Dear Neighbors,
This week I introduced a bill (House File 670) to place term limits on state legislators and constitutional officers, including the Governor, Lieutenant Governor, Attorney General, State Auditor and Secretary of State. Currently, the elected positions can be filled without limit.
It is my belief that placing term limits on legislators and constitutional officers will give folks more faith and confidence in the process we have here in St. Paul. My perception is that Minnesotans frequently view us as career politicians. I feel strongly that elected officials should be public servants, not politicians. We need to recognize that nobody has a monopoly on good ideas, intelligence and certainly not common sense.
How would it work? I propose limiting state legislators’ terms to a maximum of 14 years combined between the House and Senate, and eight years (two terms) for constitutional officers. The 14-year maximum is based on the number of possible terms a legislator could hold, while accounting for redistricting every 10 years.
However, I acknowledge this number is not set in stone. I’m open to suggestions and amendments to make sure that we get it right. This bill simply helps start the process, and let’s see where it takes us!
Should my bill pass both the House and Senate, Minnesota voters would decide in 2014 whether or not to approve legislative and constitutional term limits. I am certain there will be great opposition to term limits here in St. Paul, and I don’t think that, if this decision was left to the Legislature, members would decide to impose term limits on themselves. Ultimately, this Constitutional Amendment will allow the will of the voters of Minnesota to be heard.
VISITORS AT THE CAPITOL
I had the privilege of visiting with representatives of the Red River Valley Emerging Leaders program this week. A married couple from each county in Northwestern Minnesota is nominated and chosen to participate in the program based on their commitment to community, agriculture and natural resources issues.
I was honored to discuss the legislative process and important district issues with these exemplary couples. I have no doubt they will continue to make a difference in their communities, and I look forward to working with them in the future.
Red River Valley Emerging Leaders: L to R: Garrett and Andrea Novak (Pennington County-St. Hilaire), Kris and Bethany Folland (Kittson County-Halma), Rep. Fabian, Mark and Aimee Wilson (Roseau County-Roseau), and Todd and Carla Bjorgaard (Marshall County-Newfolden).
Blackduck FFA: Cindy Veazey, Maria Funk, Hattie Norsch, Charli Schocker, Paul Eckstrom, Julianna Fernandz, Mark Friesen, and Garret Hentges.
Oslo Mayor Scott Kosmatka and Oslo City Councilmember Tom Kallock.
Leroy Jensen of TRF with Northwest Beverage.
John Burkel, Northern Pride, Thief River Falls, with the Turkey Growers Association.
Al Lundeen, Plant Manager, Wickstrom Telephone Company, Karlstad.
Please let me know if you are ever in St. Paul. I would love to meet with you at my office. Or, feel free to contact me with any questions or concerns you might have related to state government. I am here to serve you!
Dan
**Encourage your neighbors and friends to sign up for my email updates at www.house.mn/01A