Knudson elected mayor of Hudson

Wisconsin veterinarian endorsed by rival candidate.

By ABBY SIMONS, Star Tribune

Last update: April 1, 2008 - 11:46 PM

In the wake of a landslide victory, a small-animal veterinarian from Hudson, Wis., said Tuesday night that he's ready to take on big-time tasks as that city's newest mayor.

"I'm looking forward to the challenge," Dean Knudson said from a raucous victory party at the Pier 500 restaurant along the St. Croix River in downtown Hudson. "We've got some big shoes to fill."

Hudson voters had two choices on the ballot to replace longtime Mayor Jack Breault. But one, Todd Erskine, recently had stepped aside and endorsed Knudson. But he did so too late to have his name removed from the ballot.

Voters listened not only to Knudson's campaign, but also Erskine's endorsement, and elected Knudson with 1,074 out of 1,229 votes for 87 percent. Erskine garnered 142 votes for 12 percent. Thirteen ballots were cast for write-in candidates.

Knudson said among his first tasks will be to increase the police presence in the fast-growing city and to improve training and technology for officers. The question of whether and how to further develop the city's riverfront also will be foremost, he said.

Erskine said last month that he decided Knudson was the man for the job after they got to know each other, found they shared a vision for the city and concluded that Knudson had more time to be mayor.

But it was too late to take his name off the ballot. He said that if elected anyway, he'd serve the city that chose him.

Breault, who served for 14 years, had decided not to seek reelection. During his tenure, Hudson has grown from about 5,000 residents to nearly 15,000. Knudson praised Breault's work, and said he wants to build on it.

"Hudson is a great place to live, work and raise a family," Knudson said. "We encourage businesses to move here, and we encourage people to come visit, even if it's just for an afternoon."

Abby Simons • 612-673-4921

Anoka County Board members file to be on election ballot

Governor: Tim Pawlenty
One of only a few prominent Republicans to win a competitive re-election contest in the Democratic sweep of 2006, Tim Pawlenty is widely seen as politically shrewd and naturally likable.

Minnesota's political giants: Learn more about the men and women who have shaped Minnesota's political history.