League Honors 23 Minnesota Lawmakers as 2012 Legislators of Distinction

The honor recognizes legislators for specific city-friendly actions during the 2012 legislative session.
(Published Jun 27, 2012)

The League has selected 12 members of the Minnesota House of Representatives, and 11 state senators as Legislators of Distinction for 2012. The honor recognizes legislators for specific actions that aided efforts of Minnesota cities during the 2012 legislative session.

Legislators of Distinction are annually approved by the League’s Board of Directors to recognize that in order to successfully serve commonly shared constituents, state and city officials must work together to meet the unique needs of rural, suburban, and urban residents all across Minnesota.

Recipients of this recognition received a letter of appreciation and a certificate. The letters of acknowledgement noted the specific act, bill, sponsorship, or actions in support of city-friendly legislation which justify the appreciation of Minnesota’s 853 cities. Additionally, a copy of the Legislator of Distinction acknowledgement letter is sent to the mayor of each city in the district for each award winner. Mayors are encouraged to share these letters with their city council and residents.

Whether or not your representative is on the list below, election season is a great time to reach out to those running for office and share your city’s priorities while building a relationship with your state legislators. For ideas, visit the League’s online Legislative Action Center.

The League of Minnesota Cities Legislators of Distinction for 2012 are:

Minnesota House of Representatives
An (*) asterisk notes legislators who are also former elected city officials.

  • Rep. Tom Anzelc, DFL-Balsam Township
  • Rep. Joe Atkins, DFL-Inver Grove Heights*
  • Rep. Michael Beard, R-Shakopee*
  • Rep. Kathy Brynaert, DFL-Mankato
  • Rep. Greg Davids, R-Preston*
  • Rep. Melissa Hortman, DFL-Brooklyn Park
  • Rep. Morrie Lanning, R-Moorhead*
  • Rep. Tim O’Driscoll, R-Sartell*
  • Rep. Bev Scalze, DFL-Little Canada*
  • Rep. Steve Simon, DFL-St. Louis Park
  • Rep. Chris Swedzinski, R-Ghent
  • Rep. Bruce Vogel, R-Willmar

Minnesota Senate
An (*) asterisk notes legislators who are also former elected city officials.

  • Sen. Terri Bonoff, DFL-Minnetonka
  • Sen. John Carlson, R-Bemidji
  • Sen. Gary Dahms, R-Redwood Falls
  • Sen. Kari Dziedzic, DFL-Minneapolis
  • Sen. Linda Higgins, DFL-Minneapolis
  • Sen. John Howe, R-Red Wing*
  • Sen. Bill Ingebrigtsen, R-Alexandria
  • Sen. Carla Nelson, R-Rochester
  • Sen. John C. Pederson, R-St. Cloud*
  • Sen. Julie Rosen, R-Fairmont
  • Sen. David H. Senjem, R-Rochester*

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