Jim Metzen

Jim Metzen
46th President of the Minnesota Senate
In office
January 7, 2003 – January 3, 2011
Preceded by Don Samuelson
Succeeded by Michelle Fischbach
Member of the Minnesota Senate
from the 52nd district
39th (1987–2013)
Assumed office
January 6, 1987
Preceded by Conrad Vega
Member of the Minnesota House of Representatives
from the 39B district
52A (1975–1983)
In office
January 7, 1975 – January 5, 1987
Preceded by Ray Pavlak
Succeeded by Bob Milbert
Personal details
Born (1943-10-26) 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 bank's 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. Metzen has two children Jeff and John. He also has two grandchildren.

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

  1. 1 2 "Metzen, James P.". Legislators Past & Present. Minnesota Legislative Reference Library. Retrieved September 22, 2015.
  2. ↑ "Biography Background". Minnesota Senate. Retrieved July 20, 2010.
  3. ↑ "Senator James P. Metzen (DFL) District 52". Minnesota Senate. Retrieved September 22, 2015.
  4. ↑ Bakst, Brian (June 14, 2007). "MN Senate president gets fine, community service in DWI arrest". Associated Press. Retrieved February 24, 2013.
  5. ↑ Hinrichs, Erin (September 23, 2015). "Sen. Jim Metzen battles cancer again, political future remains uncertain". Lillie News. Retrieved September 23, 2015.

External links

Political offices
Preceded by
Don Samuelson		 President of the Minnesota Senate
2003–2011 		Succeeded by
Michelle Fischbach
Minnesota Senate
Preceded by
Conrad Vega		 Senator from the 52nd district
39th (1987–2013)
1987–present 		Incumbent
Minnesota House of Representatives
Preceded by
Ray Pavlak		 Member from the 39B district
52A (1975–1983)
1975–1987 		Succeeded by
Bob Milbert
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