SAUL, James

SAUL, James. (Dubuque, IA-Rochester, MN). MAYOR. Saul served six years on the Dubuque City Council as alderman of the First Ward. He was elected mayor on April 7, 1914. Criticism at the time focused on the POLICE, and one of Saul's first actions as mayor was the appointment of John W. Giellis as the new chief. The department was soon reorganized. Saul was re-elected mayor in 1916 and again in 1918. During his last term of office, Dubuque adopted the city manager form of government.

Even out of office, Saul continued to enjoy considerable political influence. In 1930 he was convinced to campaign for county supervisor. In November he won election on the Democratic ticket to a three-year term. Saul took office on January 2, 1931, and was later elected chairman of the board.

Involved in the contracting trade for forty-five years, Saul was associated with John Byrne in the firm of Byrne and Saul. Later Byrne retired and Saul's son entered the firm that was renamed Saul and Son. A successful businessman, Saul also enjoyed a reputation as one of Dubuque's many charitable citizens. He was once known to have taken his own Christmas tree to the home of a family less fortunate.