but the three suburban commissioners succeeded in installing Ulrich as vice chairman.
Scott County's meeting centered on successes of 2009, such as the deal in which unions representing county workers accepted pay cuts, while Dakota looked to the future.
"I want to start 2010 with enthusiasm and optimism," Egan said after thanking the other board members. But he didn't gloss over anticipated financial challenges. "We will spend less to deliver services in 2010. We know that the state's ongoing budget deficit is likely to result in further cuts in funding."
Egan, a lawyer by trade, has been on the County Board since 2005, representing the district that includes Mendota Heights, Lilydale and parts of Eagan. Previously, he held elected office in the city of Eagan, serving three terms as a City Council member and three terms as mayor. He has also served on the Metropolitan Council. Commissioner Joseph Harris, a board member since 1981, was chosen as vice chairman for 2010.
Marschall, a substitute teacher, is the senior member of the Scott board, having represented Prior Lake and parts of Shakopee since 1997. She has been board chairwoman before.
KATIE HUMPHREY AND DAVID PETERSON
