Responding to the resignation of Joe Radinovich from his position at the Department of Iron Range Resources & Rehabilitation (IRRR) and the recent controversy regarding hiring practices over at the IRRR Senator Justin Eichorn (R-Grand Rapids) issued the following statement:

“Over the past week, I have been deeply troubled as more details have emerged regarding the hiring process over at the IRRR, and in particular the unscrupulous hiring of Joe Radinovich. When agencies and administrations behave in this way, they undermine Minnesota’s principles, trampling the transparency and fairness that our state aims to maintain.    

“While I appreciate Mr. Radinovich’s decision to resign, I worry that the IRRR’s partisan behavior has already further eroded the public trust. It’s unfortunate this kind of cronyism continues to tarnish the good people of the Iron Range. As a member of the Iron Range Delegation and IRRR Board, it is my expectation that the IRRR would hold itself to the highest standards— particularly when we have so many needs throughout our region. 

“This incident is an embarrassment for the organization a black eye for the Walz’s administration. While the resignation gives us an opportunity to hire a qualified candidate, it is not the end of this discussion or investigation. My colleagues and I have still have many questions as to how this was allowed to happen and just how high it goes.”