By Bruce Karnick

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On Monday, January 4, 2021, the City of Cottage Grove held a small swearing in ceremony for the officials elected in November. Mayor Myron Bailey returns to extend his 12-year run as Mayor, Justin Olsen and LaRae Mills were sworn in as City Council Members. The oath of office was given by Senator Karla Bigham. On Sunday, Mayor Bailey wrote this on Facebook.

On Monday night…I will have the honor of being sworn in as Mayor of Cottage Grove by my friend and Senator Karla Bigham! I have been honored to serve as your Cottage Grove Mayor these past 12 years. We have seen tremendous changes happen over the past 12 years in our community. I believe the reason for these positive results is due to our terrific City Council and staff who are aligned in a way that is not normal in most cities. We all care deeply for our community and it’s citizens. Though we may not away agree on every vote or direction we take…we respect each other and our citizens to make sure we make the best decision that will have the greatest positive impact on our community. We are coming off a challenging COVID 2020. However…we are still seeing positive growth and things happening in our community! I can tell you that it appears 2021 is going to be an amazing year for our community. A lot of exciting things are coming down the pipe!

Some examples…

1. A community center with aquatics will be presented and brought before the voters later this year.

2. More different and unique housing opportunities that will also include affordable options.

3. More retail and restaurant options. COVID has not stopped the desire of various retailers and restaurant owners who want to come to town. I have been frankly surprised by the calls I am getting! They are all looking to life after COVID. This will prove positive for Cottage Grove!

4. Continued reconstruction and expansion of Hamlet Park along with Oakwood Park and many improvements to others.

5. We expect to begin construction of our permanent water treatment facilities. We are also looking at softening our water when we build out these treatment plants! (Finally!) 6. More businesses are looking to come to our business park! This is why we are expanding our business park this year by adding sewer and water to access more acreage for larger end users.

All of this will help keep our taxes low, adding more jobs, more recreational opportunities, more retail and food options, and opportunities for everyone to live in Cottage Grove no matter what your than normal.

The ceremony was simple, each official recited the following oath of office; I, ____________ , do solemnly swear that I will support the Constitution of the United States and the Constitution of the State of Minnesota, and that I will faithfully execute and discharge the duties of the office of Mayor for the City of Cottage Grove, County of Washington, State of Minnesota, according to law and to the best of my judgment and ability. So help me God.

At the end, they exchanged an excited high elbow with Senator Bigham and took pictures with any family present and that was it. By the time this story hits the newsstand, a short video of all three ceremonies should be available on the City’s Facebook page.