StarTribune.com | User comments

Moving days at the Capitol

Article
Updated: November 26, 2012 - 9:49 PM

The Minnesota Legislature is on the move. The House and Senate have shifted majorities, and every single lawmaker is moving into new offices that reflect the new balance of power. Relocating 201 lawmakers, along with their staffs, files and furnishings, is a logistical feat that will take weeks to complete. This week, jubilant Senate Democrats began moving back into the majority quarters in the Capitol. Heartbroken Republicans, meanwhile, are packing up for the move across the street, into the cramped minority offices of the State Office Building they vacated just two years ago. The halls and tunnels of the Capitol complex are filled with the constant rumble of heavy, loaded dollies being pushed between buildings, piled high with members' desks, chairs and taxidermy.

5
Comments

Newest first
Oldest first

1 - 5 of 5

shushyn78Nov. 27, 12 7:31 AM

Regardless of who the ruling party is, can anyone honestly say this isn't a stupid arrangment?

jackpinesavNov. 27, 12 8:44 AM

Blown opportunity. 2 years ago, repubs had chance to become moderate agents of change. Instead, extreme focus on social issues, and with-holding of state funds to schools combined with drastic changes in local property tax laws, resulted in......being thrown back to oblivion. Our answers are in the middle with lower voices, fewer sound-bites, and much less anger. Lets see if dems have observed and learned.

mplsjohnNov. 27, 12 8:52 AM

This shines the light on efficiency in government. Did someone say bi-partisan? What if both parties sat together. Would we see better results from our legislature? I think studies would show that officing together brings improved cooperation and working relationships. Having managed technical groups for many years, I witnessed first hand the finger pointing between programmers and engineers. Once they were moved into the same work area and reported to a common manager the issue disappeared. This radical business approach I'm sure has no place in St Paul.

scottyhomerNov. 27, 12 9:15 AM

This seems like a big ole waste of money. Assign offices based on seniority, not party, and I could understand it.

fooledmeonceNov. 27, 1210:05 AM

politics can be so junior high, but then you know that every time you see a rally on tv

1 - 5 of 5

Log In

Change Password

state + local

Moving days at the Capitol

Comments

Thanks for contributing!

Comment on this story |

Post your comment:

Your comments:

from the homepage

Email or username:
Password:

Forgot your password? \| Not a member? Create a login

Current:
New Password:
Confirm New Password: