State Rep. Ann Lenczewski, a DFLer House District 50B in Bloomington serving her ninth term, said Monday that she’ll resign from the Legislature by the end of the year to take a job in government relations with the Lockridge Grindal Nauen law firm.
In announcing the change, she said: “It is time for someone else in Bloomington to bring ideas and advocacy to the Capitol. It is also time for me to return to the private sector.”
She was first elected in 1998, and had been tax chair when DFLers controlled the House. She previously served two terrms on the Bloomington City Council.
House DFL Leader Paul Thissen praised Lenczewski, saying her departure will leave a “huge hole” at the Capitol:
Of course, there is no one in St. Paul – indeed, few in the entire state – who knew and cared as much about taxes. She leaves behind a fairer, structurally sound tax system…
She was also a fierce advocate for our shared hometown of Bloomington. From new parks to trails to transportation to expanding business, she looked out for the city delivered. And the people of Bloomington know it. After winning one of the closest races in the state in her first race in 1998, no one ever came close again. She truly is “Ms. Bloomington” for a generation of residents.
But most importantly, I am sad today because I am losing my best friend at the legislature. There is no one whose advice I trust more. I will miss her wisdom, her ability to cut through the B.S., and her optimistic good spirits.
Rebecca Klett, Lockridge Grindal Nauen’s partner in charge of state government relations, said of Lenczewski: “Ann’s unique expertise in tax policy and its interaction across state, county, and municipal governments — together with her unparalleled political savvy — will significantly enhance our practice.”
Another taxpayer betrayal to a lobbying firm
I applaud representative Lenczewski for stepping aside after so many years in the legislature to allow others a chance to serve and contribute to the community. Too often young talented individuals are blocked in education, business and politics by those hanging on past their prime.
What is not commendable is another legislator leaving and going to work for a lobbying firm. This is just so wrong on so many levels. We’ve witnessed that legislators are not very good at policing themselves, so there’s very little hope this practice will end soon.