(KNSI) – The Stearns County Board of Commissioners set the date for a special election to replace the retired Leigh Lenzmeier in District 4 at its Tuesday meeting.
The board adopted a proclamation honoring Lenzmeier for his decades of service. He was the second-longest tenured county commissioner in Minnesota history when he stepped down late last month. It then officially declared a vacancy and wrapped up its Lenzmeier discussion on election details and divvying up committee appointments given to Lenzmeier by Chair Jeff Bertram.
The special election schedule depends on how many candidates run for the spot. While the board announced it was unlikely to have only two people vying to finish the term, the general election gets bumped to the second Tuesday in August if that happens.
If a primary is required, it would take place in August and the general would be the traditional first Tuesday after the first Monday in November. The state determines the election schedule. August and November are the next possible dates. District 742 will also be running an election in August on a separate matter.
The vote to accept the election schedule was 3-1, with only First District Commissioner Tarryl Clark against the motion. She was concerned with turnout for a campaign in the summer in Minnesota if no primary is needed. She wanted to have the general take place in November, regardless of the number of candidates.
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