by TaLeiza Calloway – news@thenewsleaders.com
St. Joseph resident William Rudolph said he takes good news as it comes. So when Gov. Mark Dayton announced his appointment to the statewide Independent Living Council this week, he was not surprised but eager for the new experience.
“It’s another challenge in life,” Rudolph said. “It’s a good thing. It will be a learning experience.”
Rudolph was one of 10 people appointed to the statewide council Jan. 28. He replaces council member Roberta Cich as the Center for Independent Living Representative for the council. This was the second time Rudolph applied for the position. The term is a three-year commitment.
The statewide Independent Living Council provides planning and policies needed for independent living services. It’s made up of lay people and professionals appointed by the governor. Council members work jointly with State Services for the Blind and Vocational Rehabilitation Services. Both of those are branches of the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development, as well as the Minnesota Association of Centers for Independent Living.
Rudolph has a 40-year background in carpentry and construction. He fell off of a scaffold about 10 years ago so he had to transition into something new. For about seven years he has been an accessibility specialist for Independent Lifestyles, Inc., one of eight centers for independent living in Minnesota.
The open council seat fits his interests and his skills.
“I actually design modifications to keep persons in their homes,” he said. “We do a lot of ramps. When it opened, I thought (my building skills) could benefit others.”
Rudolph and his wife, Madeleine, have lived in St. Joseph for about 36 years. They have three adult children.
