Senator Eric Pratt (R-Prior Lake), chair of the Senate Committee on Jobs and Economic Growth, issued the following statement in response to “The Timberjay” news article that details the questionable hiring practices of the Department of Iron Range Resources and Rehabilitation (IRRR), specifically regarding the recent hiring of Joe Radinovich:

“The news report raises significant questions regarding the impartiality and transparency of the IRRR’s hiring practices. From limiting jobs postings to a single day, to passing over a more highly qualified female candidate, the claims made in the report are serious and need to be fully investigated. Minnesota taxpayers deserve the most qualified individuals possible working on their behalf, and a hyper-political hiring process does not benefit our state. As a legislature, it is our duty to hold state agencies accountable, and I look forward to IRRR Commissioner Mark Phillips addressing these questions during the Minnesota Senate’s confirmation process.”