Bluestem has been following the ongoing conflict-of-interest drama in former speaker Steve Sviggum's relationship with the University of Minnesota.
Faced with a forced decision to pick between love of power and love of instruction, he has picked the Regent's spot over the fellowship.
The Star Tribune reports in Sviggum opts to keep U Regents seat:
Former Minnesota House Speaker Steve Sviggum announced late Sunday that he will resign his job with the University of Minnesota's Humphrey School of Public Affairs.
He said he hopes to deliver his resignation letter on Monday.
The decision will allow Sviggum to remain a member of the university's Board of Regents and end controversy over a possible conflict of interest in holding two U posts. Sviggum joined the Regents last month, shortly after taking a position as a legislative fellow at the Humphrey School.
Sviggum has taught at the school for years, but the new job paid better and involved more responsibilities. He signed the new contract in early February.
Given the gutting last month of the University's funding by friends in the House caucus he once led, I'm curious to see how Sviggum and ALEC darling Laura Brod serve as Regents. As an old labor song asks: which side are they on?
Sviggum has an idea. He told the Star Tribune:
"The Humphrey is a wonderful teaching and civic discussion school for Minnesota," Sviggum said, "but at this time it is necessary to separate my relationship." He said he was disappointed he would not be able to teach. "Serving the best interests of the University of Minnesota is my unquestioned priority."
Back in the Ozarks Famous Writers School, nestled in the sylan hills overlooking Fayetteville, Arkansas, a wise woman once told me that when a politician says something is "unquestioned," it's time to be ready to ask a few of them.
Photo: Steve Sviggum
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Well after Pawlenty managed to stuff the MnSCU board with pro-business interests, I suppose it's about time to do the same over on the U board. It's going to take quite some time to undo all the damage that this Republican legislature inflicts over the next couple years.
Posted by: Jacob Littler | Apr 04, 2011 at 09:54 AM
Hasn't Sviggum done enough to wreck this state already? Too bad he won't make a graceful exit and return to his pig farm - although the pigs may be glad he won't.
Posted by: Nathaniel Finch | Apr 05, 2011 at 11:56 AM