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Volz will take post as labor and industry commissionerPosted: 1/3/03 by John Sucansky Leaving her fledgling law practice after 5 1/2 years, Jane Volz has accepted an appointment by Gov.-elect Tim Pawlenty to be commissioner of the Department of Labor and Industry. She admits the move is not something she had planned for, but calls it a wonderful opportunity. Volz recently lost an election bid for judgeship in Scott County and resigned herself to continuing her law practice in Lakeville. Several trade associations and friends suggested she accept the appointment by Pawlenty and she now looks forward to working under his administration. ěItís a better opportunity than the judgeship, I can do more,î she said. Of her future responsibilities, Volz said there are 390 employees in the department, which has a budget of $228 million and among other things, is in charge of overseeing all boilers in the state and making sure workers are safe on their jobs. She said the position is a natural step and really a perfect fit with her experience in industrial law. The main focus will be to balance the budget, along with the rest of the administration. ěEvery state agency needs to cut 10 percent,î she said. But the challenge, she added, will be streamlining the department without sacrificing a safe work place. She is slowly working into the position before her official start Jan. 6. Volz said she will be selling her firmís assets to friend and fellow attorney, Mike Baxter. She hasnít made any plans beyond the next four years, but the selling of her firm is a big commitment and leaves her with questions of what to do in the future. John Sucansky is at roselake.thisweek@ecm-inc.com. © Thisweek Newspapers |
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