Top: Erick G. Kaardal, keynote speaker at the 2009 award dinner. Bottom: LEA Secretary Ben Hedberg presents award to Sen. Hann; Reps. Emmer and Drazkowski; Reps. Shimanski and Anderson; LEA President Anderson presents award to Rep. Buesgens

2009 HONOREES
Senate: D. Hann
House: B. Anderson, M. Buesgens, S. Drazkowski, T. Emmer, R. Shimanski.
Hon. Mention: R. Eastlund, M. Holberg, J. Hoppe, P. Kohls, P. Scott, D. Severson, S. Smith, K. Zellers.

The Minnesota LEA 2009 Awards dinner was held on February 11, 2010 at the Kelley Inn in St. Paul. The meeting began with a pledge of allegiance, and invocation by Pastor Harold Shudlick. After dinner, awards were presented to all six award winners—perfect attendance!—in front of 60 members and friends.

The topic of the evening was “Battling Bureaucracy and Holding Government Agencies Accountable.” An introduction to the topic from the perspective of an LEA member was given by Dr. Gordon L. Anderson. This was followed by the keynote speech by Erick G. Kaardal of neopoulism.org. After the speech Rep. Tom Emmer gave a response from the legislature. This was followed by other comments. After the meeting was adjourned many of those in attendance remained to engage one another in animated discussions and to take photos.