Mark Thein plans to see third term as Olmsted County commissioner
May 17—ROCHESTER — Mark Thein is planning to seek a third term as the Olmsted County commissioner serving District 7.
"After serving 18 years as an Oronoco Township supervisor, I have found the transition to county commissioner to be both challenging and rewarding in my quest to give back to the community that has supported me and my family so well for many years," he said in a statement Friday announcing his decision to seek re-election in the Nov. 5 election.
Thein said representing the county's northeast district has provided him with a chance to work with elected officials of varied perspectives to find common ground that benefits the county and its residents.
"As I am not at all a partisan or political person, I have found that the role of a county commissioner fits me well," he said, adding his experience as a business owner provides a voice that is needed in local government.
Accomplishments he highlighted from his two terms include spearheading the county's new soil health program to protect our groundwater and streams; completing the dredging of Lake Zumbro; ensuring the Olmsted County Sheriff's Office, Rochester Police and Rochester Fire continue to work together seamlessly; supporting road projects designed to improve safety; improving relationships with townships, small towns and the city of Rochester; and providing a voice of restraint against undue expansion of government and related property-tax levy increases.
He said the work is the result of a county board that functions well and an administration and county staff dedicated to the residents.
The official filing period for county elections starts Tuesday, May 21, and extends through June 3.
