I wish to express my strong disapproval in the announcement by Sen. Paul Gazelka (Brainerd Dispatch, Feb. 28) that he is moving his residency from Brainerd/Crow Wing County to East Gull Lake (area) for the sole purpose of seeking the state Senate seat in District 9. The new District 9 is comprised of Morrison, Todd, Wadena and Cass counties.
For the record, in the recent Minnesota court-ordered redistricting decision, Gazelka was not redistricted out of Crow Wing County. Gazelka, in fact, is the sole incumbent for District 10 which will comprise Crow Wing and Aitkin counties. The Dispatch article states, “Gazelka...said the move would allow him to represent...Morrison County.” But Gazelka is not moving to Little Falls or Morrison County. He is instead moving to East Gull Lake. Gazelka does not now — and has never had — residency in Morrison County or District 9.
I contend that the real reason Gazelka is changing districts is because the new District 9 retains historically a significantly higher Republican voting record than does District 10.
I believe Gazelka’s decision truly violates the principles of representative democracy. His actions are cynical, blatantly political and self-serving.
It has now been 42 years since a resident of Little Falls, Gordon Rosenmeier, so ably represented Crow Wing and Morrison counties in the Minnesota state Senate. Morrison County and the new Senate District 9 is one that is primarily agricultural/family farms and small businesses. Little Falls and Morrison County is also the largest population base in District 9.
I am not a candidate for District 9. But I believe it is important that the person elected to represent us have the necessary background and residency, the qualifications, the integrity and great dedication to the people of our district. In doing so, we advance the best interests of representative government.
Steve Wenzel
Little Falls
STEVE WENZEL represented Crow Wing and Morrison counties in the Minnesota House of Representatives from 1973-2001. He is the uncle of Rep. Mike LeMieur, R-Little Falls.
Comments (15)
Add commentActions speak louder than words
It appears Mr. Wenzel's assessment might be worth thinking about.
Pot
meet kettle! The DFL is funny.
Good for the goose-
is good for the gander! This is done all the time and by both parties, the best known in later years was H. Clinton in New York---so keep your pie hole shut unless you have something more important to say or announce as I do not remember your complaining or shouting about her doing it when done.
Yes, it is true...
Both political parties have practiced this idea of moving districts. I think it is as Mr. Wenzel says; it is self serving. Sen. Gazelka dropped out of being a representative the first time; this move is just another manifestation of his lack of respect for the political process as we'd like to see it. AS for 'retiredguy2', Mr. Wenzel says nothing about whether he supported the H. Cliinton move or not, so you jumped to a conclusion based on nothing - not to mention that your point is worth making anyway, regardless of your use of the word 'piehole',.... so why use it? Let's show some class, folks.
I don't think of Hillary
I don't think of Hillary Clinton's carpetbagging as a Minnesota issue.
"Our goal is to make Gazelka
A one term state senator!" Sounds like a rallying cry I have heard before somewhere.
In Florida, you don't even have to live in your US House district.
Moving isn't an issue. It makes sense for Gazelka and Taryl Clark. Both might lose the public support because of it, though.
Courts and redistricting
The courts changed the districts in order to not give one political party the advantage. So this move is obviously trying to take advantage of the Republican voters. Personally, I am glad he will go no longer represent my district. Perhaps we can elect someone who will actually be more aligned with my vote.
It's politics, folks.
the ole hipocrite
how about t. clark steve? she is moving her broom to a duluth apartment?? what a crock from a "former" politico!
so, Steve,
if he represented Morrison last session from CWC, how does a 2- mile move put him in any better or worse position to represent them now?
Or are you a realtor: location location location?
How come the BDD never mentions that steve was - and always was- a DFL rep, with DFL ideas? Impartial observer? Not even close.
Republicans eating their own?
Wenzel left the DFL to take a Bush appointment, he has donated over $14,000 to GOP candidates in recent elections, and is the uncle and supporter of his Godchild Mike LeMieur (GOP.) Wenzel is not speaking for the DFL any longer.
$14,000???
minnesnowda...isn't that a HUGE violation of MN's campaign finance laws? Individuals can't donate more than $500 - $1000, depending on whether or not it's an election year.
stop the lies, snowda.
this is pretty unclassy of Wenzel. i used to really have a lot of respect for him. now...steve, you've shown your inability to be truthful or sincere. you put on a good show for many many many years but this area doesn't need or want the political bickering you have brought to the table for 40+ years anymore.
steve...
on a very personal level, i cannot tell you how disappointed i am in you. i thought you were above these kinds of games.
Wenzel is a GOPer
and has said so publicly.
Also, those campaign finance figures (500-1000) are limits to individual campaigns/candidates, not aggregate so the $14,000 someone posted is possible.
wenzel is not a gop'er
even though he has said so publicly. he is a pro-life democrat, always has been, always will be.