high-tech investment in northeastern . He would also like to develop a plan that Sertich relies on his youth and perspective to bring new would gather a list of skilled workers who would pledge to return to the if prosperity and opportunity to the Iron Range employers will provide desirable jobs. "It worked in Georgia;' Sertich said. Such a By JONAS M. WALKER of us came down to the Twin Cities for col­ plan has never been applied on a regional level, Barely moved into his new office, freshman lege and would like to return to the region, he said, but he's interested in exploring Rep. Anthony"Tony" Sertich (DFL-Chisholm) but can't." whether the idea could work in Minnesota. mused early this month on being one of the Sertich said he plans to follow the tradition As to the matter of trade, Sertich sketches youngest representatives of other Iron Rangers at the Capitol and try himself as a "fair-trade" moderate. Having ever elected to the Min­ to find ways to provide some of the state's seen firsthand some negative localized effects nesota Legislature. wealth to his marginalized constituents. of global trade, he describes himself as "pas­ "It's prettyneat;'said the "The state's had an economic boom in the sionately" committed to the unique problems 25-year-old. "It's getting a last few years, but we really haven't felt it up pressing his district. new generation, some there," he said. Ultimately, Sertich sees himselfteaching in new blood into public policy discussion:' Sertich takes over the Iflfyou don't bringjobs, people are going to leave. Rep. Tony Sertich District 5B seat vacated Many ofus came down to the Twin Cities for college and by , who moved on to the would like to return to the region, but can't. If -Rep. Tony Sertich Though he is new to the Legislature, Sertich no stranger to the DFL caucus at the Capi­ tol, having worked on the staffofformer state However, Sertich anticipates that accom­ some capacity. Both his parents work in edu­ Sen. . Sertich's first exposure to plishing this goal will be no easy task One cation, and he considers the edification ofthe the world ofpolitics came while interningwith obstacle, he said, is convincing the majority masses to be among the most noble ofendeav­ Janezich, whom Sertich now credits as a men­ of state residents that parts of Greater ors in a democratic society. tor and benefactor. Minnesota are suffering. Until then, Sertich will draw on his previ­ "He was thoughtful," Sertich says of "It's kind ofhard to convince the rest ofthe ous experience in the Legislature to give him Janezich. "He took the time to listen, no mat­ state when they see low unemployment" and a bit ofa head start as a first-time representa­ ter the issue." other positive economic conditions, he said. tive. "I know where my desk is," he said. "I While learning the art of politics, Sertich The Iron Range has suffered some economic don't have to run around asking how to do never broke contact with another passion, the decline in recent years. Sertich said he hopes this, or who to tall< to about finding that out." politics of art. A longtime thespian, Sertich to address the trends that have become char­ credits Laurel and Hardy among his original acteristic to the region: a declining school en­ theatrical inspirations. rollment, the relative scarcity ofhigh-paying Today, film actor Kevin Spacey can count new jobs, and the inability of nativ.e college Sertich among his most loyal fans. As for the graduates to return. stage, Sertich favors the likes of Shakespeare, To that end, Sertich is pleased with his ap­ mentioning "The Merchant of Venice" as his pointment to the House Commerce, Jobs, & 1998 popu favorite piece. Economic Development Policy Committee. Largest cit "It has everything," he said. "Love, politics, Sertich hopes to both steer public resources County: St. religion, money." toward his district and use his position to Location: N Hailing from the same town as Tomassoni lobby the private sector on the strengths of Iron Range and Janezich, Sertich spoke knowingly ofthe the area, which he listed as "tourism, taconite, Topconcer o find avoice for our gen t a new face on politics ofthat DFL stronghold. timber," before adding "technology" to that public servi n't bring jobs, "If you don't bring jobs, people are going list. In that particular sector, Sertich's youth people are goin ve." leave," he said. Sertich explained the diffi­ may be a distinct advantage. Given his - Rep. Tony Sertich position many ofhis Generation-X Iron generation's comfort with computing, he said, companions find themselves in. "Many he looks forward to making a strong case for

1/12/2001 Session Weekly I5