1.1A Senate resolution
1.2honoring White Bear Lake Mayor Jo Emerson.
1.3WHEREAS, those who maintain the highest standards of excellence in state and local government
1.4perform an important community service deserving of special legislative recognition; and
1.5WHEREAS, Jo Emerson moved to White Bear Lake in 1988, seeking a city where she could put
1.6down roots, where neighbors were friends, and where anyone could build a business or raise a family; and
1.7WHEREAS, following a career in banking, and after volunteering her time to her church and the
1.8White Bear Lake Area Historical Society, Jo began her life's chapter on public service with a position on
1.9the environmental advisory board and the variance board. Looking to contribute in a greater way, Jo sought
1.10election as Mayor of White Bear Lake and was elected in 2009. She served as mayor of White Bear Lake
1.11for nearly 12 years before announcing her retirement at the end of her term; and
1.12WHEREAS, during her tenure as Mayor, Jo was most in her element when speaking directly with
1.13residents of her beloved city, and her ability to connect with people from all walks of life earned her the
1.14moniker of the People's Mayor. Her reputation for being hands-on and community-focused was well earned
1.15early on in her role through her involvement with school programs, neighborhood cookouts, and police and
1.16firefighter training events; and
1.17WHEREAS, Jo has also served as vice chair of the White Bear Lake Planning Commission, president
1.18of the White Bear Lake Area Historical Society, president of the Minnesota Mayors Association, and president
1.19of the League of Minnesota Cities; and
1.20WHEREAS, in addition to her mayoral duties, Jo has been cochair of East Metro Strong, devoted
1.21to transit issues; chair of the Policy Advisory Committee of the Rush Line, for bus rapid transit planning;
1.22and chair of the Livable Communities Grant Program for the Metropolitan Council; and
1.23WHEREAS, as an outspoken environmentalist, Jo led the city in its involvement in the Climate-Smart
1.24Municipalities project, which involved a three-year exchange program with Germany, wherein delegates
1.25from both Germany and White Bear Lake met to exchange ideas for reducing impacts on the climate, and
1.26was a member of the North and East Groundwater Management Association; and
1.27NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Senate of the State of Minnesota that it commends
1.28White Bear Lake Mayor Jo Emerson for her many years of outstanding public service and dedication to the
1.29White Bear Lake community and the state.
1.30BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Secretary of the Senate is directed to prepare an enrolled
1.31copy of this resolution, to be authenticated by the Secretary's signature and that of the Chair of the Senate
1.32Rules and Administration Committee, and transmit it to White Bear Lake Mayor Jo Emerson.

Cal R. LudemanSecretary of the Senate

Paul E. GazelkaChair, Senate Committee onRules and Administration

Charles W. WigerState Senator, District 43