Paul Wotzka was fired by the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency on May 8, 2007. He is now suing, alleging that the termination of his 16-year state career was in retaliation for his request to testify at a legislative hearing, by request of a bill author, about the high levels of atrazine polluting Minnesota’s water.

Atrazine is believed by many in the international scientific community to be dangerous. It is the most commonly detected pesticide in Minnesota waters and has even been found in the city of Minneapolis’ storm sewers and in Lake Harriet.

Many FMR friends and members learned about this herbicide this spring, when University of California biologist Dr. Tyrone Hayes presented his research linking widespread amphibian decline with the herbicide. (For more information and video of his presentation, visit our page about Dr. Hayes’ visit.)

Dr. Hayes has agreed to speak at the benefit for Mr. Wotzka. (You can learn more about Paul Wotzka at the Looncommons blog and in this WCCO news story.)

Doors open at 6:15 p.m. with musician Paul Metsa performing from 6:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. when the presentation will begin. After presentations by Dr. Hayes and Paul Wotzka there will be a question and answer panel with Hayes, Wotkza, Minnesota State Senator John Marty and special guests.

The event is part of the Eastside Food Co-op’s monthly Food Forum series. It is co-hosted by Land Stewardship Project and serves as a fundraiser for Paul Wotzka. It will be held at the newly renovated Ritz Theater just off 13th Avenue and University Ave (near the Modern Café).

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 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:

For more information, visit the East Side Food Co-op web site or contact Tom Taylor by e-mailing foodforum at eastsidefood.coop.