Because this is a personnel matter the State cannot tell us why Paul was fired but he can. There were multiple written investigation reports (which by statute he is required to be given) and multiple interviews with him and others involved so he must know why the State fired him. After more then 20-months of time why won’t Paul tell us the reasons the State fired him?

If all this is true then this criminal act should be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.

I agree that MN Dept of AG is, in many respects, a whipping boy for Ag industry. There is also a lot of data and information on the damaging effects of atrazine (and its degridates) in aquatic systems and its ridiculously high concentrations in MN ground and surface waters. These are not hidden or unknown issues just ones policy makers have repeatedly ducked responsibility for. What’s new when it comes to the environment?

Just listen to this October 2005 MN NPR story with Paul Wotzka, (and I assume with MDAs approval) as the focus describing the problems of atrazine in the Whitewater River.
(http://news.minnesota.publicradio.org/features/2005/10/10_olsond_impaire…). In this story he is explaining the high concentrations of atrazine quantified in the SW and other experts explaining the detrimental effects of those high concentrations. No one else is speaking for the MDA so I guess if there was some sort of misrepresentation of facts he would have been knowledgeable of and involved with it. He was employed by MDA for 16-yrs which makes you wonder why after being fired he now has a concern for some sort of cover-up?

It sounds like the Dept of Employee Relations was investigating this guy 4 or 5 months before he was asked to talk to this subcommittee. Apparently his termination letter from the state cited the “destruction of data” and the “improper diversion of state mail”. I dont know what all that means but I would guess that the state has bullet proof evidence to make such strong statements which resulted in his firing.

I guess time will tell with his story. Unfortunately I fear that the more important issue of unregulated and harmful pesticides in our state waters will be pushed off to the side for some trial lawyer carnival theatrics.

WHAT: Eastside Food Co-op’s Monthly Food Forum, A Fundraiser for Paul Wotzka

WHO: Fired state hydrologist Paul Wotzak, Dr. Tyrone Hayes and special guests

WHERE: The Ritz Theater – 345 13th Ave 13th AVE in NE Minneapolis

WHEN: Wednesday, Oct 10th doors at 6:15, Paul Metsa performs 6:30 to 7:00 presentation from 7:00 to 9:00

WHY: To support Paul Wotzka, the frogs, our waters and all of us, and to learn about Atrazine

You would think a state employee would have no problem speaking to a legislative committee about what he knows, HECK, he’s on the payroll. Well Paul Wotzka, a 17 year hydrologist with the state of MN, found out sometimes that is not the case. Paul was suspended by the MN Pollution Control Agency after requesting to testify about the levels of Atrazine in our state’s waters and then a week later was fired.

Dr Tyrone Hayes, renowned expert on the dangers of Atrazine, also found out about our state government’s apparent phobia about public information about Atrazine when he was “uninvited” from being the keynote speaker at a 2004 MPCA sponsored conference where he had planned to speak about Atrazine and how it affects amphibians.

On October 10th beginning at 6:30 the Eastside Food Co-op and the Land Stewardship Project will be hosting a fundraiser for Paul Wotzka and his federal whistle-blower lawsuit at the Ritz Theater in NE Minneapolis.
You can read more about his lawsuit here:
http://wcco.com/local/local_story_171123618.html
and here:
http://looncommons.org/2007/06/18/another-pca-whistleblower-suit/

Dr Tyrone Hayes will also be in attendance and speak about his groundbreaking research on Atrazine. You can read more about this incredible speaker and what he has come up against speaking truth to power about Atrazine, environmental, animal and human health and the corporate bottom line here:
http://www.mindfully.org/Pesticide/2003/Syngenta-Tyrone-Hayes31oct03.htm

After presentations by Dr. Hayes and Paul Wotzka there will be a question and answer panel with Hayes, Wotkza, and special guests.

There will also be a silent auction for gift certificates from the most sustainable and righteous minded chefs and restaurants in the Twin Cities.

The Ritz Theater is located at 345 13th Ave 13th AVE in NE Minneapolis. Doors open at 6:15 with Paul Metsa performing from 6:30 to 7:00 when the presentation will begin.

Come and hear for yourself what some have tried to deny us. The suggested donation is $20 but no one will be turned away from hearing this important information.

If you cannot attend but would like to support Paul Wotzka donations can be made out to Paul Wotzka Defense Fund and sent to:
Eastside Food Co-op
atten. Kristina Gronquist
2551 Central Ave NE
Minneapolis, MN 55418

There will be music, a silent auction from the finest restaurants in the Twin Cities and the free flow of information for us all.

We hope you can make it and please help spread the word by forwarding this on.

for frogs, water, Paul Wotzka and us all,
Tom Taylor
Eastside Food Co-op
http://www.eastsidefood.coop/