[Congressional Record Volume 162, Number 21 (Thursday, February 4, 2016)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E122]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




HONORING SENATOR JAMES METZEN FOR HIS 42 YEARS OF PUBLIC SERVICE ON THE 
          OCCASION OF HIS RETIREMENT FROM THE MINNESOTA SENATE

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. BETTY McCOLLUM

                              of minnesota

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, February 4, 2016

  Ms. McCOLLUM. Mr. Speaker, it is an honor to rise today to pay 
tribute to Minnesota State Senator James ``Jim'' Metzen. Senator Metzen 
has been a leader in the Minnesota legislature for more than 40 years, 
representing my hometown of South Saint Paul and surrounding 
communities. He recently announced that he plans to retire later this 
year at the end of his current term. His legislative work is not yet 
complete, however, it is well worth reflecting on his more than four 
decades of public service that have shaped a remarkable legacy for the 
community and the state.
  First elected to the Minnesota House of Representatives in 1974, 
Metzen quickly established a reputation as an approachable, evenhanded 
and effective advocate for his constituents. In 1986 he was elected to 
the Minnesota Senate, bringing his ``can-do'' outlook with him to forge 
important alliances and build consensus throughout the state and the 
community--among constituents, Democrats and Republicans, business and 
labor leaders.
  During his time in the Senate, leaders have recognized Senator 
Metzen's extensive knowledge about the legislative process and the 
respect he has earned among his colleagues. It was no surprise in 2003 
when he was elected by his peers to be Senate President, a role he 
served for seven years. Additionally, he has been appointed chair of 
several influential committees. Currently, he chairs the Senate 
Commerce Committee.
  Senator Metzen's ability to build bridges between Democrats and the 
business community and get important things done has come naturally 
through the executive roles he has served in local community banks. 
Throughout his public and private sector service, improving his 
community has been his priority. He has always delivered--both large 
and small, from supporting the Mighty Ducks youth hockey program, to 
the transformation of industrial landfill into the Kaposia Landing 
park, to the replacement of the Wakota Bridge over the Mississippi 
River. His influential advocacy continues on projects like developing 
the Robert Street transit corridor. Residents of South Saint Paul, West 
Saint Paul, Inver Grove Heights, Mendota and Mendota Heights have been 
fortunate to have Jim working for them.
  To call Jim a friend is a privilege for my family and me. I have fond 
memories of joining my father to put up yard signs for Jim during his 
early campaigns, and it is probably no coincidence that our mutual 
strong support of public education comes from us both attending Central 
Grade School in South Saint Paul. Throughout my own public service, he 
was always among the first to offer encouragement and help. It was 
wonderful to join the hundreds of ``friends of Jim'' last fall at the 
Croatian Hall in South Saint Paul to recognize his many contributions 
on behalf of the community. I wish Jim and his wife Sandie all the best
  Mr. Speaker, please join me in paying tribute to Senator James 
``Jim'' Metzen as he prepares to retire after more than 40 years of 
distinguished public service.

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