Clark resigns from Legislature

Clark plans move to Mahtomedi

By RON LARSEN

Journal Staff Writer

NEW ULM -- State Rep. James Clark, who is moving his family to Mahtomedi soon, has submitted his resignation from the Minnesota House of Representatives to Governor Ventura.

"It was the thing to do," Clark said Friday. "While the business of the Legislature is basically over for the year, I could have continued to be on the 'payroll,' but I didn't want to possibly create any kind of a 'political' flap."

The governor could order a special election to fill the remainder of Clark's term, but Clark said it would be highly unlikely because candidates for his House seat have already been chosen and the election process is in progress.

Clark also has submitted his resignation as an assistant Brown County Attorney. He was employed in New Ulm as an attorney at Berens, Rodenberg & O'Connor.

Clark, who has sold his New Ulm home, said his family has found a home in Mahtomedi and will be moving there before school starts in September. His 5-year-old daughter, Claire, will start kindergarten this fall. The Clarks have another daughter, Courtney, 3.

His wife, Cara, has one and a half years to go in completing her college degree at the University of Minnesota, St. Paul campus. They also wanted to be closer to her family who live in the Bloomington area, Clark said.

Clark is "still looking" for employment opportunities in the Mahtomedi area, and the Clark family is considering this a permanent relocation, he said.

"I will cherish the friends we made and the many wonderful memories of our service," Clark said. "I'll be forever grateful to the people of Brown and Redwood counties for their tremendous support."

Clark surprised state and local political leaders, including House Speaker Steve Sviggum, when he announced after the 2002 Legislative session that he wasn't going to seek another term as state representative. He cited family considerations in making the decision.