Jim Metzen
| Jim Metzen | |
|---|---|
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| 46th President of the Minnesota Senate | |
| Assumed office January 7, 2003 |
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| Preceded by | Don Samuelson |
| Succeeded by | Michelle Fischbach |
| Member of the Minnesota Senate from the 52nd district 39th (1987–2013) |
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| Assumed office January 6, 1987 |
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| Preceded by | Conrad Vega |
| Member of the Minnesota House of Representatives from the 39B district 52A (1975–1983) |
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| In office January 7, 1975 – January 5, 1987 |
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| Preceded by | Ray Pavlak |
| Succeeded by | Bob Milbert |
| Personal details | |
| Born | October 26, 1943 South St. Paul, Minnesota |
| Political party | Minnesota Democratic–Farmer–Labor Party |
| Spouse(s) | Linda (divorced) Sandie |
| Children | 2 |
| Residence | South St. Paul, Minnesota |
| Alma mater | University of Minnesota |
| Occupation | retired banker, retired businessman, legislator |
| Religion | Protestant |
James P. "Jim" Metzen (born October 26, 1943) is a Minnesota politician and member of the Minnesota Senate. A member of the Minnesota Democratic–Farmer–Labor Party (DFL), he represents District 52, which includes portions of Dakota County in the southeastern Twin Cities metropolitan area.[1]
Early career
Metzen started in the banking business at Southview Bank, working his way up the chain of command until he sold his interest in the bank in 1992. He is a former Vice President of Community Affairs at Key Community Bank, which has branches in Inver Grove Heights and South St. Paul. Metzen was integral in the banks initial startup.[2] His father, Butch, was a union organizer and one-time Dakota County Commissioner.
Minnesota Legislature
Prior to his election to the Senate, Metzen served in the Minnesota House of Representatives from 1975 to 1986, representing the old District 52A before the 1982 legislative redistricting and District 39B thereafter. He was also a member of the South St. Paul City Council from 1967 to 1974.[1]
Metzen was first elected to the Senate in 1986 after serving 12 years in the Minnesota House of Representatives. He was President of the Minnesota Senate from 2003 to 2011. He was chair of the Senate Business, Industry and Jobs Committee from 2007 to 2011, chair of the Senate Telecommunications, Energy and Utilities Committee from 2001 to 2003, chair of the Senate Governmental Operations and Veterans Committee from 1995 to 2001, chair of the Senate Governmental Operations and Reform Committee from 1993 to 1995, and chair of the Senate Economic Development and Housing Committee from 1991 to 1993. He has also chaired multiple subcommittees. He is currently the chair of the Senate Commerce Committee while also serving as a member of the Senate Rules and Administration, Capital Investment, and State Department and Veterans Division Committees.[3]
Personal life
Metzen and his wife, Sandie, reside in South St. Paul. His brother, David, is a former University of Minnesota hockey standout, and a former regent of the University of Minnesota. David's wife, Leslie, is a former district court judge in Dakota County.
On the morning of May 22, 2007, Metzen was arrested for driving under the influence just hours after the 2007 legislative session came to an end. The arrest occurred less than a mile away from his home. During a field sobriety test, he blew a 0.15, which is nearly twice the Minnesota legal limit of 0.08. He wrote a letter of apology for the incident to Senate Majority Leader Larry Pogemiller and his peers. On June 14, 2007, he was sentenced to 20 hours of community service and ordered to pay a $377 fine for the arrest.[4]
In September 2015, Metzen was diagnosed with a recurrence of cancer. He began oral chemotherapy at his home shortly thereafter.[5]
References
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External links
- Jim Metzen at Minnesota Legislators Past & Present
- Official Minnesota Senate website
- Minnesota Public Radio - Votetracker: James P. Metzen Voting Record
- Vote Smart - Senator James Metzen Profile
- Follow the Money - James Metzen Campaign Contributions
| Political offices | ||
|---|---|---|
| Preceded by | President of the Minnesota Senate 2003–2011 |
Succeeded by Michelle Fischbach |
| Minnesota Senate | ||
| Preceded by
Conrad Vega
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Senator from the 52nd district 39th (1987–2013) 1987–present |
Incumbent |
| Minnesota House of Representatives | ||
| Preceded by
Ray Pavlak
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Member from the 39B district 52A (1975–1983) 1975–1987 |
Succeeded by Bob Milbert |
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Presidents of the Minnesota Senate
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| Lt. Governor (1858–1973) |
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| Senate-Elected (1973–present) | ||
