Former City Administrator Angie Winquist Appointed Glenwood Mayor

Angie Winquist is returning to Glenwood City Hall.

The former city administrator was appointed to the position of mayor by a unanimous vote of the Glenwood City Council at a special meeting Friday night. Winquist will complete the two-year mayoral term vacated by Ron Kohn, who resigned for personal health reasons in November. He passed away on Saturday.

Winquist said after Kohn resigned, she received multiple calls and texts from people asking her to consider applying for the position.

“I got a lot of calls and texts because of my background as city administrator,” she said during an interview after Friday’s meeting. “They thought I would be a good candidate and they wanted me to consider putting my name in the hat.

“I thought about it for a couple weeks and then decided. I’ve been here since ’83. I love Glenwood and I loved my job and just want to come in and help.”

Winquist said her first priority will be to get re acclimated with city business. She plans to speak with all city department heads, staff and council members before she presides over her first meeting Jan. 9. She comes in just as the city starts to set its budget for the 2024-25 fiscal year, which begins July 1.

Winquist praised Kohn for the example he set during his six years as mayor. They worked together when Winquist was the city administrator.

“He did a fabulous job. I loved working with Ron and that was part of the reason I decided to do it,” she said. “Ron and I had a good relationship and I kind of wanted to do this for him.”

Winquist was one of five Glenwood residents to apply for the mayor’s position. Applicant interviews with members of the city council were conducted last Wednesday.

“We had some really strong candidates come in and one thing I said over and over again is the amount of courage that it takes for anybody to come forward and put yourself out there to serve in a public position,” council member Holly Jackson stated after Winquist was appointed. “You can face public criticism and you have to make tough decisions. I think it was probably one of the most difficult decisions that we’ve ever had to face or make. But to get involved, put yourself out there and be involved in a public position is very courageous. I would like to personally thank everybody for stepping up and putting yourself out there.”

Winquist thanked the city council after she was administered her oath of office by mayor pro-tem Dan McComb. 

“I look forward to working with all of you again to the best of my ability and carry on what Ron’s missions were for the city of Glenwood,” she said. “Thank you, all, for trusting me.”