What Led To Mayor Friese's Immediate Resignation In Pine Island?

Pine Island, MN (KROC-AM News)- The Mayor of Pine Island has resigned.

A letter sent to the Pine Island City Council by Mayor David Friese indicates his resignation took effect on Monday.

Friese, who was first elected mayor of the city in 2020, was nearing the end of his third consecutive term in office.

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Mayor pro-tem Vernon Pahl will temporarily fulfill the duties of mayor until the Pine Island City Council appoints an interim to serve until the newly-elected mayor takes office after the 2026 election.

Pine Island Mayor David Friese Submits Immediate Resignation Letter to Pine Island City Council

"I do not make this decision lightly, but in the interest of the city and its residents this move is necessary,” Friese wrote.

In the letter, Friese explained that “needed attention and service to the city is impacted” due to continued growth in his position at work.

Mayor David Friese resignation letter. City of Pine Island

Friese went on to praise the work of Pine Island City Administrator Elizabeth Howard, city department heads and members of the Pine Island City Council.

“This community has a bright future with so many opportunities coming our way,” Friese wrote.

Resignation Comes Amid Data Center Lawsuit

Friese’s resignation comes amid an effort to develop a Google data center in the town of nearly 4,000 people.

The City of Pine Island granted the development a conditional use permit in January that paved the way for construction.

Last month, a Goodhue County Judge issued an order temporarily halting construction of the data center, which was supposed to begin in July.

Non-profit group Minnesota Center for Environmental Advocacy (MCEA) sued the City of Pine Island and the data center’s developer in April, arguing the project has not undergone adequate environmental review.

The next hearing in the case is scheduled for Thursday.