Bayley leads council; Bender says goodbye

Former Red Wing City Council President Ralph Rauterkus gave up his seat in the center of the council’s bench Tuesday night as Council member Lisa Bayley took over running an organizational meeting and inaugural ceremony.

Bayley was unanimously welcomed by the council as its new president for 2013. Having represented Red Wing Ward 2 since 2008, Bayley was up for re-election in November and collected 1,419 votes to maintain her position.

After being named council president, Bayley said a couple of issues she wants to handle in the coming months are the city’s incinerator and Mississippi National Golf Links.

“There’s a lot of work to do,” she said.

Working alongside Bayley as vice president for 2013 will be Rauterkus, who has been on the council since 2009. Both Rauterkus and Council member Dean Hove received nominations for the vice presidential position, but Rauterkus won the vote 4-3.

A new face

Also at the meeting, the council said goodbye to Dan Bender, who opted not to run for re-election last year.

“It’s a great honor to thank a dedicated individual who has served the city in many capacities,” Mayor Dennis Egan said before presenting Bender with a commemorative plaque.

Bender took time Tuesday night to thank citizens of Ward 1, which he represented for a single term.

“It’s because of those citizens … I got this opportunity in the first place,” he said. “They’ve been very good about giving me feedback and direction.”

Additionally, Bender shared his appreciation for the council members he had been working amongst.

“I will treasure these last four years and certainly remember all of you.”

Red Wing native Jason Sebion was sworn in and took over Bender’s position.

Sebion ran unopposed for the Ward 1 seat in November and was elected with 1,720 votes. The 32-year-old said he hopes to bring to the council a new perspective from a younger generation.

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