Former Governor Calls for Accountability Amid Minneapolis Council Controversy

Former Minnesota Governor Arne Carlson has raised alarm over accountability in state governance following a recent controversy involving Minneapolis City Council Member Jeremiah Ellison. In a public letter intended for State Auditor Julie Blaha, Carlson expressed concerns that Minnesota’s oversight mechanisms are faltering, referencing Ellison’s acceptance of a prestigious Loeb Fellowship at Harvard while remaining a council member.

The letter, which was mistakenly addressed to “Judy Blaha,” a name that does not exist within state government, never reached its intended recipient. Nevertheless, the content reflected Carlson’s deep-seated worries about the state of governance in Minnesota. He highlighted Ellison’s decision to pursue the fellowship, which allows him to spend significant time in Boston, as a troubling indication of a culture of self-interest among elected officials.

Jeremiah Ellison has been under scrutiny for his dual commitments, as he continues to serve on the Minneapolis City Council while attending the fellowship. Although no laws have been violated, Carlson criticized the situation as “morally and ethically wrong,” emphasizing that council seats should not be treated as sabbaticals. Critics argue that Ellison’s limited participation in council meetings raises questions regarding his commitment to his constituents.

Carlson, who served as state auditor from 1979 to 1991, noted that the role of state auditors is crucial in ensuring accountability in local government finances. He lamented what he perceives as a decline in Minnesota’s “compliance-auditing muscle,” stating, “Compliance auditing was the office’s central asset. It was the symbol of integrity.” Carlson recalled a time when auditors actively engaged with local officials to prevent fiscal misconduct before it escalated.

The former governor’s comments come against a backdrop of broader concerns regarding governance in Minnesota. He pointed out that the state has been grappling with significant fraud issues, particularly during the pandemic, where hundreds of millions of dollars were misappropriated from programs meant to assist vulnerable populations. Despite such alarming revelations, Carlson questioned the lack of sustained outrage and reform initiatives.

As he articulated his concerns about state governance, Carlson emphasized the importance of accountability among elected officials. He called on Blaha and her office to fulfill their legal obligations to protect taxpayer money. “Where is the Office of the State Auditor? You are charged by law to protect the taxpayer’s money and assure integrity in governance,” he wrote.

In response, Julie Blaha stated that the council’s decision regarding Ellison was made after a thorough review, which concluded that no rules were broken. She added, “Minnesotans want an auditor who makes sure people follow the rules but doesn’t make local decisions for them.” Blaha urged anyone with concerns to report suspected fraud to her office.

Carlson’s critiques have sparked a conversation about the state’s governance culture, particularly as all five of Minnesota’s constitutional offices are up for election in 2024. The question of accountability looms large: “Who is guarding the guardians?” In a state known for its civic pride, the challenge remains to ensure that public officials are held to the highest ethical standards.

As the debate continues, Carlson’s voice serves as a reminder that maintaining ethical governance is not merely an ideal but an obligation that must be actively pursued. The issues at hand are not just about individual actions but reflect broader systemic challenges in governance that could undermine public trust if left unaddressed.