It is common for city leaders to wear more than one hat, but Red Wing Mayor Dennis Egan’s new job as an advocate for sand mining is raising concerns over his ability to lead the city in a manner that serves the public interest.

[The mayor's move is] triggering consternation in his hometown just as it begins considering what position to take in a sand-mining debate that is emerging at the State Capitol.

Egan said Tuesday he sees no conflict of interest and won’t step down while he works as executive director of the Minnesota Industrial Sand Council.

But Red Wing City Council President Lisa Bayley, a lawyer, said she has received many “complaints, questions and concerns” from residents about the mayor’s new job as a paid advocate for an industry that is at the forefront of local ferment. via Star Tribune.