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Speaker of the House
Steve Sviggum

463 State Office Building, 100 Constitution Ave., St. Paul, MN 55155 (651) 296- 2273

For Immediate ReleaseFor More Information Contact:
October 12, 2001Dan Wolter (651) 296-0640
HOUSE SPEAKER SVIGGUM RELEASES WEEKLY SCHEDULES
- Elected officials have a "responsibility to be accessible," especially in crisis -

SAINT PAUL Saying that a return to normalcy is the way the country will bounce back from the terrorist attacks of September 11th, House Speaker Steve Sviggum said he intends to release his public schedule to members of the media each week. In a move that has stirred controversy, Governor Ventura earlier in the week said he was keeping his public appearances schedule secret because of potential threats and reporters who asked questions about subjects he didn't care to discuss.

"Obviously Governor Ventura and his security detail need to do what is necessary to protect him from real and potential threats," said Sviggum. "But I believe now is not the time to let acts of terror alter the American way of life and that includes the media and public's accessibility to those they elect to represent them. That's why I'm going to go a step further than I have in the past by publishing a schedule of events each week for members of the media and general public."

The Speaker's Office has always provided details of his schedule to the media on request, but this action will be a proactive step in keeping the media apprised and informed.

Sviggum added, "As a legislator, I feel that I have a responsibility to be accessible - now more than ever."

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