Florian Chmielewski

Florian W. Chmielewski Sr. (born February 10, 1927) is a Minnesota musician, politician, a former legislator, and a former President of the Minnesota Senate.

Florian Chmielewski
5th President of the Minnesota Senate
In office
1987
Preceded byJerome M. Hughes
Succeeded byJerome M. Hughes
Minnesota State Senator
In office
January 1971 – January 1997
Personal details
Born (1927-02-10) February 10, 1927
Political partyDemocratic-Farmer-Labor Party
SpousePatricia "Pat" Stolquist
ChildrenFlorian Jr., Jeffrey,Mark, and Patty
ResidenceSturgeon Lake, Minnesota
Alma materUniversity of Minnesota
OccupationTelevision Executive
Musician
Politician

Chmielewski was elected to the Senate in 1970, becoming chair of the employment committee in 1981. During a special session in 1987, Chmielewski was elected to serve as president, due to the absence of State Sen. Jerome M. Hughes, who both preceded and succeeded Chmielewski in the position.[1]

In 1996, Chmielewski became embroiled in the "phonegate" scandal. It was revealed that Chmielewski had given family members state long-distance access codes, allowing them to make phone calls at state expense. Chmielewski was ultimately defeated for re-election in 1996, after pleading guilty to a misdemeanor.[2]

Chmielewski continues to work as an accordion player with the Chmielewski Family Funtime Band, performing polka music throughout the midwest.[3]

References
  1. Minnesota Legislators Past and Present
  2. Legislator sentenced in Phonegate case; Chmielewski gets probation for letting others use his code.
  3. Chmielewski Family Funtime Band
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