Roseau, MN— Minnesota Governor-elect Tim Walz recently announced his “One Minnesota” transition advisory board. Notably missing are any representatives from a key part of the state—Northwest Minnesota.
“How can it truly be ‘One Minnesota’ if a whole region of our state is being left out by our new governor?” asked Rep. Dan Fabian, R-Roseau. “Going through his announced list, it seems no one north of Highway 10 or west of Highway 71 made it on his advisory panel, and I want to make sure that this new administration isn’t ignoring the importance our region has to the State of Minnesota. Whether it’s agriculture, small businesses, education or health care, our part of the state is a great contributor to our economy and a state as a whole. I will continue to be a strong advocate for our area and champion our commonsense shared priorities, and I hope that the incoming Walz Administration will listen to all voices in Minnesota, and not just certain regions or special interests.”
Rep. Deb Kiel, R-Crookston, added, “Northwest Minnesota is an incredibly important region of our state, and while I will be fighting for our area in St. Paul, it’s important that our new governor listens to us and advocates for us as well. Our farmers and ranchers, local colleges and universities, small businesses and hardworking taxpayers deserve to be heard, and I hope his exclusion of our region on his transition advisory board does not become a trend of ignoring the voices of Northwest Minnesota.”