Joe Rudberg is the new kid on the block as the city administrator in Breezy Point, but he's been around the block a time or two as a city administrator.
After spending months searching for and interviewing potential candidates, the city council offered the city administrator/clerk position to Rudberg. He started the job March 15 and said he's had a lot to learn in a short amount of time.
"It's been really busy so far. There is a lot to learn and understand about how everything works. Every day is something new and different; it's been challenging," Rudberg said.
The work, however challenging, isn't something that is entirely new to Rudberg. He's been working with cities for almost 30 years.
He grew up in Mankato and earned his bachelor's and master's degrees at Minnesota State University Mankato in urban regional studies with an undergraduate focus on planning and a master's focus on administration.
Rudberg has worked in Victoria as a planner and North Branch as city clerk, administrator and treasurer. His latest position was with the city of Becker as city administrator for 16 years.
Although Rudberg had been with Becker for many years, he felt it was time for a change.
"I needed to move on and take on some new challenges," he said.
Rudberg lives in Breezy Point and his wife, Ginger, is still in Becker as they are trying to sell their home.
Joe and Ginger will have been married for 37 years in May after meeting in college. They have three children who are all grown and scattered.
Because two of Rudberg's favorite things are fishing and vegetable gardening, he is excited to see what this area looks like in the summer. On the other hand, he is wary that some of the "nature" he sees right outside his window might be more of a hindrance than a joy when he starts to garden.
"So far I've really liked the area. Seeing deer in the back yard is fun, but I'm not sure if they are pets or pests," Rudberg said with a laugh.
In Becker, Rudberg was president of the Lions Club. He is interested in joining a group in this area in the future, as well as generally getting to know the people of the community.
And the better he gets to know the community, the better he will be at his job.
"It's important that I get to know the community and understand its character so that I can help determine what is best for the city and its citizens," Rudberg said.
Some of Rudberg's goals are to help improve communication throughout the community and help people work together in a more positive way. To accomplish this, he needs to learn about Breezy Point.
In his first weeks as Breezy Point's city administrator/clerk, he feels he has started the process of learning about the people in the community.
"I've met some really nice people, and I'm excited about getting to know people and make friends here in the community," Rudberg said.
To introduce yourself to Rudberg, feel free to stop by Breezy Point City Hall. He said he'll be happy to meet you.
For the online pineandlakes.com story, go to http://www.pineandlakes.com/stories/041410/news_20100414004.shtml
For more Lake Country news click on http://www.pineandlakes.com/
Email this article | Permanent link | Topstories news | Topstories news archives
Minnesota State
University, Mankato
Mankato, MN 56001
1-800-722-0544
© 2005-2013 Minnesota State University, Mankato. Minnesota State University, Mankato is a member of
Minnesota State Colleges & Universities system and an affirmative action/equal opportunity university.
