Post Bulletin: Elegbede seeks to offer new perspective for Olmsted County
Wale Elegbede says he believes addressing local issues must start with good policy.
“If you don’t have the right policy, you’re inviting all the tables to fall apart,” said the Rochester man who is running for the District 7 seat on the Olmsted County Board of Commissioners.
Elegbede is challenging Mark Thein, who is seeking his second term.
The director of Strategy Management Services for Mayo Clinic, Elegbede said he believes establishing the right policies will benefit the county’s efforts to address a variety of issues.
“From working hard on affordable housing issues, good-paying jobs, tackling homelessness, fighting hate crimes to creating an environment that fosters growth, talent, and safety, I believe we are best when we are one community working together,” he states on his campaign website. “I bring a diverse and fresh perspective, with solid strategic business experience that will help us respond to growth and change in the 21st century.”
He said the goal should be a strategy that considers everyone in the county, from farmers and businesses owners to workers and people struggling to find shelter.
Elegbede, who served on the Olmsted County Human Rights Commission, said he’s been thinking about running for the county office for a while, but things recently clicked.
“The events over the weekend really solidified the need to move forward, but that’s not the only reason I’m running.” he said.
Vice president of NAACP Rochester, Elegbede said the weekend of protests demonstrated a community need for seeking unified solutions.
“From a community perspective, there is a lot of negativity going on, and if we want to be in community, we can absolutely do it together,” he said.
