×
×
homepage logo

Wells Council chooses LaPointe

New city administrator choice made after four are interviewed

By Chuck Hunt - Editor | Oct 17, 2021

Connor LaPointe, above, was selected to be the new Wells city administrator last Tuesday.

Following a meet-and-greet day on Monday afternoon, Oct. 11, and a formal interview process the next day, the Wells City Council has selected a new city administrator.

Connor LaPointe has accepted the position and is set to begin in Wells on Nov. 22. The City Council still has to go through the formal process of approving the contract with LaPointe, either at a special meeting or at their next regularly scheduled meeting on Oct. 25.

LaPointe comes to Wells after serving as the city administrator for Claremont since 2019.

He was the first of the four finalists to be interviewed on Oct. 12.

“I believe in a democratic style of leadership,” LaPointe said at his interview. “It will not be me making all of the decisions, others need to be involved.”

Before taking the job at Claremont, LaPointe had served as an intern in Mankato and Blue Earth.

“In Mankato, I gained experience while working on their capital improvement plan,” LaPointe mentioned. “I have now prepared two budgets since I have been at Claremont. I believe the audit process is a very good indicator of how well things are going – Claremont has had very positive audits. Finance is my favorite part of the job.”

He was also questioned about his experience with Planning and Zoning.

“I helped develop a five-year comprehensive plan while working under Tim Ibisch in Blue Earth,” LaPointe replied. “An orderly plan is needed to attain growth.”

LaPointe then shared his thoughts on economic development.

“One has to look not only at industrial growth but also residential growth,” he offered. “Because if you build industry, you will also need to increase your workforce.”

LaPointe was also asked about his expectations of employees and what they should expect of him.

“I believe in setting clear expectations for the employees. They also need support for professional development and career growth and they should be able to take advantage of training opportunities,” he commented. “They also need to know I take responsibility when things go wrong.”

He was also questioned on his methods for dealing with difficult people or when having to deliver unwelcome news to people.

“Listen. Citizens need to be heard,” LaPointe shared. “Often, the most effective question is, ‘What would you like me to do?’ It helps people see things through others’ eyes. People need to know it is their right to come and talk to the City Council even though the council may not be able to do what they want.

“Take time to explain why things have to be done. Work to develop respect.”

When asked what ideas he would have for filling the industrial park, LaPointe said he would like to reach out to CEDA (Community and Economic Development Associates).

“CEDA has some excellent resources,” he said. “I believe some financial assistance from the city will be necessary.”

LaPointe holds a Bachelor of Science degree in urban and regional studies from Minnesota State in Mankato and is currently working on completing his master’s degree in public administration.

“I like the small town feel of Wells,” LaPointe concluded. “I am impressed with the number of services the town offers.”

The other candidates interviewed were Evan Brown, Richard Baker and Wendy Chirpich.

Brown is a lieutenant in the Army National Guard and is currently with the Guard in Oklahoma. His interview was done virtually.

Brown has worked in law enforcement and private security and was once employed as a police officer in Wells. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in government and a master’s in public administration, both from Minnesota State University in Mankato.

“I just found out I have a five-month commitment in Oklahoma so I would not be available until that time period is up,” Brown told the council.

Richard Baker grew up in Chatfield. He has a Bachelor of Science in mass communications and public relations and a minor in economics from Winona State University.

“I have worked for a national home health care firm in the Twin Cities, a non-profit health care company and for the Boy Scouts of America,” Baker said. “I also have experience as a chamber executive.”

Wendy Chirpich was the final candidate to be interviewed.

“I was born and raised in Freeborn. I graduated from United South Central High School and then from the University of South Dakota,” she explained. “My husband and I moved back to his family farm five years ago and our children attend school in Wells at St. Casamir’s.”

Chirpich has an extensive background in Planning and Zoning, having been employed by Martin County for the past 13 years as a Planning and Zoning technician. She has a Bachelor of Science in earth science and a minor in physics.

The council spent just under four hours interviewing candidates before meeting and making the decision to offer the job to LaPointe.