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Walz transition panel begins its advisory work

advisoryboard
Lieutenant Governor-elect Peggy Flanagan addresses members of the panel former to advice Governor-elect Tim Walz on his transition. Tim Pugmire|MPR News

A panel formed to assist Gov.-elect Tim Walz with setting up a new administration met for the first time Monday.

The One Minnesota Transition Advisory Board is made up of 29 people, including representatives of faith communities, local government, nonprofits and organized labor. Lt. Gov.-elect Peggy Flanagan is leading the effort.

During opening remarks, Flanagan said the panel is an expression of the new administration’s vision and values.

“We believe that people who are directly affected by policy should have a seat at the table,” Flanagan said. “We would like to think that this transition advisory board is literally people being at the table.”

The rest of the meeting, which focused on plans for the hiring of commissioners and other staffing decisions, was closed to the press. The board’s next meeting will deal with budget and policy matters.

Flanagan said a future meeting will deal with public outreach.

“It is really important to us that we have an administration that is transparent and accessible and that we don’t just expect people to come to us at the Capitol,” she said.

Walz will be sworn in as governor on Jan. 7.