Paul Gardner (Minnesota politician)

Paul Gardner
Member of the Minnesota House of Representatives
from the 53A district
In office
January 3, 2007 – January 3, 2011
Preceded byPhil Krinkie
Succeeded byLinda Runbeck
Personal details
Born1967 (age 56–57)
Glen Cove, New York, U.S.
Political partyDemocratic (DFL)
SpouseMichelle
Children2
Residence(s)Shoreview, Minnesota, U.S.
Alma materGrinnell College
University of Minnesota
Professionexecutive director, legislator

Paul Gardner (born 1967) is a Minnesota politician and a former member of the Minnesota House of Representatives who represented District 53A, which includes all or portions of the northern suburbs of Lino Lakes, Circle Pines, Lexington, North Oaks, Shoreview and Blaine.[1] A Democrat, he was first elected in 2006 in a huge upset, narrowly defeating 16-year incumbent Rep. Phil Krinkie by 51 votes. He was re-elected in 2008, defeating challenger John Louis Kappler by 1035 votes,[2] but was unseated by Republican former state senator Linda Runbeck in the 2010 general election.[3]

Gardner has a Master of Public Affairs degree from the University of Minnesota and a Bachelor of Arts degree in History from Grinnell College. He was also the Executive Director of the Recycling Association of Minnesota (RAM), a nonprofit group providing leadership at the Capitol and within industry to promote recycling.

Gardner has made a name for himself through his strong advocacy for government transparency and responsiveness. In 2007, he launched his own blog which informs his constituents of his daily activities, visitors to his office, and a summary of every single letter or phone call that his office receives.[4]

References

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  1. ^ "Minnesota Legislators Past & Present - Legislator Record - Gardner, Paul". Leg.state.mn.us. Retrieved 2010-07-20.
  2. ^ "2008 Election:Minnesota House". Star Tribune. 2008-11-05. p. B4. Archived from the original on 2008-11-08. Retrieved 2008-11-05.
  3. ^ "Chamberlain and Runbeck bring change to SD53 & HD53A | Shoreview Post". shoreviewpost.com. Archived from the original on 16 July 2011. Retrieved 3 February 2022.
  4. ^ "Paul Gardner, State Representative (District 53A)". Paulgardner53a.blogspot.com. Retrieved 2010-07-20.
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