Anoka County Board, District 5: Mike Gamache runs with AFL-CIO endorsement

Mike Gamache: ‘The experience of doing the job helps get the job done right‘

By Steve Share, Minneapolis Labor Review editor

ANDOVER — Identifying community needs, planning for solutions, getting the job done right. That’s the approach Mike Gamache has taken in his 10 years’ work as Anoka County Commissioner. Gamache adds, “it’s the experience of doing the job that helps get the job done right.”

Gamache is seeking  a fourth term on the Anoka County Board to represent District 5 and is running with AFL-CIO endorsement.

“I’m taking it seriously,” he reports. I’m out doorknocking… the response is good.”

District 5 includes parts of Andover, Oak Grove and Coon Rapids.

Gamache currently serves as chair of the Anoka County Board, elected by his colleagues in a 5-1 vote.

Gamache previously served as mayor of Andover, winning election seven times and serving 14 years in that role.

“I’ve always been pleased and honored over the years being endorsed by the labor unions for both my runs for mayor and county board,” Gamache says. “It also helps me understand the issues we’re facing.”

As mayor of Andover, Gamache left two lasting legacies: building the Andover YMCA Community Center and leading the drive to pass a local open space referendum.

Elected to the Anoka County board in 2014, Gamache has focused on improvements to government operations and public infrastructure.

Past successes include returning Chomonix  golf course to profitability with new management and a new operating plan and repairing structural issues at the Bunker Beach Water Park.

Over the past two years, Gamache checked-off another major goal: a “salary structure” project to improve retention of county employees and hiring. “It’s working,” he says. “Everything we’re hearing is when and how directors are able to keep people.” He adds, “now we’re competitive with other counties and cities” and the county has fewer job vacancies. “That’s going to help us do the work we’re supposed to do.”

Another goal completed the past two years: building a new 911 center, which will open early in 2025.

Planning continues to build a new Anoka County jail. “We are doing our best to work with the city of Anoka to listen to their concerns,” Gamache reports. “We are on the right track of working with them.”

“There’s always projects going on,” Gamache says, include coming improvements needed for Highway 65.

Website:
 reelectmike.com