Proctor Journal

A former mayor and lifelong Proctorite has been picked to be the new city administrator.

Jim Rohweder has accepted an offer from the Proctor Council to be its next city administrator. The council voted unanimously to approve a two-year employment agreement for Rohweder on Monday night.

“I’m excited to have Jim joining the staff,” Mayor Stephen Anderson said. “Councilor (Troy) Foucault said it well when he said, ‘The choice for administrator was a 51/49 decision.’ This decision was much easier than the first. He is well respected in the community and by the council. We are delighted to have him.”

He brings experience with labor relations, environmental issues, and customer service.

Rohweder’s first day of employment will be Aug.1.

Rohweder was the Superintendent of Operations for the Duluth, Missabe & Iron Range Railway until his retirement in 2004.

While at the DM&IR, Rohweder was responsible for 135 employees and over a $10 million annual budget. He was Proctor’s Mayor for 10 years and a PEDA member for two. He was President of the Proctor Chamber of Commerce for three terms. He holds a Master of Business Administration degree from UMD. He served in the U.S. Army in Vietnam as a military intelligence officer.

The council had selected Kelli Neu, the City of Becker community development director, but she declined the offer.

While Rohweder would have liked to be “the one they wanted in the first place,” he is excited about the chance to return working for the citizens of Proctor.

“This is an opportunity to continue to be active in the city and help reshape Proctor for the future,” he stated. “I’m looking forward to starting work. I think it will be fun.”

Rohweder comes from a family that has long been active in the community. Both he and his father, Jim, have served as city councilors, mayors, commanders of the American Legion and Chamber of Commerce presidents. Rohweder is the voice of Proctor Rail football games, is active in the Chamber, his church and conducts events for the Hoghead Festival. His wife Jan and brother Dan have both served on the school board.