DFL Operative Resigns From Economic Agency Over Hiring Flap

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EVELETH, Minn. (AP) — A prominent Iron Range Democrat who was hired for a civil service position after the job posting time was shortened from 21 days to 24 hours has resigned.

Longtime Democratic operative and former state legislator Joe Radinovich said in his resignation letter to the Iron Range Resources and Rehabilitation Board that the circumstances behind his employment have "taken the focus off that work and placed it elsewhere." He was hired at the Eveleth-based economic development agency in March.

The issue came to light when the weekly Timberjay newspaper reported about the posting change and cited an organizational chart produced by board staff nearly a week before the posting that listed Radinovich in the job.

Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz said after the newspaper report that the expedited hire was made without his knowledge and he vowed to tighten hiring rules.