Friends,
It has been a great week at the Capitol as I work to make government work for you and your family.
Giving Control to Local Governments
As the former Mayor of Waconia, I understand the impact that each unelected Met Council board member can have over our local governments. I’ve authored HF448 in order to ensure that local governments have a voice in the appointment of individuals to the Met Council. My bill will require that each appointed member of the Met Council goes before the local governments of the communities of which they are to represent, allowing local governments to identify candidates that support their plans for city development. Furthermore, my bill establishes local government authority to remove members that no longer serve their interests. I am excited to discuss this bill with my colleagues so that we can make government more responsible and responsive for all Minnesotans.
The first meeting of the House Met Council Subcommittee convened on Thursday. House Research presented an informative overview of the Met Council and its responsibilities, educating all of us on a very important topic. I look forward to serving as Vice Chair and having the opportunity to use my experience as Mayor of Waconia to ensure that the Met Council respects the authority of local governments.
Appointments
I’m honored to have been chosen to serve on the Capitol Area Security Advisory committee, where I can have a hand in ensuring that visitors, staff members and legislators at the Capitol are kept safe while the rights of Minnesotans that visit or work at this great complex are protected.
Don’t Miss It
Congressman Tom Emmer and I will be hosting a listening session at the Waconia City Hall (201 South Vine Street, Waconia, MN 55387) on Tuesday, February 17th, starting at 5:00PM. Come join Congressman Emmer and me to discuss agriculture and transportation policy on the state and federal level.
Taste of Minnesota
As you may have heard, the Carver County Fairgrounds in Waconia will once again host the Taste of Minnesota! Congratulations to the Carver County Fair Board and City of Waconia on bringing such a great event back to our community. Our county relished having so many visitors to experience our community, and enjoy great food and drinks from across Minnesota. I am looking forward to taking my family to the festival again to enjoy all that our state has to offer.
Visitors to the Capitol
Thanks to Watertown Mayor Steve Washburn, Victoria Mayor Tom O’Connor, Norwood-Young America Mayor Tina Diedrick, Council Member Charles Erickson, County Commissioner Randy Maluchnik, Waconia Schools Superintendent Pat Devine, and Waconia School Board Members Cathy Thom and Naomi Erickson for visiting my office in St. Paul!
As always, please stay in touch to share your thoughts and concerns as the legislative session progresses. You can schedule an appointment to meet with me in my office by calling my Legislative Assistant at (651) 296-5999, or email me directly at rep.jim.nash@house.mn. If your friends and neighbors have not signed up to receive my updates, encourage them to stay informed by signing up here.
It is an honor to work for you in St. Paul.
Rep. Jim Nash