Andover Mayor Seeks Anoka County Board Seat

Andover Mayor Mike Gamache announced Monday that he will be running for Anoka County Commission, according to a news release.

Gamache has been mayor of Andover for the past 13 years. He’s running to represent Anoka County’s 5th District, which covers parts of Fridley, Andover and Coon Rapids.

He notes that during his tenure Andover has seen a 23 percent growth in jobs compared to the 3 percent loss for Anoka County businesses overall.

“I am proud of the accomplishments we have achieved in Andover over the last 13 years including bring over 1500 jobs to the city,” the release quoted Gamache. “Making Andover a business friendly city has been one of my main objectives as Mayor and these numbers prove we have been successful.”

He also said he’s helped along public-private partnerships like Andover/YMCA Community Center and initiatives like the Andover Open Space referendum and Committee, which set aside three pieces of property totaling 60 acres for residents to use as open spaces.

He wants to address growth in Anoka County by bringing together the County Board and the cities across the county.

“No city can be an island and building strong relationships between the county and cities is vital for the success of us all,” the release quoted Gamache. “That has always been my philosophy as Mayor. What can we as a city do to work with the county and I have found that the County Board has been there for Andover when needed. I believe it is a positive to have former Mayor’s and Council Members serving on the County Board because we bring the experience needed to build coalitions and get results.”