Melissa Petersen, the Pierce County Board District 14 supervisor since April 2022, resigned from her position at the Sept. 26 meeting. She read aloud her resignation letter during public comment.

Petersen stepped down after moving from her District 14 residence to a home in Ellsworth.

“I consider it a pleasure and a privilege to be a representative of District 14 of the Pierce County Board serving as one of only five women as a County Board Supervisor,” Petersen said. “I have zealously advocated for my constituents and residents of Pierce County. I advocated against things that were not in our county’s best interest. I especially took action to avoid wasting taxpayer dollars, because I take very seriously their best interests.”

Petersen said she moved to Ellsworth out of District 14 during her divorce. She wanted to remain in the Ellsworth Community School District for her 10 children.

“I made the best decision for me and my family,” she said. “The move and finalization took several months. Since our new home is not in my district, I had to resign.”

Petersen said she asked Chair Jon Aubart for time on the agenda but was told she could speak during public comment. She also passed out a copy of her letter to her fellow supervisors.

The Journal asked County Administrator Jason Matthys June 29, 2023 if Petersen was allowed to serve in District 14 upon learning about the change of address through court records. The question was redirected to Petersen, who indicated her divorce was not final yet and permanent residency had not been established. It became final Aug. 31. Corporation Counsel Brad Lawrence sent a letter to Petersen Sept. 11 reminding Petersen of the residency requirements.

Petersen said she found the letter ironic and threatening. She wants to know why her predecessor Bill Schroeder’s residency was not questioned. At the time of the April 2022 election, when she edged out Schroeder by just a few votes and he asked for a recall, she claimed his main residence is in Minnesota, not District 14. This is a statement he vehemently denied.

“When Schroeder left, they (the county board) did a resolution thanking him for his service,” Petersen said. “However, for me nothing was done … Additionally, Corporation Counsel made references in his letter I found to be threatening to my private career (as an attorney) by stating I might be subject to attorney professional misconduct as well as criminal penalties.”

Lawrence states at the end of the letter he is providing Petersen the information so she can act accordingly.

Petersen plans to continue serving the community in other ways by remaining on the ECSD Foundation Board and in the Ellsworth Volleyball Boosters Club. She also teaches exercise classes at the YMCA and volunteers for school and community youth activities.

“I volunteer at the Ellsworth schools as an active parent when the opportunities arise, and I also volunteer at my local church,” Petersen said. “I support local businesses, run my law firm (employing other people) and pay taxes in Pierce County.”

She hasn’t ruled out running for public office again. As a local taxpayer, business owner and mother of 10, she believes she has a lot to offer.

“I am not afraid to think independently and research issues rather than simply voting with the majority without any thought,” Petersen said. “I am not intimidated when giving voice to minority opinion or acting in good faith against the status quo when it is beneficial to the community as a whole. I listen to people and want them to feel heard when they contact me or come to meetings. I love my family and people in my community and I enjoy serving them.”

County Clerk Jamie Feuerhelm said the county board will determine the process moving forward to fill the District 14 seat under the guidance of Aubart.