Title
Recognizing the outstanding leadership of Senator Ellen Anderson.
Body
WHEREAS, Ellen Anderson was first elected to the Minnesota State Senate in 1992, representing Senate District 66; and
WHEREAS, Senator Anderson was inspired to run for political office as a result of working on the 1990
Paul Wellstone for United States Senate Campaign; and
WHEREAS, Senator Anderson provided outstanding leadership and policy advocacy in the areas of economic development, job creation, affordable housing, water and environmental protection and energy policy, including serving as chair of various Senate committees with jurisdiction in these areas; and
WHEREAS, Senator Anderson authored significant legislation that moved Minnesota to the forefront of the nation including: setting renewable energy standards, raising the minimum wage, strengthening consumer protection, creating family-friendly workplace policies, and championing funding for great projects at Como Park and across the state; and
WHEREAS, Senator Anderson's leadership and accomplishments have been recognized with a multitude of awards including The Willard Munger Award for Environmental Stewardship, The Nature Conservancy Government Relations Award for her work on the renewable energy standard and other forward looking environmental policy, The Conservation Leadership Award from the Trust for Public Land, The Arts All Stars Award from The Minnesota Citizen for the Arts, the Hanson-Henninson Award for her commitment in the fight against HIV, The WiLL Pacesetter Award for her commitment to ensuring that women of all races and all stations of life are fully and fairly represented at the policy table, The Legislator of the Year Award from the St. Paul Business and Professional Women's Association, as well as many others recognizing her significant contributions to public policy; and
WHEREAS, Senator Anderson is a beloved community leader who is a role model and mentor who has generously provided advice and counsel to many aspiring political activists with warmth and compassion; and
WHEREAS, Senator Anderson will always be remembered for her trend-setting ways, as she altered forever the character of the Minnesota Senate through the simple act of wearing pants on the senate floor during session; and
WHEREAS, Governor Mark Dayton appointed Ellen Anderson to serve as Chair of the Public Utilities Commission; now therefore be it
RESOLVED that Mayor Chris Coleman and the Saint Paul City Council hereby thank Senator Ellen Anderson for her dedicated public service in the Minnesota Senate and offer heartfelt congratulations on her appointment to the Public Utilities Commission; and be it further
RESOLVED that the Mayor and City Council hereby declare that Tuesday, April 5, 2011 forever be known as ELLEN ANDERSON DAY in the City of Saint Paul and that she be granted all the rights, privileges, and benefits afforded such distinguished individuals on this day of recognition and celebration.