Wright County officials gathered to bid farewell to two of its longstanding public servants as they entered retirement. In the Jan. 21 meeting of the Wright County Board of Commissioners, appreciation was expressed for County Surveyor Steve Jobe's 19 years and Assistant County Attorney Mark Erickson's 29 years of dedication to the community.
Adjacent to his departure, according to a publication from the Wright County website, Assistant County Administrator Marc Mattice highlighted Jobe's passion and leadership. "I really appreciate your passion and your dedication to your profession as well as Wright County," Mattice said, expressing hope that Jobe would take pride in his technological advancements that transformed the department. Jobe expressed his gratitude to the board, past and present, for their trust during his tenure.
In a seamless transition, the board appointed Charles Webb as the interim county surveyor, ensuring the department's stability amid the search for Jobe's successor. Following suit, Wright County Attorney Brian Lutes acknowledged Erickson's rigorous pursuit of justice, particularly in handling the complex cases of sex crimes and child victimization.
"I came here from Hennepin County and defense attorneys would complain about Mark because he was so tough on crime," Lutes stated in the official announcement. His jest about defense attorneys charging more with Erickson on a case, reflected the assistant county attorney's relentless dedication to securing convictions. Erickson, upon his retirement, noted the sense of justice achieved as his greatest reward.
Both Jobe and Erickson were recognized not just for their individual contributions but also for their commitment to cultivating environments that bolstered their respective departments. Wright County extends its heartfelt thanks to the two retirees, wishing them both a well-deserved rest and contentment in their new chapters.
