Florian Chmielewski

Florian Chmielewski
5th President of the Minnesota Senate
In office 1987
Preceded by	Jerome M. Hughes
Succeeded by	Jerome M. Hughes
Minnesota State Senator
In office January 1971 – January 1997
Personal details
Born	February 10, 1927
Political party	Democratic-Farmer-Labor Party
Spouse(s)	Patricia "Pat" Stolquist
Children	Florian Jr., Jeffrey,Mark, and Patty
Residence	Sturgeon Lake, Minnesota
Alma mater	University of Minnesota
Occupation	Television Executive Musician Politician
Religion	Roman Catholic

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

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