Posted: 1/2/07
Kelleher takes a look back
Second district
commissioner served 16 years on
county board
By David Heiller
Argus News Editor
Houston County has become more professional.
Thatís one of the biggest changes that Kevin Kelleher said he has seen in his 16 years on the board. Itís also one of the things he is most proud of.
Kelleher did not run for re-election in 2006. Larry Connery won the seat and will replace Kelleher as second district commissioner.
"Our hiring practices and personnel are just so immensely improved," Kelleher said in a telephone interview on December 27. "Itís not even a comparison with the way it used to be."
There is better evaluation of staff, and non-union county workers can move forward in their professions, he said.
Houston County is respected in county government circles, Kelleher said. He feels the countyís recycling and solid waste program is one of the best if not the best in Minnesota. Kelleher, who used to be the county recycling coordinator, said he was proud to be a part of that.
He also likes the committee meetings before regular board meetings in which commissioners meet with department heads.
What were some challenging issues? Two controversies came to mind. One was transitional housing and Houston County Womenís Resources.
Another controversy was with Networks when the board evaluated services for developmentally disabled people. The board voted to have Networks merge with Woodland Industries in 2000.
"I think we were correct on both counts," Kelleher said.
But he lost one too: the desire for a county coordinator. He thinks itís necessary with the board being part time. Department heads thought it would change the power structure, Kelleher said. "I still think the county needs a coordinator," he said. "At some point I think the board needs to reconsider that."
Controversies seem to come up at election time, Kelleher said. The criminal justice center (CJC) is one that did this year, and he feels that did not help him in his bid for the Minnesota Senate District 31 seat in 2006.
He doesnít regret his decision to run for the senate and not for county commissioner. It was tough to lose that election, he said.
Kelleher does feel bad leaving the board with the CJC issue unsettled. "It would be good to have the cohesiveness with the board that we had," he said.
Kelleher supports a new CJC for many reasons. He does not support a public referendum on it.
Officials are elected to study issues and make well-informed decisions, Kelleher said. Thatís part of a Constitutionalist, representative democracy, he said.
"How does the public make up for that information.?" he asked. "Theyíre voting on things that they hear."
Kelleher also defends his decision to take questions about the CJC only in writing at a series of open houses. He felt some people were intimidated from asking questions at a meeting where oral questions took place.
Controlling a meeting is the chairmanís role, he said. "The worst thing for me is a meeting that gets out of control."
"Weíre really different"
Board members seem to complement each othersí strengths and weaknesses, Kelleher said. "Weíre really different. I think thatís a good thing."
New blood and a new perspective doesnít hurt, Kelleher said.
The vast majority of people in county government are good people with good intentions, Kelleher said. "Iíve really enjoyed being involved with them."
Kelleher said there hasnít ever been a meeting that he didnít want to go to. "Even with a room full of people, I always thought that was my opportunity to educate."
The thing heíll miss the least is being "drawn and quartered" in letters to the editor that have false information and that get personal. He felt the CJC did that and focused on him. "Thatís hard on your family," he said.
"It really is a blessing quite frankly," Kelleher said about being a board member. "I really believe in our system of government. I was glad to be a part of it. I was glad people let me be a part of it."
People donít serve for power, Kelleher feels. "Most often you donít feel powerful at all. I would think most often you feel powerless."
Kelleher isnít sure what the next chapter of his next life will be. He said he is "assessing the possibilities." He still plans to be involved on county government as a citizen.
District two includes the townships of Houston, Mound Prairie, Money Creek, Yucatan, Sheldon, and Union; and the city of Houston.
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