Saint Paul, Minnesota - State Representative John Benson (DFL - Minnetonka, Plymouth Woodlands) announced that he will not be seeking re-election to the Minnesota House of Representatives. Rep. Benson was first elected in 2006 and will be completing his 4th term in the Legislature.
"Representing the citizens of my community has been a great personal honor. To the best of my ability the votes I have cast and the legislation I have authored focused on our state government's primary mission, the best possible delivery of essential services: quality public education, law enforcement, transportation, environmental protection and care for those unable to provide for themselves," said Benson. "I have viewed these past eight years in our citizen's legislature as an opportunity for me to help improve Minnesota's quality of life and then to return to private life."
Rep. Benson, a retired teacher, made education a priority in his service in the legislature.
"During most of my time in the Legislature we have faced budget deficits." said Benson."When I leave the House we will have honestly balanced the budget, paid back our schools, and made significant progress toward regaining for our children the quality education they need and deserve so that they can compete for good paying jobs in an increasingly aggressive global economy."
Benson said after serving out his term he will continue to find ways to contribute to the common good as a private citizen.