Should the fate of Minnesota’s flag be decided by a few appointees on a state commission or all Minnesotans? District 21B Rep. Marj Fogelman of Fulda said in a press release Thursday that the decision should be made by residents.
Fogelman, a Republican, is supporting new proposals that would allow Minnesotans to vote on the new flag design that has been approved by the Minnesota State Emblems Redesign Commission. Fogelman recently took part in a State Capitol press conference that unveiled the legislation.
Stated Fogelman in the press release: “I’ve been hearing plenty of complaints about the flag redesign process, including local governments in our district. All are upset that only a handful of unelected voices are making this permanent change. Giving people the right to vote and decide whether this flag design best represents them seems like a common-sense decision.”
Both the Nobles County and Cottonwood County boards approved resolutions in opposition to the new state flag and state seal. Fogelman said a recent analysis found that roughly 75% of Minnesotans have some level of dissatisfaction over the process to create a new state flag or the final product itself.
“If the majority of voters like the flag and vote for it, then it would be our new state flag,” Fogelman said. “If the majority of voters oppose it, the flag redesign process would start over. Either way, giving Minnesota residents the right to vote on their new state flag allows them to have their voices heard.”
