A Senate resolution honoring the life and memory of Thomas Zabinski
Summary
SR22 is a Senate resolution honoring the life and memory of Thomas “Tom” Zabinski. The resolution recounts his background, including his upbringing in St. Cloud, education, marriage to Diane Jurek, and his long career in public service beginning in 1985 with the St. Cloud Township Public Works Department. It highlights his service with the St. Cloud Township Fire Department, including time as acting fire chief, his work with St. Cloud Fire and Rescue, and his later role as Public Works Operations Manager for the City of St. Cloud.
The resolution also describes Zabinski’s personal interests and family life, noting his love of Minnesota sports, hunting, fishing, camping, and time with family. It concludes by recognizing his death on March 11, 2025, listing surviving family members, and expressing condolences to his family and others who knew him. The Senate directs that an enrolled copy be prepared and transmitted to his family as a formal tribute.
Impact
SR22 does not change state law, create new programs, or appropriate funds. Its legal effect is ceremonial: it places the Minnesota Senate’s official recognition on the record, commemorates Zabinski’s public service, and directs the Secretary of the Senate to prepare and send an enrolled copy of the resolution to his family. The resolution primarily affects the Senate’s official proceedings and the recipient family, rather than any regulated public or private party.
Sentiment
The sentiment surrounding SR22 is uniformly respectful and commemorative. The resolution is framed as a tribute to a public servant who contributed to local government, fire protection, and community life, and the available context shows no recorded opposition, committee controversy, or negative votes. The tone is one of condolence, gratitude, and recognition of a life of service.
Contention
There is no notable policy contention because SR22 is a memorial resolution rather than substantive legislation. No committee transcripts or vote records indicate disagreement, and the measure appears to have been introduced solely to honor Zabinski’s memory and service. Any discussion would likely have centered on his career and community contributions, not on competing legal or fiscal issues.