Reference code
Name and location of repository
Level of description
Title
Date(s)
- July 30, 1973 (Creation)
Extent
Scope and content
https://repository.stcloudstate.edu/legpol_oh/10 [16745]
Biographical Information: Florian Chmielewski was born on February 10, 1927, in Sturgeon Lake, Minnesota. After completing high school and briefly enlisting in the military, Chmielewski attended La Salle University for four years to study law. Following graduation, Chmielewski worked as a county commissioner for 10 years before successfully running for the Minnesota state Senate, in which he represented District 14 (previously 25) from 1970 to 1996. Chmielewski passed away on April 23, 2024.
Minnesota state Representative for District 25A (1971-1972), District 14A (1973-1992), and District 8 (1993-1996) elected from the liberal caucus and representing Aitkin, Carlton, Chisago, Kanabec, Mille Lacs, Pine, Sherburne, and St. Louis counties.
Transcript Summary: In an interview conducted on July 30, 1973, Florian Chmielewski discussed his career as a member of the Minnesota state Senate. Chmielewski noted that he possessed an interest in politics from a young age, but was largely motivated to pursue political office by his father, who encouraged him to run for the position of county commissioner and later for his position in the state Senate. Chmielewski affirmed much of the legislation and committee work was dedicated to state transportation infrastructure like roads and highways. He said that while he belonged to the DFL caucus, he preferred to stay as non-partisan as possible to build goodwill with his colleagues. Likewise, Chmielewski noted that he enjoyed serving his community in the local legislature and expressed pride that its committee meetings and other dealings were open for public attendance.
Interview conducted by Calvin Gower and John Waldron