State Sen. Steve Cwodzinksi
Editor’s note: This commentary was written by state Sen. Steve Cwodzinski, DFL-Eden Prairie, who represents District 49, which includes Eden Prairie and southern Minnetonka. He is a former government and history teacher at Eden Prairie High School and was first elected to the Senate in 2016.
“Every day the increasing weight of years admonishes me more and more that the shade of retirement is as necessary to me as it will be welcome. I have the consolation to believe, that while choice and prudence invite me to quit the political scene, patriotism does not forbid it. In looking forward to the moment which is intended to terminate the career of my public life, my feelings do not permit me to suspend the deep acknowledgment of that debt of gratitude which I owe to my beloved country; still more for the steadfast confidence with which it has supported me; and for the opportunities I have thence enjoyed of manifesting my inviolable attachment, by services faithful and persevering, though in usefulness unequal to my zeal.”
President George Washington wrote these words when he stepped down after serving his country. I love the rich vocabulary and eloquence found in his Farewell Address, and I share his sentiments for civic engagement, political efficacy and public service.
After 33 years of promoting civics in classrooms and 10 years of practicing civics in state chambers, I am following in Washington’s footsteps and announcing my farewell from elected office, effective at the end of my Senate term.
Some thank yous are in order.
Thank you to the constituents whose concerns, issues, ideas and proposals have made this state a better place to live, work and play. I am so proud to say: because of you, I believe we have done some good.
Thank you to the lobbyists who bestowed wisdom and depth of knowledge upon me. I have learned so much from you.
Thank you to all who invited me into your businesses, factories, schools, and homes. To learn all the wonderful things going on just down the street, and throughout our state, has been a wonderful perk of being an elected official.
Thank you to all the former students who continue to inspire me as you continue your efforts to make this world a better place than you found it. I owe you all more than you will ever know.
Thank you to my wife and family. Gov. Rudy Perpich put his wife, Lola, alongside him in his “official portrait” at the Capitol. The painting reminds me that none of us can do this alone!
Thank you to the staff who bring youthful idealism and wisdom to our Senate offices. You remind me daily of why we are here. Indeed, it does take a village.
Thank you to all my friends on the other side of the aisle. You never cease to make me smile or make me think. A strong and stable two-party system with opposing views consistently pushing and pulling is what made America the beacon of democratic light for the world.
Thank you, everyone, for putting your trust in me. It has been an honor and a privilege, a joy and a pleasure. I hope some of you will step up and serve at the local, state, or federal level. It is good work we do.
Thank you to all of the Minnesotans who have thanked me for my public service. Many of you have never asked me my political party or my political persuasions. Simply hearing me say, “I am a state senator,” you replied, “Thank you for your sacrifice and service.” Please continue conveying that message to all our elected officials. It works wonders and sends us a message that our citizens have faith in what we do.
Thank you, Minnesota, with a special shoutout to Eden Prairie and Minnetonka.
I still have 12 months to listen and learn from you all. Our Constitution begins with the words “We the people, in order to form a more perfect union….” The framers knew we would never be perfect, but we should never stop striving to be perfect. That is what I hope to do. We the people — together we can solve a few pieces of the puzzle and together leave Minnesota a more perfect union.
My enthusiasm and passion for our democracy will never waver. It may seem old-fashioned and sentimental, but I love my country and the state of Minnesota. I always will.