Politics & Government

Chris Gerlach to Run for Dakota County Commissioner

The retiring state senator from Apple Valley said he's not ready to end his public service.

Editor's note: The following is a press release from Chris Gerlach.

State Sen. Chris Gerlach announced today that he will seek election to the Dakota County Board of Commissioners this fall to replace retiring Commissioner Will Branning in District 7. He recently announced his retirement from the state legislature after 14 years representing Apple Valley, Rosemount and Burnsville.

“While I am ready to retire from the high level of intensity and partisan politics of St. Paul, I am not ready to end my service and relationship with the people of Apple Valley and Rosemount,” Gerlach said. “This is a great opportunity to continue working for my community and our shared values like low taxes and clean, safe neighborhoods.”  Gerlach said he plans to use the knowledge and experiences gained at the state level to enhance the overall effectiveness of the county board.

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As far back as 1996, Gerlach said he was made aware of the importance of local government action when he served as an appointed community member to the Dakota County Human Services Advisory Committee.  “Decisions made at the local levels of government have a tremendous impact on our daily lives. It is so important and we all need to pay attention and get involved in what our local governments are doing to improve our quality of life.”

Gerlach was elected as a Republican to the Minnesota House of Representatives in 1998 and subsequently to the State Senate in 2004. While serving in the legislature, Gerlach filled numerous leadership positions, ultimately as assistant majority leader and majority whip.  Most recently he was Chairman of the Senate Commerce and Consumer Protection Committee with jurisdiction over the regulation of financial institutions such as banking, insurance and real estate.

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Gerlach is a native of . He and wife Shelli have two young children in Apple Valley schools, and he owns and operates a direct marketing and bulk mail processing company located in Eagan.


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