Report: Red Wing mayor resigns after criticism on lobbying job

The mayor of Red Wing is reportedly stepping down after being criticized for taking a job with a lobbyist group for the frac sand industry.

Mayor Dennis Egan had said his job as executive director of the Minnesota Industrial Sand Council was not a conflict of interest, but several members of the Red Wing City Council objected.

Red Wing is one of a number of Minnesota communities where silica sand mining has become a contentious issue. The silica sand is used to extract oil and gas through hydraulic fracturing.

Red Wing City Council President Lisa Bayley said Egan called Friday night to tell her he was resigning.

"We understand his decision and wish him well in his new position," Bayley said. "I think he had to make that decision -- what we wanted to do. I just don't think the two positions were compatible and he needed to pick something."

Under these circumstances, Bayley said, the city charter demands a special election for mayor. She said council members will call for the election at a meeting Monday night.

Egan could not be reached for comment on Saturday or on Sunday morning.

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