On a 44-22 party-line vote, the Minnesota Senate refused to confirm Carol Molnau as transportation commissioner Feb. 28.
For six years, Molnau has served as both the commissioner and lieutenant governor, but has come under fire since the Interstate 35W bridge collapse last August. A recent legislative auditor’s report showed the Department of Transportation needs an infusion of money, but also showed that the quality of bridge and roads has improved a little in recent years.
Senate Republicans said the vote had nothing to do with her capabilities.
“Today it’s about politics,” said Sen. Claire Robling (R-Jordan). “They don’t agree with her politics and they want her removed.”
Added Sen. David Hann (R-Eden Prairie): “There may be a good reason to remove a commissioner, but I haven’t heard one yet.”
Sen. Steve Murphy (DFL-Red Wing), who chairs the Senate Transportation Committee, voiced criticism of Molnau telling committees that the department has enough money, when, in fact, it didn’t. “We need to forge a new beginning for the Transportation Department.”
Sen. Katie Sieben (DFL-Newport) said her no vote was based on accountability, citing the Wakota Bridge delays in the southeast Twin Cities metropolitan area, and the department’s unwillingness to share information about the Hastings Bridge.
Others wanted to know about the timing of the vote to remove Molnau, who was confirmed in her first term, and has been doing two jobs at the lesser salary of the two.
Senate Majority Leader Larry Pogemiller (DFL-Mpls) said this change could have been made last year, but there is now a longer performance record, the auditor’s report was released and the state still has a crumbling transportation system. “The leadership in this position is not what it needs to be.”
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