Pulkrabek named chairman; Weik opposed nomination

• Bill Pulkrabek

Commissioner Bill Pulkrabek was elected Washington County Board chairman for 2010, but commissioners have raised concerns about his participation at county meetings.
• Lisa Weik

Commissioner Lisa Weik opposed the election of colleague Bill Pulkrabek as Washington County Board chairman. She said his attendance rate at past county board and committee meetings is problematic. "I think past history is a strong predictor for future behavior," Weik said. She represents most of Woodbury. Pulkrabek's district includes a portion of Woodbury.

Talk about it

Commissioner Bill Pulkrabek was selected Washington County Board chairman for 2010, but a colleague opposed the nomination, citing a perception of election-year politics.

Pulkrabek won the chairmanship on a 4-1 vote Tuesday at the board's first meeting of the year.

Commissioner Lisa Weik, who represents much of Woodbury, tried to prevent a Pulkrabek chairmanship. Weik has been critical of Pulkrabek's attendance and participation at county board and committee meetings. She nominated Commissioner Gary Kriesel, whose district includes Afton.

Weik referred to Pulkrabek, who is seeking re-election this year, when she said that with Kriesel not up for re-election this year, "that would remove any perception of politics."

The title of chairman carries with it some extra administrative duties and can bring more attention to a commissioner. Weik has questioned whether Pulkrabek just wanted the position this year because he is on the ballot.

Pulkrabek was nominated by Commissioner Dennis Hegberg of Forest Lake, who said Pulkrabek's district "deserves to have a chair."

Hegberg said it is Pulkrabek's turn to serve as chairman, based on the board's tradition of rotating the title.

"And he will fulfill his responsibilities," he said, looking at Pulkrabek.

Pulkrabek, who represents part of Woodbury, also was supported by Kriesel and Commissioner Myra Peterson.

Pulkrabek declined to respond in detail to commissioners’ concerns that he is not fully engaged in his commissioner duties.

“I plan to go to all committee meetings I’ve been assigned,” he said.

Kriesel declined Weik’s chairman nomination, but later was voted board vice-chairman.

Check back for updates.

Tags: local news, washington county board, woodbury, pulkrabek, weik