Dawkins Will Step Down and Return to Role As Community Advocate So
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loss for our city and for our state." Rep. Tom Osthoff(DFL-St. Paul) agreed. He said that Dawkins' advocacy for the people of his district and true belief in his causes would Dawkins will step down and return to role as community be missed in the House. advocate so family can finally unite under one roof Osthoffnoted thatDawkins has truly grown and evolved as a legislator. "And that's the beautyofthis place, thatyou get to meetpeople;' By MICHELLE KIBIGER economic development, and taxes. Osthoff said, "and hopefully you get to under or five years, they've had a high chair, a Dawkins is also remembered for when he stand them a little. Andy has come a really long, set of toys, and a crib at each house. vowed not to cut his hair until funding for gov wonderful way in this Legislature." Some nights they'd stay at her house, ernment functions shifted away from property Dawkins said he encouraged several commu and some nights they'd stay at his. taxes. Within ayear, higher income tax revenues nitymembers last fall to startlooking for candi But for Rep. Andy Dawkins (DFL-St. Paul), provided more balance between the two taxes, dates because ofthe possibilityhe would notrun and his wife, Sen. Ellen Anderson (DFL he said. again. Several candidates have emerged, and he St. Paul), the time has come for their family said he's looking forward to to live under the same roof. the race. And that means Dawkins will not seek re His advice to his successor: election this November. establish specific goals and stay "I made a promise to the family that when focused until they are accom the kids would go to school we would live injust plished; respect and use the one house;' Dawkins, 51, said. He and Ander legislative process, all the while son have two children - Nick, 2, and, Jack, 4, holdingto personalprinciples. who will begin kindergarten this fall. "To get there, sometimes But the parting is bittersweet for the eight you have to do things that term legislator. people don't think lead t "I have loved every day ofthis job;' he said. that;' Dawkins said, referring "I hate the idea ofleaving. to the necessary decisions leg First elected to the House in a November PHOTO BY TOM OLMsCHEID islators make to support 1987 special election, Dawkins filled the dis Grace Dawkins, left, wipes away a tear as her son,Rep.Andy Dawkins, projects in order to gain sup trict-65A seat vacated by former Speaker of center, reminisces March 26 about his legislative career. Dawkins'wife, portfrom other legislators for Sen. Ellen Anderson,right, holds their 4-year-old son Jack during his the House Fred Norton (DFL-St. Paul) upon their goals. comments. his appointment to the state Court ofAppeals. Rep. Ron Abrams Originally from Chicago, Dawkins came to He sponsored youth works legislation to (R-Minnetonka) echoed Osthoff's comments Minnesota in the late 1960s to attend college provide college tuition to students volunteer aboutDawkins' effectiveness in working across at Hamline University in St. Paul. He said he ing in communities, much like the partisan lines. was impressed by the open Minnesota politi AmeriCorps program; the Great Northern "He has contributed a great deal to public cal system, including precinct caucuses. Corridor economic development project; and policyin Minnesota over the last 15 years:' said Ultimately, he moved to Philadelphia to work a homeownership program for urban and Abrams. "I consider him a very good friend. I with homeless youth while attendinglawschool. low-income residents. will miss him a great deaL" ~ But he knew he would return to Minnesota. Dawkins also sponsored several measures And that's what he did in 1978, establish in an effort to raise awareness of drug crimes ing both a neighborhood law practice in the and prostitution problems in Frogtown and Frogtown neighborhood of51. Paul and a per to study racial bias in the state court system. sonal goal of gaining election to the Legisla In 1993, Dawkins took a shot at the St. Paul Rep. Andy Dawkins ture within 10 years. mayor's office, challenging Norm Coleman, DfL Dawkins said it was important to him thathe who defeated Dawkins and served two terms District 65A - St. Paul get to knowthe neighborhood andthe concerns as mayor. Terms: 8 ofresidents, so he volunteered for a number of Dawkins said as a runner-up prize he de Career notes: Dawkins served one term community organizations and the DFL party. cided to start a family, so in 1995 he married as chair ofthe Family and Civil Law Divi Since his election, Dawkins has served on Anderson, who represents the Senate district sion of the House Judiciary Committee during 1997-98.Hesponsored legislation several House committees, including those just north ofDawkins' in 51. Paul. He said they to help divorced parents develop governing capital investment, family and civil knew the day would come when they would parenting plans and to establish the law, energy and regulated industries, environ have to decide which district to live in. working family tax credit, which he con ment and natural resources, financial institu "For myself and for my family, I'm really siders among his primary achievements. tions and insurance, housing, jobs and thrilled;'Anderson said. "But I do think it is a 22 March 29, 2002 Session Weekly.