With his family on the front row, Mayor Ryan Karasek conducted his final City Council on December 12, 2022. After taking the oath of office in January 2017, Mayor Karasek, or as Councilmember Jessica Tesdall described him, “The Man in the Arena” will close out his illustrious career in public service later this month. He was presented with a well-deserved plaque and Mayor Elect Ryan Sabas expressed heart-felt appreciation on behalf of the entire organization. Many deserving accolades were shared by his colleagues as they recounted countless hours he has devoted to Champlin, a city he loves and cares for deeply.
Mayor Elect Sabas described him as a true ambassador who dreams big for Champlin. Look at the recent opening of Mississippi Crossings. He has a can-do attitude and strong belief in establishing community gatherings like the Trout Ice Fishing Contest and Christmas at the Crossings. His legacy will live on year after year through the annual traditions he helped establish.
Councilmember Tesdall quoted Teddy Roosevelt describing Mayor Karasek as a strong man of great character and value. “It is not the critic who counts, not the one who points out how the strong man stumbled or how the doer of deeds might have done them better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred with sweat, and dust and blood, who strives valiantly.”
Councilmember Tom Moe described Mayor Karasek as a man with a servant heart who is truly of good citizenship. He said he has been honored to sit at his right the last six years.
Councilmember Nate Truesdell followed up with mention of how Mayor Karasek is a true professional and inspiration. He created a word for him called “stick-with-ness” for his ability to stick with the things he cares about most. He mentioned Mayor Karasek being a positive impact on the community and always present, even for the small events like picking up trash on Earth Day.
Mayor Karasek was moved. “Thank you and thank you City of Champlin. It has been an absolute honor to serve as Mayor of Champlin. I am proud of what this council has accomplished and now it is time to let my family occupy my time and my mind. I have faith in this council and Mayor Elect Sabas to continue doing amazing things in the community.”
Mayor Karasek will officially hand off the gavel in January 2023 and the City will dedicate the Trout Pond to him during the upcoming February 2023 Trout Ice Fishing Contest.
Watch the December 12th City Council Meeting!
View QCTV's Tribute to Mayor Ryan Karasek!
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