State Senator Michael Kreun (R- Blaine) called for the Senate to take up the confirmation of Commissioner Paul Schnell at the Department of Corrections after a “Vote of No confidence” was held at the Minnesota Sheriffs Association (MSA) Winter Conference.
“Minnesota is not well. Sheriffs across our state have called for the resignation—or removal—of the Department of Corrections Commissioner, citing arbitrary decision-making and a failure to work with local law enforcement,” Sen. Kreun said.
“For three years, Senate Democrats have allowed Commissioner Schnell to serve without Senate confirmation. With almost no media attention, they changed state law so confirmation of a Governor’s commissioners is no longer required for future administrations. That eliminates accountability at a time when Minnesota desperately needs more of it—not less.
"I call on Senate Democrats to immediately bring a confirmation vote for Commissioner Schnell to the Senate floor as soon as the legislature reconvenes. This isn’t the Minnesota we remember. We have done better, and we must do better again.”
The release from MSA states, “The DOC rulings are inconsistent, and they are unable to back them up with any written law, rule or even protocol. Sadly, their leadership has limited experience in corrections, and still chooses to be unwilling to work with the elected sheriffs of Minnesota. The DOC’s arbitrary decisions have cost local taxpayers millions of dollars as local government must keep rapidly adapting to their unrealistic, and subjective demands.”