Anzelc and Bakk in attendance Sunday
Local Democrats are no exception as the state’s Democratic-Farmer-Labor party builds its platform and heads toward the November election.
The local convention of the Koochiching County DFL, held Sunday at Rainy River Community College, was well attended with 38 delegates present, according to Joe Boyle, DFL chairman.
Fifteen resolutions were passed by the gathering. Those resolutions included a focus on the following: additional funding for health care and education; the opposition of bilateral free-trade agreements without labor and environmental standards; and the opposition of bonuses for directors of corporations which are not approved by the shareholders.
State Rep. Tom Anzelc and Sen. Tom Bakk were both present at the convention. Anzelc reminded DFL members in attendance of the many Minnesotans who are suffering today from unfair conditions in the state, Boyle reported. Those conditions include the state’s under-funding of health care, infrastructure, justice, and education systems, he explained.
Also in attendance Sunday were campaign representatives for gubernatorial candidates Rep. Tom Rukavina, Sen. John Marty, House Speaker Margaret Anderson Kelliher, Rep. Paul Thissen and Matt Entenza. The representatives spoke on behalf of their candidates, Boyle said.
DFL officers elected for the local party’s two-year terms are: Boyle, chairman; Darlene Carlson, associated chairwoman; Roxanne Skogstad-Ditsch, secretary; and Cynthia Jaksa, treasurer.
The elected DFL delegates who will represent Koochiching County at the state and district conventions are Rob Ecklund, Brad Krasaway, Boyle, Jaksa, Robin Ramquist and Marie Blumhardt. Skogstad-Ditsch, Jean Evans, Sue Swendsen, Daniel Ramquist and George Konecny were elected as delegate alternates.
All of the delegates and the alternates voiced at the convention that they support northern Minnesota concerns and will be working at the conventions toward a strong northern Minnesota presence on the November ticket, Boyle said.
Next DFL Party events
Eighth District Convention: May 1-2, Grand Casino, Hinckley, Minn.
DFL State Convention: April 23-25, Duluth Convention Center
