Rep. Peterson's Newsletter 10/22/2016

The National Christmas Tree

Dear Friends,

As we close out 2016, I’d like to take the time to wish everyone a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. This week I joined KLGR radio to discuss the upcoming Farm Bill, visited Lake Park to discuss local agricultural issues, and learned more about the ways our community is helping others. Finally, I’d like to send a very special thank you to two of my retiring staff members, Tom Meium and Toni Merdan for their years of service in my office working on behalf of Minnesotans in the 7th Congressional District.

Sincerely,

Congressman Collin C. Peterson
Minnesota 7th District

Lake Park Visit

On Tuesday I attended the Becker County Agricultural Discussion Forum in Lake Park, Minnesota at the local American Legion club. I provided the audience with an update concerning the next farm bill and answered questions and listened to their concerns about agricultural issues. You can read more about my visit online.

KLGR Interview

On Wednesday, I joined KLGR’s The Farm Show to talk about the upcoming farm bill and its progress in the upcoming Congress. We discussed changes needed to the Dairy Margin Protection Program, the Waters of the U.S. rule, the Clean Power Plan, and where the Agriculture Committee can work with the incoming Administration on rolling back burdensome regulations impacting our farmers. You can listen to my interview here.

Minnesota Electors

On Monday, following the Electoral College vote, 7th district high school students were given the opportunity to meet with Minnesota Secretary of State Steve Simon to learn about our election process and see first-hand how our government works.

A Personal Thank You

Tom Meium; Toni Merdan

I'd like to acknowledge the retirements of two of my staff members who've honorably served the people of Minnesota's Seventh District for many years.

Toni Merdan, my Senior Economic Development Officer, started working for me in 1993. Over the years, she's worked with hundreds of communities, businesses and individuals as they've navigated through the rules, programs and challenges of the federal government. Whether it was a small town needing help with funding for a wastewater treatment facility, an entrepreneur looking for advice, a tribal community needing a fire truck, or a business looking to expand, Toni has always been there to help. All these years, she's put on countless miles driving to every corner of the district to make good things happen for our constituents.

In 2002, after a new redistricting map, 13 counties in southwest Minnesota were added to my district. One of the reasons I was successful in these new counties was because of Tom Meium. Tom has been my go-to guy in the southern part of my district since 2003 doing outreach in many issue areas, including agriculture. Prior to coming to work for me, Tom spent 10 years working for Senator Paul Wellstone, and has a reputation as being one of the nicest and most responsive staff members around.

While it is difficult to see Toni and Tom retire, I want to thank them both for their dedicated service to me and to the people of the Seventh District. I wish them both well in their retirements!

Minnesota’s Micronesians

My staff had an opportunity to stop in Milan this week while traveling the district. City Clerk Veronica Blommel shared recent action taken by the city council to support the local Micronesian community by recognizing their unique immigration situation which is often described as “in-limbo”. Milan’s population of just fewer than 400 is home to nearly 200 Micronesians. The Micronesian population resides in the U.S. under a special Compact the U.S. has with the Micronesian Islands that is currently under review.

Newsstand

Hazardous Travel Weather Possible on Christmas Day

The National Weather Service in Grand Forks says a winter storm system will develop Saturday night and lift northward into the region on Christmas Day, even into Monday. Heaviest snow is expected across more northern portions of the area, with a mix of snow and ice affecting more southern portions. Further discussion of snow amounts and model spread is located online at their website or by phone at 701-795-5127.

This Week in American History

In 1913, Minnesota saw its first public Christmas tree displayed. It was lit Christmas Day in Gateway Park, Minneapolis. Today there are thousands of public Christmas trees displayed all over the state and the country.

Spotted in the Seventh

Can YOU guess what was Spotted in the Seventh? Each week, the newsletter will feature a landmark or site somewhere in Western Minnesota. The first person to name the location wins! The location of the photo as well as the winner will be revealed in the next newsletter.

This week’s landmark helps support the art education of many students at one of the exemplary universities we have here in the Seventh…

Last week we showcased the Pierre Bottineau Memorial at the entrance of St. Joseph’s Cemetery in Red Lake Falls.

Share your guess on our website – http://collinpeterson.house.gov/contact-me/spotted-seventh

“Tiger Lily”
Breana Pruneda (SHELLY)