Recently I read with great disappointment comments from former DFL Representative Steve Wenzel. He suggested that my family should not move to East Gull Lake to represent Senate District 9 that includes Morrison County. Part of my disappointment with Steve’s letter was he didn’t first call to ask why we were moving. I know Steve well and this behavior is completely uncharacteristic of him.
I’ve spoke many times at Steve’s college classes about my role as a state senator and he has done an exceptional job of representing our community. With the sudden division of Senate District 12, there were many left uncertain how to proceed. Several other legislators were also displaced. Four pairs of GOP senators were pitted against each other while only two pairs of DFL senators were pitted against each other. Many new districts now have no current senator in them at all.
I have had the privilege of representing Morrison County in the Minnesota Senate for nearly a biennium. I recognize the necessity and support both agriculture and small businesses. I’ve co-authored legislation that removes government barriers from small businesses and speeds up environmental permits from state agencies. I was on the conference committee to repeal Green Acres and modify the rural preserve program. SF 1945 is a bill I am carrying that will establish a hunting and trapping season to regulate the overpopulation of wolves in Minnesota. This helps farmers across Minnesota, particularly those who see an increase in wolves.
No legislative position belongs to any one person, as Steve Wenzel’s letter claimed. It is the people’s seat. If I have the honor of serving as the senator from Senate District 9, it will be because the people have given me their vote of confidence.
Respectfully,
State Senator Paul Gazelka
Comments (7)
Add commentPaul I'll respond as may others in the Lakes Region will as well
The unemployment rate in the Brainerd area (Lakes Region) is around 15 percent (current Senate District 10 as of 2011).
The Senate District you currently represent.
What legislation, and not MN Constitutional Amendments, did you author and champion to help this economic situation?
One of your legislative items, for example:
Firearms that felons have to forfeit may wind up in more pawn shops (confiscated and sold by law enforcement to other parties). Not exactly sure that's an overall economic stimulus. But we can agree to disagree on this topic.
Folks care more about putting food on their tables, keeping their homes, being able to travel and enjoy life, and less about the Social Agendas (MN Marriage Amendment) you have put forth and championed.
That's what the 2012 election cycle is all about (New Senate District 9).
I have a family farm established since 1879 in Crow Wing County and in 2012, you won't be representing that area in the Senate. I cannot vote since I'm not a resident of my family farm, however I pay Non-Resident Farmstead Taxes on that farm, which are much higher than residents living in the area. I view my farm as a treasure and a legacy to my ancestors who toiled the soil and helped keep our farm in our family for over 100 years plus now. So, I will pay my taxes and be proud I'm contributing to the Lakes Region!
I've voted since age 18 as I believe you have as well. Many election cycles have come and gone and the curves of up and down.
You have every right to represent what ever district for the MN House or Senate you chose. However, I believe you have to have residence in that district to represent that district.
District 9 of the Senate, which was a Census created item, is a geographic region of agriculture and resort communities.
They are looking for someone who is similar to their day in and day out life and not driven by National Social Agenda related issues which in general do not coincide with what they are voting their legislative representative to do.
Please step back, take stock on why folks are speaking out, and listen. Listening is a pretty good skill when it comes to voters.
Thank you for reading.
- Mike
oops
"I’ve spoke" It's "spoken", Paul. Grammar must not be a priority at Oral Roberts...not like some other topics.
I do support Paul's right to move, however, and I am not even in either district.
You'd better hope
you don't make a grammar mistake ever again, lakelander. You have in the past and I didn't say anything. Never more.
Mike, how much was your average farm subsidy, per year, when you ran it?
Rights
Mr. Gazelka has the right to move to East Gull Lake and run for Senate from that area. The voters from Senate District 9 also have the right to reject anyone who moves in to that area for his own political advantage.
dutchmen and lake
Is that the best you have for an argument, being petty? You act like Gazelka alone is suppose to create jobs. What have your liberal friends done for the job market--nothing.
grammar
I expect more of a newspaper than those who post on here. I read that papers are written at a third grade level. I wonder if that is still true.
We have to keep the standards high, don't we?
Feel free to point out my errors to me. I often have to correct/edit my posts. It is my cross to bear as a former English teacher.
You ridiculed him for it
so get a better glass house teach.