1.1A Senate resolution
1.2honoring Woodland Township supervisor Gene Janikula.
1.3WHEREAS, those who give selflessly of their time and energy in order to better their
1.4communities are deserving of special legislative recognition; and
1.5WHEREAS, 50 years ago, at the age of 23, Gene Janikula took the oath of office as
1.6constable of Woodland Township, a position that, at the time, represented the official law
1.7enforcement person in the township; and
1.8WHEREAS, Gene's interest in local government at such a young age had been piqued
1.9during a visit by politicians to the U.S. Army base where he was stationed; and
1.10WHEREAS, as Woodland Township's constable, he served as a peace presence at local
1.11elections, and attended potentially controversial meetings in the area; he became township
1.12treasurer on March 18, 1970, an important position that involved keeping track of incoming and
1.13outgoing funds, guiding the board of supervisors in financial situations, and providing input on
1.14whether certain expenditures are legitimate; and
1.15WHEREAS, during his tenure as treasurer, a new town hall was constructed, one of the
1.16township's biggest accomplishments, as previously no official township meeting place had existed
1.17and voting locations weren't handicapped-accessible; and
1.18WHEREAS, about 15 years ago, township residents began planning for a new, permanent
1.19township building, and construction on it began in 2004; the new hall and maintenance shed were
1.20ready for use in February 2005, and it was completely paid for within two years, with the hall and
1.21shed also serving as a designated emergency shelter for neighboring towns; and
2.1WHEREAS, in 2007, Gene was elected as township supervisor, whose many
2.2responsibilities include making sure that everyone has the right to vote and keeping residents safe
2.3on local roads by maintaining clear signage, plowing snow properly, and ensuring road surface
2.4quality; he has also placed a priority on fairness and public access, insisting that everyone in the
2.5township be given the opportunity to speak about their concerns; and
2.6NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Senate of the State of Minnesota that
2.7it thanks and commends Woodland Township supervisor Gene Janikula for his half-century of
2.8dedicated service to the Woodland Township community, and extends best wishes to him for
2.9the future.
2.10BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Secretary of the Senate is directed to prepare an
2.11enrolled copy of this resolution, to be authenticated by the Secretary's signature and that of the
2.12Chair of the Senate Rules and Administration Committee, and transmit it to Gene Janikula.

JoAnne M. ZoffSecretary of the Senate

Thomas M. BakkChair, Senate Committee onRules and Administration

Bruce D. AndersonState Senator, District 29