by Dennis Dalman
Many St. Joseph residents are likely experiencing an End-of-an Era feeling after hearing St. Joseph Mayor Rick Schultz is retiring after serving 14 consecutive years as the city’s mayor.
Schultz announced his decision not to run again for the mayoral position at the May 6 city council meeting.
First elected in 2010, Schultz served seven two-year terms. He won his first election over challenger Kelly Beniek, who was then a city-council member and who still is. Before running for mayor, Schultz had been a member of the city council.
Schultz’s decision was as stunning as the news that St. Cloud Mayor Dave Kleis will not file for re-election after being mayor in that city for 20 consecutive years.
In an interview with the Newsleaders, Schultz said he had been considering “for some time” the decision not to run again.
“The city is in a good place,” he said. “And my personal opinion is tomorrow’s young leaders will make a more lasting impact and have a better understanding of what is needed for growth and our city culture than I will. There are some solid citizens within our community whom I believe will consider making the step into public service and be difference makers.”
Among the accomplishments Schultz helped the city achieve during his tenure are the following: major and minor infrastructure improvements, more park and recreational amenities, developments in the new St. Joseph Government Center, upgrades to the police department, advancement of plans for a long-anticipated city community center, many new downtown businesses and related developments; ongoing downtown revitalization; new businesses/industries in the Industrial Park; recreation trail extensions; expansion of youth recreation and for people of all ages; outreach and partnership efforts with the colleges and other cities; and much more.
For years Schultz encouraged efforts to make the Government Center a venue for social activities, arts-and-crafts gatherings, special events, public-information sessions, recreation and other programs. In that way, it became an extension of a pedestrian-friendly downtown ambience of the city.
In a story published Sept. 22, 2022 in the St. Joseph Newsleader, Schultz commented about what it’s like to be mayor.
“Public service is a public trust,” he said. “I serve at the pleasure of the people. Being mayor is humbling, yet an honor and privilege. In my mind, there is no better job in America than being mayor of St. Joseph.”
Very active life
Schultz grew up in Osakis and graduated from high school there where he’d been a very good student and a superb basketball player. He then studied at Moorhead State University for one year where he also excelled at basketball. He then transferred to St. Cloud State University and to St. Cloud Technical and Community College.
He has worked for nearly 50 years in the information technology sector for a variety of industries and been a member of and/or served on a variety of organizations, boards and committees, among them the St. Joseph Planning Commission, the League of Minnesota Cities, Great Minnesota Board of Directors, the St. Joseph Lions Club, Area Planning Organization Executive Committee, The St. Cloud Area Youth Basketball Association.
For years, Schultz played basketball and also coached that sport for youth as a licensed member of the Minnesota State High School League.
Schultz and wife Tammy have been dog “parents” for the No Dog Left Behind rescue program. During a decade or so, they fostered many dozens of dogs.
The Schultzes have three grown daughters: Angela, Jessica and Briana; and two grandchildren.
Summing up
In an interview with the Newsleaders, Schultz summed up his mayoral years.
“There is no training manual for public service, especially for mayor,” he said. “I have thoroughly enjoyed my time serving as mayor for St. Joseph. It has opened many doors and allowed me to help this community move forward.”
But the job wasn’t always easy going.
“There have been challenges,” he said. “When I first took office in 2010, I was diagnosed with cancer, so while learning the office, I was undergoing treatment as well. And of course we had to deal with the (Covid-19) pandemic, which caused a schism between and among the community.”
Despite challenges, Schultz said he enjoyed many highlights during his 14 years as St. Joseph mayor.
“It has also given me many opportunities,” he said. “I’ve met several U.S. senators and congressmen, along with Govs. Mark Dayton and Tim Walz. I’ve made a great many friends within the State Capitol.”
It was a pleasure for Schultz, he said, to serve in so many different ways.
“I was fortunate to serve as president of the Minnesota Mayors Association, to serve on the League of Minnesota Cities and am currently the president of the Coalition of Greater Minnesota Cities. The highlight was meeting the Bahamian Prime Minister Philip Davis when he visited St. John’s University last December.”
Schultz reserved his highest praise for his experiences in seeing the city grow in so many dynamic ways.
“Best of all, I’ve been witness to and involved in this community’s changing landscape and culture. Many already know, St. Joseph is a very special place that will always hold onto its roots in our own “Norman Rockwell”-style small-town America. We have all invested so much into making this community a place to live, to call home, to know your neighbors, to let the kids play outside. In recent years, it’s become a mecca of shops, dining entertainment and a destination of sorts for many who seek a quieter, more quaint setting.”
St. Joseph Mayor Rick Schultz
