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First female mayor in NYM ready to take helm [UPDATED]
Published 10:56am Tuesday, November 27, 2012 Updated 11:07am Tuesday, November 27, 2012While there was no plan in advance, almost every post up for election in New York Mills was won by a woman, including the incoming Mayor, Julie Gerber.
Gerber already served on the New York Mills City Council for five years when she decided to run for mayor. “I really enjoyed my time and work with the council,” said Gerber. “When I was first thinking of running, it was nice to hear support from people in town, and it is good to give people a choice on Election Day.”
Gerber, who is from New York Mills, has a degree in accounting from Moorhead State University. That will come in handy with the town’s budgeting.
“The local aid to city governments has been declining,” said Gerber. “The city has been doing a good job, and I would like to maintain that, making sure money is spent appropriately.”
She is also looking forward to talking to people in the community. “I am looking forward to hearing their viewpoint,” said Gerber. “I know it is going to be challenging, but we want people to continue to live here and raise their families here.”
Gerber adds that is was encouraging to see the new Lumber Depot open after Homestead Lumber went out of business, and she hopes to see other available spaces filled. “Busy” already describes Gerber’s life. In addition to being the incoming mayor, Gerber is the mother of two girls, works part-time for the U.S. Postal Service in NYM, and co-owns the Eagles Café with husband. Tom.
Other women elected in NYM include four school board members: Wendy Hetland, Julie Adams, Kristina Ehnert and Amy Wallgren. One woman, Betsy Roder, was elected to the city council, as well as one man, Jason Schik. Gerber will be New York Mills first female mayor when she takes office in January.
