Candidate Profiles: Wrenshall Mayor

Question 1: How does your past experience, job or education qualify you to serve as Mayor of Wrenshall?

Question 2: What are the top three issues facing the City right now and how should they be addressed?

Question 3: What areas would you look to trim if there are unexpected budget deficits?

Michael W. Hyland

Question 1:

I have served 21 years as former Mayor and Council Person for the City of Wrenshall. I am a retired teacher of 31 years, teaching American History, Political Science, Geography, Physical Education, Health and Adapted Physical Education. I have a Bachelor’s Degree from the University of Minnesota, Duluth. I served 7.5 years in the military (National Guard) as a Medic and was the NCO of the medical section for one year. I served 10 years on the Wrenshall Fire Department as a fireman and first responder. I have served three years on the Carlton County Economic Development Committee.

Question 2:

We need to work together to reach goals set forth in the strategic plan and survey completed by our citizens and maintain our infrastructure (roads, water lines & well, and sewer system). Working as a team with housing developers, citizens & council we need to develop an action plan to prevent future flooding through appropriate drainage. Enforcement of speed on County Road 1 needs to be addressed.

Question 3:

In our city we could survive a one-time short fall of State funding because of an adequate general fund balance. Without State funding, we would have to implement a freeze and spend only on items necessary for safe city function, a freeze on salaries, including council salaries in the next election, a possible cut in city staff, and finally the Fire Department. Here we would have to meet with the Townships, Fire Chief and City to develop a plan to restrict spending to a safe, but bare bones level.

Gary L. Butala did not reply.