When coronavirus became a global pandemic, daily life changed in a flash. As mayor, Brad Wiersum made a change, too, and began writing regular messages to the community.

“I felt the need to have a positive and encouraging message at a very dark and difficult time,” Wiersum said. “I learned how much people appreciated it, and I made a lot of valuable connections as a result.”

It is the connection he has enjoyed most throughout 23 years of service to the city. Wiersum, who will retire at the end of the year, was first appointed to fill a city council vacancy in 2002 and was elected to a full term the following year. He was elected mayor in 2017 and again 2021.

“It’s a people business. You’re working with people, and you’re solving problems,” the mayor said. “You like to think that along the way you are doing things that will improve your community.”

In addition to helping lead the city through a pandemic, Wiersum is proud of Minnetonka’s work on housing. “Through our staff and council, we’ve made significant differences in a lot of people’s lives because of the work we’ve done on housing and affordable housing.”

Wiersum also regards the purchase of The Marsh as a bold move that has been a good long-term decision for the city.

“It’s not a done deal. There’s more work to be done to make it as good as it can be. But The Marsh was going to go away had the city not acquired it,” he said. “The facility benefits a lot of people, particularly seniors. The therapy pool is a life changer for many accident victims and people with mobility challenges.”

Wiersum figures he’s attended well over 1,000 meetings and likely cast more than 10,000 votes while on the city council.

“It’s so interesting. You meet a lot of different people in a lot of unique circumstances, and, to me, that’s just a lot of fun,” Wiersum said.