Minnesota’s First Lieutenant Governor to Speak at Fergus Falls Public Library

While the first female lieutenant governor in the United States was appointed in 1940 (Matilda Wilson in Michigan), it took another 43 years before Minnesota would have a woman in that role. Governor Rudy Perpich appointed Marlene M. Johnson as his lieutenant governor in 1983, giving her the honor of being our state’s first female appointee. Her eight years serving afforded her the opportunity to influence politics and policy alongside Minnesota’s highest elected official. Additionally, the eight lieutenant governors in Minnesota since Marlene, have all been women.

Now, Johnson has written “Rise to the Challenge, A Memoir of Politics, Leadership and Love” a book highlighting her service, its challenges and successes. Join Marlene for an evening of enlightenment and inspiration during her author’s talk at the Fergus Falls Public Library. The free event is Tuesday, October 1 at 6:30 p.m. Joining Johnson are two local women political leaders, Amy Johnson (Mayor of Ashby) and Shelly Carlson (Mayor of Moorhead). The free event is cosponsored by the Fergus Falls Public Library, West Central Initiative and Victor Lundeen Company. Please register ahead of time at: www.wcif.org/event/rise-to-the-challenge/