Commissioner Gaylord Elected Chair Of Board Of Commissioners

DAKOTA COUNTY, MN — Kathleen Gaylord was elected as the chair of the Dakota County Board of Commissioners at Tuesday's meeting.

Gaylord has served on the board since 2003 and represents District 2, which encompasses West Saint Paul, South Saint Paul and Sunfish Lake, according to Dakota County's website.

Gaylord also announced that she will not run for re-election next year, the county said.

"It has been my honor to serve the constituents of District 2 and to work with my fellow commissioners in the support of Dakota County," she said. "I look forward to a positive and productive year alongside fellow commissioners and the staff."

Gaylord also outlined the board's 2022 priorities for Dakota County:

• Increasing COVID-19 vaccinations, supporting testing efforts and educating the public about the importance of vaccines
• Securing substantial federal and state dollars to provide economic relief for taxpayers
• Completing transportation upgrades, pedestrian safety improvements and pavement maintenance
• A proposed new county library in South St. Paul
• Restoring full hours of operation at library locations and eliminating late fees for youth materials
• Adding staff to respond to crisis situations in order to address mental health issues
• Making park and greenway improvements
  • Reintroducing bison to Spring Lake Park Reserve
  • Beginning construction on the final gap in the 27-mile Mississippi River Greenway

"As the board chair for 2022, I'm committed to doing what we as a county do so well and to doing it in a fiscally responsible way that benefits our constituents and our taxpayers," Gaylord said. "I truly appreciate the honor of leading the board in 2022."

Commissioner Liz Workman was elected vice-chair for 2022, the county said.