Dear Northlanders, As I drove to meetings this week, I found myself reflecting on a difficult question: When did our shared understanding of a unified moral compass begin to disintegrate before our very eyes? Did it happen while we were busy living life caring for our families, running kids to events, working multiple jobs, or simply trusting that others would conduct themselves with values once widely understood? Values of respect, decency, and responsibility that transcended age, gender, race, or background? If you are like me, you’ve seen codes of conduct and team-building exercises designed to reinforce shared expectations responsibility, ethical behavior, and accountability to ourselves and to others. These are timeless standards, yet today, it seems harder than ever to find common ground on even the most basic value: the sanctity of human life. It is impossible to comprehend how anyone could celebrate the death of another human being regardless of political party. First and foremost, we are human beings. For generations, we instinctively understood that the loss of life calls for mourning, not mockery. When former Speaker Melissa Hortman, her husband Mark, and their dog Gilbert were brutally assassinated in June 2025, I dropped to my knees and prayed through tears for their family and friends. While we did not agree on many issues, we both shared a deep love of people and public service. At no point should tragedy ever be politicized or celebrated by anyone, on either side of the aisle. Just months later, when Charlie Kirk was assassinated, our country again grieved. Yet I was horrified to see public displays celebrating his death. Unlike the response to former Speaker Hortman’s murder, his life was not universally honored at a human level. His family and friends mourned the loss of a father, husband, and friend and the common thread in both tragedies is clear: two senseless losses of life. We live in a nation that allows for differing opinions and beliefs a cornerstone of a civilized society. But a civilized society cannot thrive when disagreement becomes justification for violence, or when death becomes cause for celebration. We must do better. Life should be valued. Adults should model behaviors that reflect respect, humility, and empathy. Whether we serve in classrooms, government, business, or teams, leadership requires consistency of character on and off the clock. Generations before us understood that the cornerstone of a civilized society is character. Character is who we are at work and at home, in public and in private, in church and in our communities. It means doing the right thing when no one is watching, and respecting others even when we disagree. In every space we enter as parents, teachers, public servants, or neighbors our moral compass matters. It’s time to reaffirm the values that once bound us together: respect, responsibility, and integrity. Let’s be the example our children deserve to see. In Faith and Service, Rep. Natalie Zeleznikar Minnesota House District 3B News Release Rep. Zeleznikar Statement on Minnesota Supreme Court Ruling in Powerlifting Case St. Paul, MN - Representative Natalie Zeleznikar, R-Fredenberg Township, issued the following statement reacting to this morning’s Minnesota Supreme Court decision: “For decades, women and girls have worked tirelessly to secure the rights guaranteed under Title IX. Unfortunately, those hard-earned protections continue to face challenges, and today’s ruling represents yet another setback for girls’ sports. This issue is about ensuring safety and fairness. Minnesotans agree that their daughters and granddaughters deserve a level playing field. House Republicans are committed to taking action early next session to reaffirm that girls’ sports are for girls.” Both House File 12 and House File 1233 , authored by Rep. Zeleznikar, would have clarified the issue at hand, but were blocked by House Democrats. These bills remain on the table and ready for action when the House reconvenes on February 17, 2026. Time in Community Visiting mass at St. George Orthodox Church.  Gnesen Volunteer Firefighter Fundraiser  Solway volunteer firefighter fundraiser.  Community partners fundraiser at Two Harbors American Legion.  Time at Hugo's in Brimson to celebrate the Brimson community after the fires in May.  Time with small businesses watching the drill testing for helium in Isabella.  Visited Lakeville elementary to learn about ballistic protections added to protect students. I coauthored House File 15 for funding for school safety.  Attended High School volleyball game! It was the cancer fundraiser!  Attended the annual senior expo at the DECC.  Attended Rice Lake city hall and 10th anniversary gathering.  Attended Normanna fire department fundraiser at Duluth Township.  Attended Clifton fire department fundraiser at Duluth Township.  When you see your neighbors when out for a walk.  Time in community at Rice Lake fire safety day.  Time with family, Wedding fun! Community Events     |