By Matthew Stolle
Post-Bulletin, Rochester MN
State Rep. Andy Welti, the youngest member of the House of Representatives, recently received the 2008 Young Alumni Award from his alma mater, Minnesota State University-Mankato.
Welti, a 2003 social studies/geography education graduate, received the award at a dinner and ceremony hosted by the university’s alumni association.
The award goes to Minnesota State-Mankato graduates 35 years old or younger who have reached professional achievements early in their careers, and have positively impacted their communities.
ADVERTISEMENT
Welti, of Plainview, was among the Minnesota State-Mankato graduates honored as 2008 Distinguished Alumni Award winners.
--
And the band played on ...
Gov. Tim Pawlenty’s decision to single out a Chatfield brass-band music lending library as an example of DFL legislative leaders "misplaced priorities" still hasn’t stopped ruffling feathers. In a recent letter-to-the-editor, state Sen. Sharon Ropes of Winona, whose district includes Chatfield, wrote that Pawlenty’s ridicule is "an excessive slap in the face."
"The governor wanted a smaller bonding bill. Fine... What is disappointing is his shocking disrespect he used to single out Chatfield’s music-lending library as a bad example. Over and over in the media, Gov. Pawlenty mocked and insulted the Chatfield request ... I expect the governor to do his job with dignity and statesmanship. It is enough of a blow to this city’s economy and local plans when their Main Street project is cut."
--
The home foreclosure crisis continues to be part of the legislative agenda in St. Paul. Today at 2:30 p.m., Pawlenty, Housing Commissioner Tim Marx and Commerce Commissioner Glenn Wilson will hold a press conference to announce new measures to help Minnesota homeowners facing mortgage foreclosure, his office announced this weekend.
--
ADVERTISEMENT
Word is that DFL Senate candidate Al Franken will be holding a campaign event, probably on Tuesday, to include economic round table. Stay tune for more details.
--
While Franken may have the name recognition and the fatter campaign war chest, University of Thomas professor Jack Nelson-Pallmeyer appears to the DFL Senate candidate who is exciting delegates.
That impression was underscored this weekend when 50 percent of the delegates chosen at the Mower County DFL convention to attend this DFL state convention pledged to Nelson-Pallmeyer while 20 percent went to Franken and 30 percent were uncommitted.
Democrats will endorse their candidate at the DFL state convention in Rochester on June 6-8.
Matthew Stolle covers politics for the Post-Bulletin. His Political Notebook column runs every Monday with items concerning political issues affecting southeastern Minnesota.
