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State Representative Tina Liebling
100 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.
651-296-0573
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Local Legislators to Hold Town Hall Meeting
Rochester, Minnesota — Today, state Representatives Kim Norton (DFL – Rochester) and Tina Liebling (DFL – Rochester) announced that there will be a town hall meeting to discuss possible future election law changes following the tragic death of Rochester City Council President Dennis Hanson on June 27.
Due to current election law, Hanson’s name must remain on the ballot and another candidate cannot be added. Reps. Norton and Liebling are inviting interested parties to explore and consider changes that would prevent similar situations in the future.
The town hall meeting will be held on Monday, July 23 at 7:30 pm at the Olmsted County Government Center (151 4th Street SE). The public is invited to attend.
“At this meeting we will provide information and discuss ideas for possible changes to the election law,” said Rep. Liebling.
“We need a humanly respectful way to address these issues,” said Rep. Norton. “Sometimes it’s difficult or uncomfortable to anticipate or plan for every disaster or tragedy. Our unfortunate circumstances brought this problem to our attention. Current law is inadequate and this situation should prompt discussion and possibly change during the next session.”
In addition to the public, Reps. Liebling and Norton have invited the rest of the Rochester legislative delegation, the Rochester City Council, County Board, School Board and other local leaders to participate. A strong bipartisan effort should accompany any election-related legislative change and it is hoped that this meeting will be a strong start in that direction.
“We don’t know yet who will chair the Elections committees in the next legislature, but that shouldn’t matter,” added Rep. Liebling. “We should work together so no other community has to face the same issue.”
“This isn’t a partisan issue; it’s about improving the democratic process for voters and our communities,” said Rep. Norton. “Hopefully by working together, we can decide on a fair and respectful manner to handle these unfortunate tragedies in the future.”
News Items
- Rep. Tina Liebling Named Chair of House Health and Human Services Policy Committee - (Posted: 2012-11-16 00:00:00)
- Statement on DEED Bonding Project Announcement - (Posted: 2012-09-13 00:00:00)
- Local Legislators to Hold Town Hall Meeting - (Posted: 2012-07-19 00:00:00)
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