Remembering Tom Kough
City Council Member of Roseville, Minnesota Mayor of Austin, Minnesota
1932 - March 30th, 2008
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On April 6th, a public celebration of Tom's life was held at the Roseville Skating Center. Hundreds attended to give their respects, looked at mementos of Tom's on display, and shared stories. Before Tom passed, he requested that the Banjo Bandits play at the celebration and that Pastor Basich lead a prayer service. The music and prayer service were appreciate by all in attendance.
On April 7th, a short service and honor guard salute was held for Tom at Fort Snelling National Cemetery. Tom's wife Carol was presented with an American flag representing Tom's service in the Air Force during the Korean Conflict. For those who wish to pay their respects at the cemetery, his ashes are placed in the Columbarium Courtyard 1, building 11, row A, box 8. This area can be reached by entering the main gate #1, and is located on the south side of the cemetery closest to I-494. |
On May 19, 2008, Parks and Recreation Chair Bob Willmus was appointed to fill the remainder of Tom's term. Willmus volunteered to serve the remainder of Tom's term, and not run for the seat in the 2008 fall election In 2010, Willmus ran for Council and was elected to his first term, and reelected to a second term in 2014.
A close friend of Tom and former Mayor John Kysylyczyn said that he believed Tom would be pleased knowing that Bob was appointed to fill the remainder of his seat. He felt that Bob was someone that Tom would have respected and supported.
A close friend of Tom and former Mayor John Kysylyczyn said that he believed Tom would be pleased knowing that Bob was appointed to fill the remainder of his seat. He felt that Bob was someone that Tom would have respected and supported.
On February 11, 2008, Tom released this letter to the Roseville City Council...
Thomas H. Kough
2931 Asbury Street
Roseville, MN 55113
February 11, 2008
To the Roseville City Council:
Mayor Craig Klausing
Amy Ihlan
Tammy Pust
Dan Roe
My doctor has advised me to slow down and rest more. That means I probably will be missing some Council meetings in the near future. I anticipate that I may need to resign in several months. But I would like to have some say about how to select my successor.
Would the council begin discussion on how best to name a successor? Here are two ideas:
1. Amend the City Code (Filling a Council Vacancy) to provide for a special election if more than six months remain before the next election.
2. Amend the City Code, or set a policy, to appoint the candidate that, in the last preceding general city election, got the most votes out of those NOT elected to the city council.
I would prefer that my successor will have demonstrated broad public support.
I am sending a copy of this letter to our City Attorney so he can advise us on the legalities involved.
Thanks for your kind support and your consideration of this request.
Sincerely,
Thomas H. Kough
CC: Bill Malinen, City Manager
Scott Anderson and Jay Squires, City Attorneys
Thomas H. Kough
2931 Asbury Street
Roseville, MN 55113
February 11, 2008
To the Roseville City Council:
Mayor Craig Klausing
Amy Ihlan
Tammy Pust
Dan Roe
My doctor has advised me to slow down and rest more. That means I probably will be missing some Council meetings in the near future. I anticipate that I may need to resign in several months. But I would like to have some say about how to select my successor.
Would the council begin discussion on how best to name a successor? Here are two ideas:
1. Amend the City Code (Filling a Council Vacancy) to provide for a special election if more than six months remain before the next election.
2. Amend the City Code, or set a policy, to appoint the candidate that, in the last preceding general city election, got the most votes out of those NOT elected to the city council.
I would prefer that my successor will have demonstrated broad public support.
I am sending a copy of this letter to our City Attorney so he can advise us on the legalities involved.
Thanks for your kind support and your consideration of this request.
Sincerely,
Thomas H. Kough
CC: Bill Malinen, City Manager
Scott Anderson and Jay Squires, City Attorneys
