St. Cloud Mayor Dave Kleis Honored for 30 Years of Public Service in U.S. House Tribute

(KNSI) – St. Cloud Mayor Dave Kleis was recognized for his 30 years of public service on the floor of the U.S. House of Representatives Thursday.

Minnesota’s Sixth District Congressman Tom Emmer used his time to call out Kleis’s commitment to being a public servant and his years of dedication to the people of St. Cloud. Kleis was first elected mayor in 2005 and announced this spring he would not seek reelection after 20 years in office. During that time, Emmer says Kleis has hosted more than 1,000 town hall meetings, including 24 hour marathon town halls and having a monthly dinner with residents at his house.

Emmer praised Kleis’s status as a veteran as well. After graduating high school Kleis entered the military and served in the Air Force and was stationed in Okinawa, Japan. He also worked at the Pentagon before enrolling at St. Cloud State University and double majoring in History and Political Science.

Before becoming mayor, Kleis served in the Minnesota State Senate for ten years.

Emmer recognized Kleis for also being a small business owner as he has owned and operated the Central Minnesota Driving Academy since 1991.

Emmer says Kleis has also been “an incredible partner” for collaborating and working hard on securing funding for infrastructure projects and the Community Outpost, better known as the COP House.

The transcript of Emmer’s speech is as follows:

A public servant, a veteran, a small business owner, and my friend, St. Cloud Mayor Dave Kleis, is retiring after nearly 30 years in office.

Dave found his passion for politics while serving in the Air Force and working as a Congressional liaison at the Pentagon.

He then represented the St. Cloud area in the State Senate for 10 years, eventually becoming the Senate Minority Leader.

Dave is a customer service representative. During his 20 years as Mayor, he hosted over 1,000 town halls, including multiple 24-hour marathon town halls, and frequently invited residents to his home for dinner.

Dave has been an incredible partner working with us on hard infrastructure projects and the St. Cloud COP House.

Thank you, Dave, for your service to St. Cloud, Stearns County, and the State of Minnesota. Enjoy your retirement!

I yield back.

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