Florian Chmielewski

Florian W. Chmielewski, Sr. (born February 10, 1927) is a Minnesota musician, politician, a former legislator, and a former President of the Minnesota Senate.

Chmielewski was elected to the Senate in 1970, becoming chair of the employment committee in 1981. During a special session in 1987, Chmielewski was elected to serve as president, due to the absence of State Sen. Jerome M. Hughes, who both preceded and succeeded Chmielewski in the position.[1]

In 1996, Chmielewski became embroiled in the "phonegate" scandal. It was revealed that Chmielewski had given family members state long-distance access codes, allowing them to make phone calls at state expense. Chmielewski was ultimately defeated for re-election in 1996, after pleading guilty to a misdemeanor.[2]

Chmielewski continues to work as an accordion player with the Chmielewski Family Funtime Band, performing polka music throughout the midwest.[3]