MOORHEAD — Rep. Paul Marquart has considered knocking on doors to hear from constituents the most enjoyable part of being a Minnesota legislator.
With the exception of when the COVID-19 pandemic hit, the 11-term DFL lawmaker has gone door to door every year, not just when running for reelection.
But he told himself that when he didn’t have time for it anymore, he’d step away.
“That’s kind of where I’m at,” he said of the decision to leave the Legislature.
Marquart, 65, from Dilworth, announced in January that he wouldn’t run for reelection. Representing District 4B, which includes parts of Clay, Norman and Becker counties, he’s served in the legislature since 2000.
ADVERTISEMENT
He was a Dilworth City Council member for two years and Dilworth mayor for 11 years, for a total 35 years of elected service.
Even that span, though, is outdone by Marquart’s teaching career, in its 40th year. He has taught social studies in the Dilworth-Glyndon-Felton school district the entire time, save for the first year, when he was at Moorhead High.
But now, he said, he will take a leave of absence from the classroom as a new challenge awaits.
Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz announced on Dec. 21 that he'd appointed Marquart to be the new state Commissioner of Revenue.
The Department of Revenue manages the state’s revenue system and administers state tax laws, managing over 30 different taxes and collecting $26.7 billion annually.
Marquart said the administration asked that commissioners refrain from doing interviews until after taking office on Jan. 2.
As he leaves his position as legislator, Marquart lists other accomplishments as a source of pride.
Rep. Paul Marquart, Minnesota House education finance leader, advocates for funding of all-day kindergarten programs as part of then-Gov. Mark Dayton's budget proposal in February 2013.Forum News Service
In 2013, for the first time in Minnesota, the state provided full funding for all-day, everyday kindergarten, a step he championed as chair of the Education Finance Committee.
ADVERTISEMENT
Marquart helped ensure passage of the Ag2School tax credit, which lowered farmers’ tax burdens for voter-approved school bonds.
He also cited completion of flood mitigation projects and the 21st Street underpass in Moorhead.
Many of the successes came through partnerships, he said, first with his mentor, DFL Sen. Keith Langseth, then with Sen. Kent Eken, a DFL colleague and good friend.
State and federal officials address flood relief in Moorhead in April 2011. From left are: Minnesota state Rep. Paul Marquart, Moorhead Mayor Mark Voxland, Minnesota state Sen. Keith Langseth, U.S. Sen. Amy Klobuchar, U.S. Rep. Collin Peterson, Minnesota Gov. Mark Dayton and U.S. Rep. Rick Berg.Forum archive
“I think we were able to be more effective for the district because we worked as a team,” he said.
Eken announced he would not seek reelection a few months after Marquart made his announcement.
As he steps away, Marquart said his biggest concern for Minnesota, and for the country, is the growing threat to democracy.
“When people create unfounded doubts about the integrity of our elections, they’re eroding the very foundation upon which our democracy and our republic is built,” he said.
With Marquart in a new role, he'll balance time spent with his wife Colleen, their two children and three grandchildren, with another on the way in February 2023.
ADVERTISEMENT
His family, his constituents and his students have all brought joy to him, in those various roles.
“I really feel fortunate and lucky,” Marquart said.
With high quality products and considerate service, we will work together with you to enhance your business and improve the efficiency. Please don't hesitate to contact us to get more details of Door Nocker.