Dorman goes back to school

Staff

Published Sunday, April 4, 1999

AP and staff reports

As a child, Rep.

Monday, July 12, 1999

As a child, Rep. Dan Dorman, R-Albert Lea, dreamed of different careers.

Because his father once worked in a bank, he considered a life of finance. Like many children, he thought often about becoming a fireman. Teaching was another option he seriously considered.

"The plan was Mary Jo (his wife) and I would move to St. Cloud," he said. There, he planned to study education.

But he stuck with another plan and followed a business path. The current District 27A representative, Dorman also owns Hanson Tire in Albert Lea.

He said he's happy with his choices and success.

But when presented with an opportunity to lead a classroom, he said he couldn't resist.

Dorman was invited by Lakeview Elementary School fourth-graders to discuss legislative bills. Using the Internet, Sue Hanson's students researched bills and wrote questions for Dorman to answer.

"They (the students) used technology to do this," Hanson said. "Dan (Dorman) volunteered to come to the school."

Perhaps reflective of earlier teaching plans, Dorman said he enjoyed the experience. Time restraints are difficult to manage during the session, but he said he hopes for further invitations.

"This is the fun part," Dorman said of politics. "They (the students) even had the bill names. They spent a lot of time preparing for this."

"Teaching is such a rewarding profession," he added. "The thirst for knowledge is so enjoyable. It's much like the thirst for knowledge of a freshman legislator."

While Dorman answered some personal questions about how he felt about Gov. Jesse Ventura, winning elections and "what he wanted to be when he grew up," most questions were about specific issues and bills.

Taxes and education dominated the discussion.

After leaving Lakeview, Dorman read to another class at Hawthorne Elementary School.

"A state rep should spend as much time as he can in the schools," Dorman said. "I will go whenever they want. I love to do it. But it's more difficult during the session."

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