Mathiowetz to retire as House chief clerk

The Minnesota House will have a new chief clerk in 2015.

Al Mathiowetz, who has held the position since 2005 and has worked at the House for 43 years, announced that he will retire when his term ends Jan. 5, 2015.

In a letter to House leadership, Mathiowetz wrote: “It has been an incredible honor to have been part of the legislative process for the past 43 years, and especially humbling to have been given the privilege to have served as the chief clerk the past 10 years.”

Mathiowetz expressed his gratitude to leadership for their support and kindness over the past session.

He continued: “The difficult part of retirement is leaving behind the many friendships I have developed with members and staff, who have made my job meaningful and worthwhile. I will forever cherish that experience.”

[WATCH: Nomination of Al Mathiowetz as chief clerk on opening day of 2013-'14 legislature]

Mathiowetz was hired as an administrative assistant in the chief clerk’s office in 1971. He also served as journal clerk and second assistant chief clerk before being promoted to first assistant chief clerk in 1985.

The House voted 134-0 in 2005 to appoint Mathiowetz as the replacement for departing chief clerk, Ed Burdick. 

For more, read an interview with Mathiowetz from 2005 after his election to the post: http://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/hinfo/leginfo/110314Mathiowetz.pdf.