Minnetonka Mayor Brad Wiersum announced he will be retiring by the end of this year, closing a chapter marked by over two decades of public service. A staple of local politics, Wiersum first joined the city council in 2002 after being appointed to fill a vacancy. His tenure included being re-elected to the council and two successive terms as mayor starting in 2017 and later in 2021. During his term, he navigated the city through the coronavirus pandemic's upheaval, a feat that required fostering connections and providing reassurance in unprecedented times.
In a statement obtained by the City of Minnetonka's official news publication, Wiersum said, "I felt the need to have a positive and encouraging message at a very dark and difficult time." He went on to reveal the personal fulfillment he found in the bonds formed during his mayorship: "I learned how much people appreciated it, and I made a lot of valuable connections as a result." This sense of community proved to be integral during a time when easy solutions were scarce, but solidarity could still be cultivated.
Under his leadership, the city made strides in addressing affordable housing. Wiersum's legacy includes significant efforts to improve lives through housing initiatives. "Through our staff and council, we've made significant differences in a lot of people's lives because of the work we've done on housing and affordable housing," Wiersum told the City of Minnetonka's news release. These milestones stand as a testament to his commitment to tackling issues that affect everyday residents of Minnetonka.
Another key achievement of Wiersum's mayorship includes the acquisition of The Marsh, a move that he considered crucial for the well-being of the community, particularly its senior members. "The facility benefits a lot of people, particularly seniors. The therapy pool is a life changer for many accident victims and people with mobility challenges," he explained. According to the city's announcement, Wiersum noted that The Marsh's fate was uncertain prior to its purchase by the city, highlighting the proactive steps taken under his administration to preserve this local asset.
Boasting a record of attending more than a thousand meetings and casting over tens of thousands of votes, Wiersum's retirement marks the end of a long-spanning career in city government. Reflecting on his years of public service, he expressed enjoyment of the diverse interactions that the role brought forth. "It's so interesting. You meet a lot of different people in a lot of unique circumstances, and, to me, that's just a lot of fun," Wiersum said in a nod to the dynamic nature of his mayoral tenure. As Minnetonka looks to the future, the city's path is undeniably shaped by Wiersum's impactful service.
