Shawn Kirby sworn in as Le Sueur mayor, replacing outgoing Gregory Hagg

Kirby was sworn in by the City Council on Jan. 4 after his election last November, campaigning on growing commercial development and affordable housing within the city of Le Sueur.

"This is my opportunity to give back to the community that has been so good to my family and myself," said Kirby.

Kirby has been a resident of the Le Sueur community for 35 years, where he raised children and grandchildren. The incoming mayor said that he was attracted to public office based on his prior leadership experience in organizations such as the Minnesota Funeral Directors Association.

The new mayor said that he wants to see the city continue in its current direction, in terms of business and housing development. Kirby cited ongoing projects, including the Hwy. 112/County Road 22 turnback project, the redevlopment of the Valley Green Square Mall into Tiller + Main and the reconnection of Main Street, as the kinds of projects he would like to see continued in the city. 

Parks and community recreation are another focus of Kirby's. The mayor said he wanted the city to prioritize developing its public parks more and work to reopen the indoor pool at the Le Sueur Coummunity Center, which was closed down in 2020 amid pandemic and general cost concerns. 

"This year, I want to see our Community Center up and running at full capacity with full amenities and see the growth of our membership," said Kirby. "Most importantly is probably growth in business, and I would like to see some good growth between the city and the school system, working together a little closer to provide more programs for the community and for the school system."

Kirby's election comes after outgoing Mayor Gregory Hagg declined to run for a second term. Hagg cited private health concerns as his reason for leaving office, but said he'll still take an active role in working with the city on the sidelines. 

Hagg was elected into office in 2016 through a unique campaign. Utilizing social media messaging against his predecessor, Hagg not only pushed his own message demanding greater transparency and faster growth, but highlighted a slate of City Council candidates he believed best fit his agenda, including two write-in candidates. 

"I felt, prior to running for office, that my voice, as well as others, was not being heard," said Hagg. "Thankfully, that changed on day one. We encouraged people to get involved and to be heard. Hopefully, this policy continues as thoughts, ideas, and opinions from those that City Council serves, are needed."