Representative Jim Oberstar was an inspiration as a legislator, and as a person.
Jim carried on his father’s United Steelworker legacy by serving as an exemplary advocate for laborers and their families throughout his life. During his tenure as a member of the U.S. House of Representatives, he served as chair for the Transportation and Infrastructure committee, led on aviation and rail transit issues, advocated for bicycle paths and trail development, and was a strong voice for the Head Start program and mine safety legislation. He was crucial in obtaining the funds for the rapid re-build of the I-35W bridge, and his steadfast efforts to secure infrastructure investments kept other such disasters from occurring. Jim, a native of Chisholm on the Iron Range, served the U.S. Marine Corps as a civilian language teacher, and helped create the Economic Development Administration before he was elected to the U.S. House in 1974.
Thanks to Rep. Oberstar, future generations of Minnesotans will have greater access to healthy outdoor activities, and rail transit connecting our Twin Cities. He was a true titan, and will be greatly missed.
