Gallagher to retire from post

• Norm Gallagher

Norm Gallagher (Justine Wettschreck/Daily Globe)

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WORTHINGTON — Nobles County Commissioner Norm Gallagher will officially retire from his post at the end of this month.

Gallagher, 69, had served Commissioner District 4 in Worthington since 2000. His term was set to expire at the end of this year.

The announcement was made during Tuesday morning’s Nobles County Board of Commissioner’s meeting. Gallagher was not present for the meeting, and it was mentioned that he is now residing at Crossroads Care Center in Worthington.

In a letter written by Gallagher and read by board chairman Marv Zylstra, the Fourth District Commissioner spoke of his struggles with two long-term medical issues that have caused him concern with being a county commissioner.

“By means of this letter, I’m advising you that I will be retiring from the Nobles County Board of Commissioners for District 4 effective March 31, 2010.

“Having the opportunity to serve District 4 for nearly 10 years has been a privilege and honor. I haven’t taken this job lightly, and I know my replacement will do the same to serve the people of District 4.

“I thank the voters of District 4 for allowing me to serve as your county commissioner the past 10 years,” wrote Gallagher.

A long-time businessman in Worthington, Gallagher began his first term as Nobles County Commissioner in July 2000. He represented the voters in Ward 1, Precincts 1, 3 and 4, and Ward 2, Precinct 3.

Gallagher has encountered a series of health issues in recent years, including a diagnosis of Parkinson’s Disease and a pair of mild strokes on Feb. 2 and March 4.

County board members accepted Gallagher’s retirement with an expressed appreciation for the work he did to serve the county.

“I know it was very difficult for him,” said Zylstra, who said he visited with Gallagher on Sunday. “He wanted to be here to express his appreciation to the board.”

Gallagher had told Zylstra that of all the boards he had served on over the years, he most enjoyed his service on the Board of Commissioners.

“We do wish Norm the very best,” Zylstra said.

“I’m sure going to miss him,” added Commissioner Diane Thier. “He was so intelligent and so up on everything that he did. I just wish him well.”

Benson said he and Gallagher became good friends during their years as county commissioners.

“I really appreciated him — he took it seriously, which we all do,” Benson added.

Leistico also commended Gallagher for the research he did on the issues that came before the county.

Gallagher’s announced retirement left fellow commissioners with questions on Tuesday, specifically regarding the protocol to fill the vacant board seat.

Nobles County Attorney Gordon Moore, reached via phone early Tuesday afternoon, said the board has a couple of different options. It can either declare a special election or appoint an individual to fill the remainder of Gallagher’s term.

“Because Mr. Gallagher’s term has less than one year, under the statute the county board has the option to fill by appointment after a public hearing occurs,” said Moore.

A hearing must allow for public testimony to be taken from the residents in District 4, and must include notification to Worthington City Council members who reside within that district, as well as the mayor.

If a special election is decided upon, current law states it would need to be conducted within 30 to 90 days after April 1. If more than two candidates file for the seat, a primary election would also need to be conducted within that same time frame, said Moore.

“That makes for a tight timeframe if there is a primary needed,” he added.

There is a potential complication, however, in that the Minnesota Legislature passed a bill that would extend the period for a special election to 120 days following the vacancy, or 12 weeks prior to the next regularly scheduled primary, whichever is earliest. Moore said that legislation is expected to go before Gov. Tim Pawlenty in the near future.

“Right now, the board has to decide what direction they’re going to go — appointment or special election,” said Moore. “I would anticipate, given the time sensitivity … that this issue will be on the board’s agenda on April 6.”

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