Will upcoming legislative session find McElroy on the hot seat?
By an amazing coincidence or sharp political skills, Pawlenty Commissioner of Employment and Economic Development Dan McElroy sent out a press release within an hour or so of a legislative leader calling for a shakeup in how the state deals with job creation.
McElroy in the press release commends MarketWatch for citing the Twin Cities as the best metro in the country for business for a second year in a row.
“This most recent recognition by MarketWatch reinforces that Minnesota’s business environment offers many strengths and advantages, from global corporations to small-business friendliness to an educated, skilled workforce. As a result, our communities are well-positioned to attract and grow businesses,” said McElroy in the press release.
Whether Senate Majority Leader Larry Pogemiller, DFL-Minneapolis, has read the press release is unknown.
However, it was Pogemiller at an afternoon press conference at the Capitol who seemed dissatisfied with McElroy, though never mentioning the commissioner by name.
“I think we need a change of leadership in that area,” Pogemiller said of job creation in Minnesota.
“And I think we need to accept that what we are doing is not working,” he said.
Democrats look at the lack of jobs as helping to fuel the state’s $5.3 billion budget deficit and job creation as a means of turning the economic picture around.
Pawlenty Administration officials expect Minnesota to lose 58,000 jobs before the economy improves.
