ST. PAUL, MN—State Representative Jon Koznick, R-Lakeville, issued the following statement regarding news that Gov. Tim Walz plans to establish a committee to evaluate the governance structure of the Metropolitan Council. According to a release from Gov. Walz, the committee will review and make recommendations on the role of elected versus appointed council members, the role of the regional Metropolitan Planning Organization, and the effectiveness of the delivery of regional transit service.
“The results and effectiveness of the Metropolitan Council and the scope of its work has been questionable. I am encouraged to see that the Walz administration has heard our repeated calls for change and for recognizing that serious reforms are needed at the Council,” said Koznick. “Whether it’s improving rider security at Metro Transit or making council members accountable to taxpayers and local city councils, it has become clear in recent years that significant adjustments are needed at the Metropolitan Council to restore trust, transparency and accountability with citizens. I commend Gov. Walz’s decision to appoint Dakota County Commissioner, Mary Liz Holberg, to the commission and look forward to following its progress and eagerly await its recommendations.”
Koznick is the former chair of the Legislative Commission on Metropolitan Government, serves on the Subcommittee on Local Government, and a leading voice at the capitol on issues related to public transit safety and security.
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