Aitkin mayor Wedell runs for House

AITKIN -- Aitkin Mayor Mark Wedel has announced plans to seek the Republican endorsement for the Minnesota House District 3B seat.

The redrawn District 3B now includes all of Aitkin County and the southwestern part of Itasca County.

"Our district and state are facing many issues which could adversely affect the many people of Itasca and Aitkin counties," he said in a statement. "It is imperative to all of us to elect a representative who understands and will firmly guard our rights and interests."

Now serving his fourth term as mayor, Wedel has served on the Aitkin City Council and served 12 years on the Aitkin School Board with seven consecutive years as school board chair. Wedel also served as chief contract negotiator for the school board.

Other public services include municipal airport commission, the Aitkin Joint Powers Board and past chair of the Aitkin County Republicans.

Wedel served under two governors on the Minnesota Housing Finance Agency Board. He also served on the Minnesota Board of Teaching. Other service includes chair of the Aitkin County Cancer Crusade, chair of the Aitkin County Alert for Child Abuse Committee, a past council president for St. John's Lutheran Church of Cedarbrook and he was a 25-year member of the Aitkin Fire Department.

A graduate of Aitkin High School, Brainerd Community College and Mankato State University, Wedel earned a degree in business administration in college.

The Republican District 3B endorsing convention is April 27 in Hill City.