Dwyer passes mayoral gavel to Jensen

Petersburg Mayor Al Dwyer passed his gavel and his duties to Vice Mayor Mark Jensen after a unanimous vote put Jensen in the mayor’s seat Monday evening during the Petersburg City Council regular meeting.

“I would just like to take the opportunity to tell everyone that these council members work very hard for this community,” Dwyer said. “For the last five years, I am convinced that these members of the council have absolutely done their jobs.”

Dwyer recommended Councilor and Vice Mayor Jensen for the position before taking the vote.

“I strongly recommend Mark take the position,” Dwyer stated. “He is the only one on the ballot for the Mayor position, he does his homework and he has worked with our lobbyist. He has handled almost everything and I think he will do a good job.”

Jensen took the opportunity to give his thanks to the former Mayor.

“I'd like to thank Mayor Dwyer for the five years of dedicated service he has given to the City of Petersburg,” Jensen stated. “We were elected at the same time, Oct. 2, 2007 and Al has served the community with compassion. He always had time to listen to citizens’ various opinions, complaints and compliments and all were treated the same by him.”

Jensen also said that Dwyer worked hard to keep the council members on track and infused humor into the meetings whenever he could, and it was needed often.

“Al has been a great dignitary representing all visitors and travelers because of who he is,” Jensen stated. “We all know that Al

will continue to be a statesman for our community.”