April 14, 2022 at 1:25 p.m.
Mayor offers prayer at 'bittersweet' final council meeting
Mayor offers prayer at 'bittersweet' final council meeting
While Frederickson did not preside over the meeting, he did share a few final thoughts as well as a prayer.
"This is a bittersweet moment for the mayor as this is my last meeting..." he said. "I'm going to tell you what a blessing it has been and how thankful I am for being able to lead this city for the last four years. It's been tumultous at times. We've had a lot of successes, we've learned from a lot of mistakes and we move forward. I want to applaud our council right now for working together and moving things forward even when we disagree or agree on certain things."
He went on to thank the city's administrative staff for their leadership and direction, recognized the department heads and workers for their efforts and thanked the voters for giving him this opportunity.
"Without them the first couple of years wouldn't have been bearable, even to move forward," he said, referring to the department heads and city employees. "No less the fact that they took care of stuff in a very, very, very professional manner all the way through this and I appreciate them. Last, but not least, I want to thank the people, the people for investing in me, giving me a chance without being a part of government before and then supporting me as we went through change after change after change."
He concluded with a prayer for the city.
"I pray for the people, their situations in housing, in tax and water," he said. "Lord, that it's in your hands and that you'll help take care of them. Lord, I pray for our new mayor and our new direction with some new council members. Lord, (I ask) that you just bless them with good people around them, surround them with knowledge, give them a thirst and a love for the people so they can make correct decisions. Lord, I thank you again for this opportunity. In Jesus name, amen."
Frederickson will technically remain in office until April 19 when Mayor-elect Kris Hanus is installed. Hanus, a local businessman and political newcomer, defeated former alderman Steve Sauer in the April 5 election. Frederickson, who was elected as a write-in candidate in 2018, did not seek re-election. Rossing and fellow incumbent Andrew Larson also chose to forego a campaign for a second term.
New alderpersons LeAnn Felten and Steven Jopek will be sworn in next week, alongside Hanus, as will incumbents Tom Kelly and David Holt, who were unopposed in the spring election.
Heather Schaefer may be reached at [email protected].
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