Anoka County: LeDoux resigns, Berg to retire

First, Scott LeDoux resigned. Then, Dennis Berg retired.

LeDoux, 61, the former heavyweight boxing contender who is battling ALS, received a standing ovation and accolades as he resigned from the Anoka County Board on Tuesday, effective May 17.

LeDoux, who was elected in 2004 and reelected in 2008, wiped away tears while sitting in a wheelchair as he listened to fellow commissioners.

"You'll always be my champion," said Dan Erhart, who lauded LeDoux for his charity work, calling him "one of the most generous men I've ever known."

Outgoing Sheriff Bruce Andersohn praised LeDoux for his public safety efforts and called him a "warrior" for his courage throughout his battle with the usually fatal ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig's disease.

"You'll be remembered as somebody who brought honesty and respect to political office," Berg said. "You're a giant in my mind."

Berg, chairman of the board and an Anoka County commissioner since 1991, later announced that he would not seek reelection this fall, ending 37 years of public service.

Berg seemed happy to take a back seat to LeDoux on Tuesday.

Berg and Erhart were among those who championed an unusual severance package in which LeDoux will continue to receive health, dental and life insurance benefits until his successor is sworn in next January. The benefits package was approved 5-1, with the lone dissenting vote from Rhonda Sivarajah. She said she was voting against setting a precedent and not voting against LeDoux, who she said has "a heart of gold."

Because LeDoux resigned before the May 18 start of the candidate filing period for the fall election, his seat will be on the ballot in November and the county will avert the $50,000 cost of a special election. By forfeiting his salary through resignation, LeDoux saved the county an additional $30,000 until a successor is elected, several county officials said.

LeDoux, who lost a heavyweight title fight to Larry Holmes in 1980, is easily the most popular boxer ever in Minnesota. During his career, he drew what are still state record boxing crowds at the old Met Center in Bloomington.

"You're fighting for us to the very end," said Commissioner Jim Kordiak.