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    Hentges & Sheran 5-27-08

May 27, 2008

Region’s lobbying power growing at Capitol

By Mark Fischenich

MANKATO — South-central Minnesota is ramping up its presence at the state Capitol, aiming to be more effective at lobbying for its share of state resources, say local officials and lawmakers.

“The presence of this area at the Capitol grew exponentially,” said Rep. Terry Morrow, DFL-St. Peter. “... I think Rochester, Duluth and St. Cloud have to watch out.”

City officials, area business leaders, colleges and the newly revamped Greater Mankato Growth Inc. — previously the Mankato Area Chamber of Commerce and Convention and Visitors Bureau — are working together to boost the area’s influence in St. Paul.

Mankato City Manager Pat Hentges said Greater Mankato Growth, and its president, Jonathan Zierdt, are going to have a more organized lobbying presence and plans are to have a Mankato-North Mankato Day at the Capitol like other regional centers already do.

North Mankato Mayor Gary Zellmer also has been active at the Capitol, both on behalf of the city’s proposed local option sales tax and through the Coalition of Greater Minnesota Cities. Lawmakers already are noticing the difference, Hentges said.

“They got tired of Jonathan, myself, North Mankato Mayor Zellmer, the e-mails,” Hentges said.

The various local governments, universities and private sector entities are working on each other’s behalf, said Rep. Kathy Brynaert, DFL-Mankato.

“I think our city, our region, does the best job I’ve ever seen of looking beyond its own borders for what’s best for the well-being of the region,” Brynaert said.

Sen. Kathy Sheran said she saw that in initiatives such as the funding for the upgrade of a somewhat decrepit rail line that serves Sibley County cities. Larger cities such as Mankato, North Mankato and St. Peter recognize that growth in smaller regional towns and rural areas is crucial to the overall economic health of the region.



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