Head of authority overseeing Vikings stadium resigns
MINNEAPOLIS — The chairwoman of the authority overseeing the Minnesota Vikings’ stadium resigned Thursday after weeks of criticism over the questionable use of luxury suites by officials’ family and friends, a practice that auditors labeled an ethical violation.
Michelle Kelm-Helgen announced her resignation in a letter, saying it was in the public interest for her to step down from the Minnesota Sports Facilities Authority. She and the stadium’s oversight authority have been taking heat for months since their use of two luxury suites was first reported by the Star Tribune, prompting sharp criticism from Republicans who have targeted Kelm-Helgen’s job.
“If I could go back and start over again, MSFA would have had a public discussion on the use of these suites and forbid the use of them by family and friends from the start,” Kelm-Helgen wrote.
A report from the Office of the Legislative Auditor last week found that nearly half of the tickets for those two suites were issued to friends and family of top officials, including Kelm-Helgen and Ted Mondale, the authority’s executive director.