Just over a year ago, 16-year legislator Bill Hilty announced he would not seek re-election to the Minnesota House of Representatives.
Hilty represented District 8A, which included portions of Pine, Carlton and St. Louis counties. However, the state's redistricting plan had moved Carlton County into a new legislative district, House District 11A, which ended just a few miles north of where Hilty resides in Finlayson.
"Carlton County has been the heart of my district the whole time," Hilty said when he made the announcement, "and I've gotten to know a lot of good people there and learned to understand the dynamics of the district. I think there are a lot of people in the district who have shared my philosophies, and hopefully I've leant additional understanding to a number of key issues."
Now Carlton County is saying thank you to Hilty with a dinner party, set for Saturday evening at the Fond du Lac Tribal and Community College amphitheater. Social hour starts at 5 p.m. with dinner at 6 p.m. There will be a program to follow. Eighth District Congressman Rick Nolan, Lt. Governor Yvonne Prettner Solon, Attorney General Lori Swanson and Secretary of State Mark Ritchie are among the honored guests. Tickets are $40 in advance or $50 at the door with a reservation; seats are still available. Call Dan Reed at 218-273-6103 or Tom Kurhajetz at 612-423-3612 for more information.
Saturday's dinner is sponsored by 11A DFL and the Pine 11B DFL.