Mayor announces he will not seek a fourth term
As he enters his 12th year in office, Mayor R.T. Rybak announced that he will not seek reelection in the 2013 City election. In a Dec. 27 email to all employees, the mayor said that being mayor of the city he loves has been his greatest professional joy and his decision not to seek a fourth term was one of his most difficult decisions he has ever made. Nonetheless, Mayor Rybak stated that he feels it is now time to seek more balance in his life.
Mayor Rybak thanked employees for their efforts stating, “In the last 11 years, I have been very grateful for the partnership of City of Minneapolis employees. Residents and I have asked a lot of you, and you have delivered, consistently sharing your ideas and suggestions for doing our work better and consistently demonstrating your dedication to serving the residents of Minneapolis. I am very thankful that I have had such talented and committed partners in each of you.”
The mayor told employees that he won’t be coasting during his final year in office, noting that his work plan for 2013 includes:
- Helping Chief Harteau reform the police department, and expanding our work to prevent youth violence and gun violence.
- Helping Minneapolis Public Schools Superintendent Johnson and our partners improve our schools and eliminate the achievement gap.
- Expanding the Minneapolis Promise, especially the STEP-UP jobs program.
- Improving north Minneapolis, including helping the Northside Achievement Zone, building new Green Homes, and working with Hennepin County to reimagine Penn Avenue North.
- Starting to redevelop the new stadium district.
- Developing a renovation plan for the Target Center.
- Designing a new Nicollet Mall with a streetcar, and a strategy for finally reopening Nicollet and Lake.
- Working with the Legislature on transit, Local Government Aid and reforming property taxes.
The mayor concluded by stating, “I believe in giving the taxpayers a good value for the dollar, so in the remaining year of our partnership, you will get about four years’ worth of work out of me. I look forward to the continued privilege of working with you. So fasten your seatbelts. This lame duck isn't quacking yet. Let’s get to work.”
Published Jan. 3, 2013