Paulsen Preaches to Packed Party

Feb. 2, 2013 - PRLog -- US Congressman Erik Paulsen highlighted his busy week speaking before a packed house at the Plymouth Rotary meeting.  Paulsen indicated that he has been meeting with constituents non-stop during the working break in the district.

While the room was filled with community and business leaders in addition to the regular attendees, the Rotarians included their guests in the normal ritual. The meeting began when Rotary President Ann Dillard led a vocal Pledge of Allegiance and an enthusiastic rendition of America The Beautiful, followed by Sharon Sunds ' invocation focused on providing service to the less fortunate.

Amongst the many in attendance were Plymouth Mayor Kelli Slavik .  Slavik was recognized for her efforts to promote a healthy lifestyle by Council man Jeff Wosje, including her annual "Walk with the Mayor"  event.

The Crowne Plaza catering staff provided their typical delectable lunch. Mark Reitan, attending from the University of Minnesota's Hospital Administration program noted not just the availability of delicious foods but how many seemed to limit themselves to salads and fruits. Another guest commented that the Mayor's healthy community message is taking hold.

One of the warm up speakers was a Sudden Cardiac Arrest survivor who told his story of collapsing while working as a referee at a high school basketball game. He stated he is alive today thanks to a student who was trained in CPR and the ready availability of an AED.    He thanked the Plymouth Rotary for leading the efforts to make Plymouth a "Heart Safe Community" by providing free CPR training and helping place AEDs in workplaces and the community.

Congressman Paulsen's remarks covered the range of topics from the ramifications of the fiscall cliff debate, to gun control to upcoming legislation.

The Congressman entertained an extensive question and answer period and gracefully handled some tough questions. One citizen demanded that our debt from the current war not be passed on to his grandchildren.   Another offered ideas on reforming the budget and tax code process.  Paulsen invited the citizen to meet with him afterward to explain his ideas to the congressman, and following the meeting the congressman and his staff surrounded the Rotarian and listened to his ideas.

The Rotarians donated a mosquito net to "Friends of Senegal" to help fight the spread of Malaria in that west African country.  The Plymouth Rotary has been working for the past three years to eradicate the spread of malaria in Senegal.

The meeting concluded with the entire group jointly vowing to speak the truth, promote fairness and work for the common good.

To an outsider looking in, this meeting of citizens, business leaders and elected officials coming together almost appeared reminiscent of days gone by.  Patriotism, intelligent debate, an exchange of ideas and a dedication to the common good-- all found in one location.

Rotary is an organization of business and professional leaders united worldwide who provide humanitarian service and help to build goodwill and peace in the world. There are 1.2 million Rotarians in 33,000 Rotary clubs in more than 200 countries and territories living by the Rotary motto, “Service Above Self.”  For more information about Rotary International and GSE, go to www.Rotary.org and  www.rotaryplymouth.org.