“A leader is one who knows the way, goes the way, and shows the way,” according to John C. Maxwell, the consummate business consultant. These qualities are important. Without them we see in Washington, DC, the corruption, coverups, and misdirection that occur. If we use Maxwell’s definition, Wisconsin State Senator Dan Knodl is a great leader.
Dan Knodl as a legislator proved to be a strong leader in the successful fight for the Convention of States Resolution. In January 2022 Wisconsin became the 16th state to pass the resolution and the first state to pass in four long years. Shortly after, three more states passed the resolution.
Senator Knodl is one of the three Wisconsin commissioners, or delegates, who are participating in the upcoming Convention of States Simulation sponsored by the Convention of States Foundation. The simulation is being held in Colonial Williamsburg on August 2-4, 2023.
Benjamin Franklin is credited with saying “Practice makes perfect”. The Convention of States Foundation Simulation is a real-life rehearsal for the real thing. This is their second simulation. The first simulation was in the same location in 2016. These simulations serve to lead the way for our nation to return to self-governance. This experience is a learning experience for Americans. Book learning is one thing, but seeing the process before our very eyes is a powerful learning event.
Convention of States is also working on model legislation. Our state legislators can use it to appoint, award, or commission delegates to the real Convention of States. It is designed to provide direction to the states in selecting commissioners or delegates to attend a real convention.
Conventions have a long history in America. This history has created a strong “precedent” about conventions in our land. In the colonial context what we know as “states” today were seen as sovereign nations. This was true even during our first government, which was created with the Articles of Confederation (1777 to 1789). Conventions were used by the states as a means to settle differences or problems between the nations. The conventions were always temporary meetings called to solve specific problems. The term ‘call’ for a convention includes the issue to be debated and solved and the location of the Convention.
Today Convention of States Foundation's second simulation of an Article V Convention is hosted in the same way. It is a temporary meeting called and limited to solve three subjects: a) Impose fiscal responsibility on our federal government, b) Term limits for Washington, DC, and the bureaucracy, c) Stop federal government overreach.
You can go to 2023 Simulation and RSVP to watch the Simulation Live on Friday, August 4, 2023. Also consider a hosting a Simulation Watch Party.
Dan Knodl ran for Wisconsin State Senate this year and won. He has also recently led legislation to cut business property taxes and, after a multi-year fight, won in the most recent state budget.
Senator Dan Knodl will serve as chair of the Senate Shared Revenue, Elections and Consumer Protection committee. In addition to serving as chair on that committee, Knodl will serve on the Senate Economic Development & Technical Colleges committee, the Judiciary & Public Safety committee, and the Licensing, Constitution & Federalism committee.
Senator Knodl has been elected to Assembly since 2008. He has held leadership positions of Majority Caucus Chair 2019 and 2017 and Assistant Majority Leader 2015 and 2011.
Senator Knodl was born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, on December 14, 1958. He has raised four children, and they have given him three grandchildren. Dan is a 1977 graduate of Menomonee Falls East High School, and he attended the University of Wisconsin-Madison.
Dan is a small business owner with a long history of civic leadership. He is a member of these organizations: Ozaukee/Washington Land Trust; Pike Lake Sportsman’s Club; MF Optimist Club; Knights of Columbus; St. Boniface Parish; Pike Lake Protection District (member 2000–present, secretary 2010–17, chair 2017–present); Washington County Board, 2006–08.
We in Wisconsin and in America are grateful for the strong and effective leadership Senator Knodl has given us.
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Convention of State Foundation is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. Convention of States Action is a 501(c)(4) nonprofit organization and does not support or endorse any party or candidate. COSA is focused on educating the public on specific issues.
