Willmar City Councilman Jim Dokken tended his letter of resignation from his Ward 4 seat Wednesday afternoon. The Willmar City Council now has until Sept. 5 to fill Dokken’s seat by appointment or proceed with a special election.
Dokken, first elected in 1998, was most recently re-elected in the 2012 general election. He has served sixteen and a half years on the City Council and served on the Finance Committee and the Labor Relations Committee. He also has served in liaison roles to the Willmar Municipal Utilities, Rice Memorial Hospital and Willmar Community Center.
Retired from the U.S. Air Force and as a private Willmar businessman, Dokken then committed himself to being a dedicated public servant. His goal was to serve the residents of his ward and the city.
While we did not always agree with Dokken’s positions nor he with our opinions, we respect and commend his dedication to this city.
His dedication is also reflected in his regular attendance at City Council and committee meetings, which he rarely missed.
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His civic priorities were being a voice for his ward, providing efficient city services for city residents, being a good steward of city tax dollars and minimizing the size of government whenever possible.
As a retired Air Force sergeant, Dokken continued serving the military men and women of our region. He has served in leadership roles with the Chapter 34 Disabled American Veterans and Post 167 Austin F. Hanscom American Legion in Willmar.
Dokken has completed many years of service in the military, for veteran affairs and for the residents of Willmar. We understand his desire to spend time with and focus on his family.
Councilman Dokken, thank you for your service and commitment to the city of Willmar. We wish you the best in this next chapter of your life.
