FEB 21, 2012 ROTARY IN REVIEW:
Governor Mark Dayton
Jerry Faletti led Rotarians in the singing of God Bless America with Bob Jones on the piano. Jean Vukas Roberts gave the invocation. Maria McLemore introduced visiting Rotarians and guests.
For the president’s report, Trixie thanked Kirk Kleckner and Jacob LaCroix who were the greeters. She reported that Ron Phillippo is out of the hospital following his recent heart attack and is recovering at home. Thursday’s Vocational Speaker is Roger Nielsen talking about the trip that he and Vicki took to Taiwan as part of the District Friendship Exchange. Next week’s program is Dave Newman District 5960 Fast for Hope Chair.
Jason Bradshaw reported that we are in the midst of a membership campaign. We are inviting prospective Rotarians for our March 13 and 20 meetings where we will have great speakers. There are prizes for Rotarians that bring new member prospects and they subsequently become members.
Al Uniacke introduced new member Deb Vos from Metropolitan University. No stranger to our club, Deb worked for Nancy McKhillips at the University for many years and assisted her in many Rotary projects. She is now Chief of Operations for Advancement and Associate Director of the Foundation. We welcome her now as a member of our club.
Donovan Schwichtenberg talked about the importance of Rotary Foundation Scholarships. Our club members are not eligible but you can encourage others to participate in this graduate student overseas program.
At this point, rookie, Trixie Ann Goldberg, was required to do the “old soft shoe routine.” We completed our club business at 12:50 PM but the governor wasn't scheduled to arrive until 1 PM. She had 10 minutes to fill. Rotarians were invited to make announcements. Roger Nielsen, Tom Farnham and Joe Kovarik adequately filled in the 10 minutes.
John Guthman introduced the 40th governor of Minnesota, Mark Dayton. Mr. Dayton has a long record of public service including Commissioner of the department of Economic Development, State Auditor and United States Senator. Currently, he is also serving on the executive committee of the National Governor’s Association. Guthmann noted that Elmer L. Anderson, a former governor, was an active as president and district governor of this Rotary club.
The governor began his talk by saying that Elmer L. Anderson was our state’s number one citizen and a hero of his. One of themes is selling the importance of 
vibrant downtowns. He said he learned that importance from his dad who had a fair amount of success with a business downtown. It is with this in mind that he put five downtown projects in his proposed bonding bill: the Saint PaulSaints baseball stadium, the Nicollet Mall project and civic center projects in Rochester, St. Cloud and Mankato. The legislators need to be persuaded of the importance of downtowns. The bonding bill will put people to work and vibrant downtowns will lead the state and region in the coming economic recovery. Another priority is finding jobs for veterans returning from foreign service. 22% of those now serving overseas do not have a job when they return and unemployment for veterans is twice the overall unemployment rate.
The governor fielded questions from the audience. Bob Garland wanted to make sure that the governor had a priority of keeping the 15+ corporate headquarters in the state. Dayton said that his administration is trying to be responsive to company issues. Executives can call him at 651-201-3468. As an example, he is working with Target and Best Buy to bring resolution to the merchandise sales tax issue.
Another question was about the delay in getting permitting for the three mining companies that want to establish operations in northern Minnesota. His position is that there are too many jurisdictions and agencies involved and he would be in favor of one overall agency deciding and acting at the speed of commerce and 
getting decisions made quickly. We must act at the speed of commerce, he said.
On behalf of the club, Jerry Faletti made a Paul Harris Fellow award to the governor. Trixie Ann Goldberg adjourned the meeting at 1:30.
Jay Pfaender, Scribe