Stay Curious. Stay Connected.
MailNewsletters♡Donate Now
Sign up
*Password must be at least 8 characters and contain one uppercase letter, one lowercase letter, one number and one symbol.
Already have an account?
By submitting, you consent that you are at least 18 years of age and to receive information about MPR's or APMG entities' programs and offerings. The personally identifying information you provide will not be sold, shared, or used for purposes other than to communicate with you about MPR, APMG entities, and its sponsors. You may opt-out at any time clicking the unsubscribe link at the bottom of any email communication. View our Privacy Policy.
Sign in to your profile
Forgot Password?
New to MPR News?
Welcome back
to news
for you
Reset Password

Enter the username on file and we'll send you a code to reset your password.

Still require assistance or not sure what your User Name is?
Welcome back
to news
for you
Email Verification

A verification code has been emailed to

Still awaiting the code?
The Cities Blog
Dan Olson

Fiscal sage Gunyou ready to close the books

Go Deeper.

Create an account or log in to save stories.

Log inCreate a free Account

Like this?

Thanks for liking this story! We have added it to a list of your favorite stories.

Show me!

John Gunyou says he'll retire as [Minnetonka city manager](http://www.eminnetonka.com/your_government/departments/city_manager.cfm) June 1.

If you don't know who John Gunyou is, he's the smiling guy who's been talking fiscal sense to Minnesotans for decades.

Sadly, evidence that we've heard and adopted his advice is not immediately apparent.

One sign of Gunyou's credibility is that politicians on both sides of the aisle find him reliable.

Gunyou was state finance commissioner under Republican Governor Arne Carlson.

He was DFLer Margaret Anderson Kelliher's [running mate ](http://margaretforgovernor.com/gunyou)in her bid for the DFL gubernatorial nomination in 2009.

He was finance director for the city of Minneapolis and for Minnesota Public Radio.

We know he can add and subtract, and understands the consequences for not having that skill, because he was once a middle school math and history teacher.

Gunyou's time as a state numbers mogul gave him an excellent high altitude view of where government reform is needed.

More than eleven years as the Minnetonka city manager sharpened his views and his opinions.

Here's his response from a recent public policy seminar when Gunyou was asked, "What would you most like to have from the state?"

Gunyou: "To get out of the way. Seriously."

Gunyou's retirement as Minnetonka's city manager probably has others already speculating about how they can convince the guy to come to work for them.