They arose on the House floor for the last time not to debate, or motion, or amend, but simply say farewell.

The end of the 2008 legislative session saw a number of area lawmakers standing tall on the House floor shortly after midnight Sunday (May 18) to thank their legislative colleagues and perhaps share a bit of what they've learned serving in The People's House.

Rep. Kathy Tingelstad, R-Andover, spoke of guiding spirits in her service in the House. She's pictured receiving a hug after her speech. (Photo by T.W. Budig, ECM Capitol Reporter)

by T.W. Budig
ECM Capitol reporter

They arose on the House floor for the last time not to debate, or motion, or amend, but simply say farewell.

The end of the 2008 legislative session saw a number of area lawmakers standing tall on the House floor shortly after midnight Sunday (May 18) to thank their legislative colleagues and perhaps share a bit of what they've learned serving in The People's House.

Rep. Dennis Ozment, R-Rosemount, who's served in the House for almost a quarter century, was one of the area lawmakers saying goodbye.

One tradition of end of the legislative session is having departing lawmakers address their colleagues. Early Monday morning the tradition was played out on the House floor with a number of local lawmakers rising giving their farewells. Rep. Dennis Ozment, R-Rosemount, came to the Legislature almost 24 years ago - he's pictured gesturing to his wife and supporters in the House gallery.

Ozment, whose name is a watchword of bipartisanship, in his farewell speech spoke of the need for vigorous floor debate, but cautioned lawmakers to be careful about what they say.

Harsh words that would have haunted a House members for days are now routinely and unflinchingly uttered, warned Ozment.

"We're all the same team," he advised the House.

Marvels of service

Ozment also spoke of the marvels of service in the Legislature - learning about people who are dissimilar and coming to understand them.

He recalled a witness coming before an adult basic education hearing who told the committee that not everyone has a college degree, that the needed to mindful.

He understand that person well, Ozment explained.

He dropped out of high school and his alternative learning site was the U.S. Marine Corps, Ozment said..

Ozment wants lawmaker to learn to get to know one and other better.

Former House members can assist in the task of learning who the person sitting across the aisle, explained Ozment.

Tingelstad departs

Another departing lawmakers was Rep. Kathy Tingelstad, R-Andover.

"You are my Star of the North," she told various lawmakers in mentioning House members who have influenced her.

Some of her "stars" include House Speaker Margaret Anderson Kelliher, DFL-Minneapolis, who dabbed tears from her eyes when Tingelstad rose to speak.

Tingelstad also mentioned several North Metro lawmakers as particular dear to her - Rep. Jim Abeler, R-Anoka, was "legislative brother," she said.

DeLaForest leaves

Another departing North Metro lawmaker is Rep. Chris DeLaForest, R-Andover.

DeLaForest spoke of the zest of legislative debate. "Certainly I've enjoyed pushing the envelop on some of the issues," he said.

Like a number of the departing lawmakers, DeLaForest got thick-voiced when talking about his family and the discomforts they've endured as he pursued his goals.

Rep. Chris DeLaForest, R-Andover, serving out his third term, encouraged his colleagues to be proud of the House of Representatives.

"I've got to get home," he said. "I really have to get home," said DeLaForest.

Back in the classroom

Freshman lawmaker Rep. Scott Kranz, DFL-Blaine, explained that his single term has been memorable.

"I've really enjoyed the experience here," said Kranz. He's met life-long friends, he said.

An educator, Kranz explained to his weary colleagues that he would be back in the classroom the following day.

(Photos by T.W. Budig, ECM Capitol Reporter)