Former state legislator Andy Westerberg and Blaine Mayor Tom Ryan -- key players when Anoka County tried to lure the Minnesota Vikings to Blaine four years ago -- filed to run for county board this year. Then Ryan changed his mind before Tuesday's filing deadline.
Westerberg, a member of the Metropolitan Airports Commission and owner of an insurance agency, was one of a number of candidates filing to challenge Dick Lang in District 2.
Ryan, Blaine's mayor since 1996, was going to run for incumbent Robyn West's District 3 seat. Ryan, a retired gas transport driver, acknowledged that part of the lure was the county board salary -- nearly $60,000 in base pay. But being mayor of Blaine, which pays $13,000, is where his heart lies, he said:
"My passion is to work for the city of Blaine. I know that as a commissioner, I'd still be working for Blaine, but I need to be doing something different."
Ryan said worries about Social Security payments prompted his short-lived board candidacy. After much discussion with his family, he withdrew.
Westerberg, who ran unsuccessfully for county board four years ago, said "it's time to step up to the plate."
"I have a good understanding of what it takes to get things done on the state, city and county levels through my experience at the Capitol and with transportation issues."
Westerberg was author of the Vikings-stadium House bill in 2006. That year, in an effort to sway legislators, the Vikings suggested that the stadium be open-air to save money. But that would have limited the stadium's use for other events. "Without a retractable roof, I'm not interested," Westerberg said in May of 2006.
In District 2, Lang, a five-term incumbent, faces Westerberg, former Ham Lake City Council Member Jolynn (Joey) Erikson, Ham Lake Council Member and former Mayor Gary Kirkeide and Debbie Johnson, a 10-year veteran of the state Legislature. Also running is Erik Evenson.
In District 3, West will face Blaine City Council Member Mike Bourke, who works as an auto-parts store manager.
In District 5, where Scott LeDoux resigned his seat for health reasons, the field includes his wife, Carol LeDoux; Becky Fink, a longtime community volunteer and activist; Andover City Council Member Julie Trude; Dan Nelson, a retired teacher, and Michael Rohricht, a program manager who has helped develop wireless mobile systems for the Minneapolis Police Department and within Ramsey County.
Jim Kordiak, longtime commissioner in District 4, is being challenged by Gregory Sloat.
Vying for the seat held by retiring county board Chairman Dennis Berg are Met Council member and former county commissioner Natalie Steffen, Ramsey City Council Member Matt Look, former Ramsey City Council Member Terry Hendriksen and Andy Hillebregt.
The county attorney's race has two familiar names: longtime assistant county attorney Tony Palumbo and assistant Hennepin County attorney Brad Johnson, son of the current Anoka County incumbent, Robert M.A. Johnson, and grandson of former county attorney Robert W. Johnson.
Capt. James Stuart, a division commander with the sheriff's office, and Ron Bouley, a patrol division lieutenant, are running for sheriff. Bruce Andersohn is not seeking reelection.
Paul Levy • 612-673-4419
