Afton mayor won't run again; city administrator leaves this week

Julia Welter, who has been Afton's mayor since January 2007, said Tuesday she won't run for re-election this fall.

"It's been a challenging year," she said, referring to "this long-standing division" in Afton.

The rural Washington County city has struggled over development issues, and Welter has often found herself moderating disagreements among City Council members.

"I'll continue to address city business with dedication and thoughtfulness in the upcoming months," she said, indicating she looks forward to finding new projects.

"I think Julia has done a great job," said City Administrator Shelly Strauss, who is leaving her job at the end of this week. "People just don't realize the weight of the city falling on the mayor's shoulders, more so in a city as divided as Afton."

Strauss announced her resignation last month, citing concern over continuing City Council infighting among other reasons.

She will be replaced by James Norman, a local government consultant who has experience working for several city and county governments in Minnesota. The City Council appointed him Tuesday to be interim city administrator for three months.

Meanwhile, the city is accepting applications until April 10 for a permanent city administrator.

Norman will start Monday in Afton and will be paid $5,160 a month, Strauss said.

"His knowledge and experience will be a definite bonus for the city in Afton," Strauss said.

KEVIN GILES