Clark joins city team; replaces Gary Hoffmann

Talk about it

WORTHINGTON — New City Administrator Craig Clark is a little bit impressed with Worthington.

“I’m starting to learn what are the hot button issues and what things (the council is) currently working on and what really impresses me about Worthington, one of the reasons I chose to come here, is the attitude and sense that there’s nothing that Worthington can’t do. And that extends beyond the council to the city itself…the half cent sales tax is a remarkable indication of that,” he said.

Clark replaces Gary Hoffmann, who has been serving as the interim city administrator since May.

“He comes with a lot of energy and a lot of knowledge. I’ve been impressed with his memory and grasp of things we’ve been talking about,” said Hoffman.

Clark, an Indianola, Iowa native, earned his bachelor’s degree in political science and history from Buena Vista College in Storm Lake, Iowa and his master’s in public administration from Hamline University in St. Paul.

He most recently worked as the first-ever administrator in the town of Clayton, Wis., located nearly 400 miles east of Worthington.

He has also served as a committee administrator in the Minnesota House and a senior legislative aide in the U.S. House of Representatives, and thinks his contacts in the house may serve him well in his new position.

“Having a relationship with our state government is beneficial and I think I can bring that to the table,” he said, “I don’t claim to be a super genius or what have you, but I think I can bring some fresh ideas and fresh perspectives … from what I can tell the community’s hungry for that.”

Clark is renting a house in town while he waits for his family; wife Anita, children Garrett, 4; Peyton, 2 and Emma, 4 months are staying in Clayton until they sell the family home and find a preschool for Garrett.

“I think giving the kids jumpy rides and local government at this point in my life are my two hobbies,” he said. “Having three kids under four is quite an endeavor.”

He also encouraged the public to come to him with questions or concerns.

“I’m still idyllic enough to think that I’m here to make the world a better place, he said. “That’s why I kind of take public service as my calling.”

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