Olmsted County Commissioner Plans to Step Down

Rochester, MN (KROC-AM News)- A member of the Olmsted County Board of Commissioners has announced she is stepping down.

See Also: A Piece of Rochester History Has Been Torn Down

The announcement came in the form of a letter that was made public on Tuesday morning. She has represented the Rochester area at the county and state level of government for nearly three decades.

Commissioner Sheila Kiscaden, who represents the sixth district on the Olmsted County Board, says she plans to resign from her post at the end of the year. Her term is set to expire in 2026.

photo credit: Olmsted County

The elected leader said she initially intended to retire in 2022 but changed her mind after learning four of her fellow board members were also planning to retire.

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Kiscaden’s letter says of the 2022 election, “I felt compelled to seek re-election to assist with a smooth transition. Now, as the transition period draws to a close and the County Board is functioning well, it is time for me to step down.”

Stepping down at the end of the year means the county will not need to hold a special election to fill the seat, which will save the county unneeded expenses, the letter says.

Kim David/TSM

Kiscaden also says the timing of her announcement gives the candidates vying to fill her seat the same filing, Primary, General Election and swearing-in dates as other candidates.

Kiscaden has served on the Olmsted County Board of Commissioners for 12 years. Prior to being elected at the county level, she represented the Rochester area in the Minnesota Senate from 1994-2006.

The Minnesota State Capitol Building (Google Maps/Google Street View)

“It has been an incredible journey serving on the Olmsted County Board for the last 12 years. I have cherished this chapter of my long career. I am grateful for the opportunity to contribute to our community and to the Olmsted County organization,” Kiscaden wrote.

Kiscaden letter. submitted

She plans to make a public statement regarding her resignation at the end of Tuesday night’s Olmsted County Board meeting.