SAINT PAUL, Minn. – Today, in a letter of solidarity with members of AFSCME Local 454 – representing employees of the city of Virginia – Rep. Dave Lislegard (DFL – Aurora) strongly condemned the actions of Virginia City Councilmember Julianne Paulsen at a council meeting on Tuesday. Councilmember Paulsen is reported to have offered a basket of pacifiers to Local 454 members who are seeking a labor agreement with the city and have authorized a strike.
“Councilmember Paulsen’s grandstanding – attempting to antagonize hardworking city employees with a basket of pacifiers – was embarrassing to the city and beneath the dignity of public service,” Rep. Lislegard said. “It’s completely unacceptable to belittle people who are fighting to provide something all of us deserve: prosperity for their families. Everyone, no matter who you are or what you do for a living should expect to be treated with respect.
“The behavior of Councilmember Paulsen has no place in any professional setting, much less one with emotions as high as they are because of the current labor dispute. Despite the message she was attempting to send, it’s in fact Councilmember Paulsen’s own immaturity that has now become crystal clear.”
A copy of Rep. Lislegard’s letter is available here.