The Metropolitan Council is a source of debate for many in our state. When I look at the Met Council, I see appointed, unelected officials making decisions that impact the entire seven county metropolitan area. In order to make this group more accountable to the people of Minnesota, I’ve authored a bill to give you a voice in these important choices.
The Met Council is a group of 17 unelected council members tasked with improving the metro area through transit, city and regional planning, and housing initiatives. They have enormous influence over our state’s future. While the goals of the Met Council to make our area even better are admirable, the process is, at its core, flawed.
Because Met Council members are appointed by the governor and not elected by the people, their allegiance is not to the people they represent, but to the governor. Even if appointees don’t reflect the views of their district, citizens are powerless to vote to remove them from their position. As a representative for Prior Lake, I always speak to constituents to see how my district views a certain issue because I can be held accountable for my votes, bills, and positions. This simply isn’t the case for the Met Council.
I’m sponsoring a bill to reform the Met Council’s process for who can serve as a council member. The legislation, HF2467, is a bipartisan bill that requires the appointed members to be an elected city council member, mayor, or county commissioner in their area. This gives the people the ability to hold the official accountable for their decisions made on the Council. When the Met Council has power over shaping the future of the Twin Cities, the decision-makers should be a voice for those they represent, not just Governor Dayton.