Carlton County Board's longest-serving commissioner ends tenure
May 16—CARLTON — Dick Brenner will end his time on the Carlton County Board as the longest-serving commissioner in its history.
Brenner announced May 7 that he would not seek reelection. Carlton County Coordinator Dennis Genereau noted his tenure is a record for Carlton County.
"It was something that I really enjoyed doing," Brenner said. "And hopefully, I provided some direction."
Brenner represents the 1st District, which encompasses the north-central part of the county and part of western Cloquet and Sawyer. He was first elected to the board in 1992.
If Brenner, 85, was to run again, he would be nearly 90 years old before his term expired.
Having spent over three decades on the county board, Brenner has taken pride in overseeing the completion of some massive county projects. As the county prepares for the completion of one of its biggest projects to date, the Carlton County Justice Center, Brenner believes it is time to pass the torch.
Before serving as a commissioner, Brenner spent 17 years on the Cloquet School Board. He decided to run for commissioner with the encouragement of local residents.
Once he is retired from politics for the first time in nearly a half-century, Brenner is unsure what he will do in his newfound free time. However, he suspects his wife might have some plans now that his days will no longer be dedicated to an endless stream of meetings.
"He is an incredible asset to our county board, staff and citizens, and he has always prided himself in working in the best interests of all county residents, and not just those in his district," Genereau said in an email. "I for one will miss him immensely, and I am far from alone in that respect. He is a great person, and an even better man."
Brenner is the second county commissioner who announced he won't seek reelection; the first was
Gary Peterson, who announced in April.
Incumbent
Thomas Proulx will seek a fifth term.
