Meet Commissioner Vetsch

My name is Darek Vetsch and I am a lifelong resident of Wright County. After graduating from St. Michael-Albertville High School, I attended the University of St Thomas and the University of Minnesota, studying in Political Science.

For 20 years, I was a restauranteur alongside my father, with the establishments of Russell’s of Course in St. Michael, Russell’s on the Lake in Big Lake, and Russell’s Catering. During my career in the private sector, I became involved in my community and the local government.

I was a past board chair on the Monticello Chamber of Commerce & Industry, board member on the Big Lake Chamber of Commerce, plus the Big Lake (EDA) Economic Development Authority, and a past president of the Monticello Youth Football Association.

Presently, I am the chairman of the Monticello IEDC (Industrial & Economic Development Committee) and a member of the CentraCare Monticello (FRDC) Foundation Regional Development Committee. As commissioner, I serve on many advisory committees found here.

Recently, I was honored to be part of the creation (and 2019 chair) of the CMRP (Central Mississippi River Regional Planning Partnership). Formerly known as the Highway 25 Coalition, this is a partnership between the City of Monticello, City of Big Lake, City of Becker, Big Lake Township, Becker Township, Monticello Township Silver Creek Township, Sherburne County, Wright County, and MnDot.

This partnership demonstrates commitment to a collaborative and consensus-based approach to regional planning and decision making that optimizes regional and local benefits to maintain a high quality of life. Indeed, the best way to control our future is the plan for it!

I am dedicated to ensure the development of long-term planning in my community. My goal is to create the best quality of life at the best price possible. I enjoy working with others to create financial modeling to better forecast the future revenue and expenses at Wright County.

In my opinion, leveraging partnerships (to create a better economy-of-scale) yields better service and large cost savings.

Legislatively, I recently protected local tax dollars by testifying and educating legislators and staff in St Paul of local impacts on county related issues. I have had great impact in stemming change on state assessed properties and the administrative appeal process along with drainage issues related to county ditches.

My wife, Karen Vetsch, and I have six kids, plus three additional bonus children (whom also live with us and which we like to call our own). We live in the City of Monticello and enjoy many recreational and community activities as a family. I am also often found coaching or officiating local sports.

I am dedicated to maintaining and advancing a high quality of life for my family and the citizens of Wright County. As a determined realist, I believe my practical approaches to life, business and my role as a county commissioner have added and will continue to add value to citizens. I am grateful to the citizens of the county for allowing me the privilege to serve them in this role.