History 21 The Podcast - 2.24 Jim Kordiak

Jim Kordiak served as Anoka County Commissioner for 32 years and was often seen walking the streets of his constituency in Fridley and Columbia Heights. Days after the first election his name wasn’t on the ballot since 1986, Kordiak reflected on his time in office, how he decided to run for the first place, and his motivation to start a new chapter of his life.

Host Sara Given, ACHS Volunteer Coordinator and Rebecca Desens, ACHS Executive Director

KORDIAK RETIRES AFTER 32 YEARS ON ANOKA COUNTY COMMISSION

by NorthMetro TV, dec. 2018

(ANOKA) – The busiest man in the room was the one who was less than a day away from retirement from public service.

On a sunny Monday afternoon at Bunker Hills Regional Park, Anoka County leaders hosted a retirement reception for former County Commissioner Jim Kordiak, who officially left his seat after 32 years. Kordiak worked the crowd with a youthful frenzy, hugging and handshaking his way across the room.

It was a party 64 years in the making.

“Since May of this year, people have been saying goodbye to me,” said Kordiak, referring to his announcement last spring that he was retiring and moving to Vero Beach, Florida. “I’ve had a fine career.”

Kordiak took over the District 4 commission seat in 1986 after his father, Al, had held it for 32 years before that. Both Kordiaks held court in their shared tax and business services office in Columbia Heights, where constituents would come to share what was on their minds.

Read the full article

The Vault

Watch the full interview with Jim Kordiak

The Vault

Bonus: Al Kordiak Episode

Listen to Jim Kordiak’s father, also a County Commissioner, talk about his time in office.

Al Kordiak

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