Emails obtained through a public records request have revealed that Amber Gurske, the campaign manager and romantic partner of Duluth Mayor Roger Reinert, has been actively participating in city affairs since the beginning of Reinert’s term in office. The correspondence, which was first reported by a local online news outlet, shows Gurske’s involvement in various aspects of city business.
Gurske, who works as a business development and marketing manager for Amsoil in Superior, Wisconsin, has been communicating with city staff members, including the public information officer and the mayor’s former assistant. Her activities have included suggesting social media content for the mayor, coordinating potential proclamations, reviewing press releases, and inquiring about the mayor’s schedule.
In one instance, Gurske requested that a city employee research and gather information about Brighton Beach, as Reinert intended to create a social media post and video update on the topic. She has also been involved in the hiring process, participating in an interview panel for a senior adviser position in the mayor’s office.
The extent of Gurske’s involvement has raised ethical and potentially legal concerns. David Schultz, a professor of political science and legal studies at Hamline University, characterized her actions as unethical and possibly illegal. Schultz explained that as a campaign manager and not a city employee, Gurske lacks the authority to direct staff or city resources.
The situation becomes particularly problematic when considering the use of public resources for potential campaign-related activities. Reinert frequently posts about city business on an Instagram account labeled as a campaign page, blurring the lines between official and political communications.
Ashlie Castaldo, who heads the city’s disabilities commission, expressed concerns about communication challenges with the mayor’s administration. In a statement, Castaldo noted that commission members worry that an individual without official employment status may be influencing the prioritization of responses to inquiries typically handled by elected officials.
The emails also reveal that Reinert dismissed his assistant in June, who subsequently moved to another city department. No documented payments to Gurske have been found in Reinert’s expenses.
Richard Painter, a former White House ethics lawyer and current professor at the University of Minnesota, highlighted the legal complexities of the situation. He explained that prosecuting Gurske for any potential orders or influence would be challenging since she is not a government employee. Painter emphasized that campaign managers should remain separate from government operations and not be involved in directing staff.
City Councilor Wendy Durrwachter described the content of the emails as “appalling” and expressed concerns about cronyism and integrity within the administration.
The involvement of Gurske in official city business raises questions about the appropriate boundaries between campaign staff, personal relationships, and government operations. It also underscores the importance of maintaining clear distinctions between political activities and the day-to-day functioning of city government.
Reinert, who previously served on the Duluth City Council and in both chambers of the Minnesota Legislature, is also a licensed attorney and active member of the U.S. Navy Reserves. Neither Reinert nor Gurske responded to requests for comment on the matter.
As this situation continues to unfold, it may prompt discussions about ethics guidelines and the need for clearer delineation between campaign activities and official government business in Duluth and potentially other municipalities facing similar challenges.