December 19, 2003 - MPR’s Art Hughes reports on Minneapolis Mayor R.T. Rybak’s picks for new police chief. Minneapolis Mayor R.T. Rybak is expected to announce his pick for police chief tomorrow. Rybak is confident in his nomination, even though the final two candidates face considerable opposition by the city council, which ultimately acts on the selection. Report includes comments from mayor and city council members.
December 10, 2003 - MPR’s Art Hughes reports on Minneapolis Mayor R.T. Rybak’s release of list containing six candidates to replace outgoing Police Chief Robert Olson. Rybak, a panel of community members and a Seattle-area search firm have narrowed the list from more than two-dozen applicants nationwide. The list includes three African American candidates; and two internal candidates, both women, who remain favorites among many city council members.
August 27, 2003 - Minneapolis Mayor R.T. Rybak says he wants a police chief who keeps city streets safe, but also holds officers accountable and can be creative with the department's complex budget. Rybak makes his comments as the search for a replacement for Police Chief Robert Olson gets started in earnest.
August 15, 2003 - MPR’s Art Hughes reports on the Minneapolis city budget, which continues to drop by millions of dollars. Mayor R.T. Rybak says he sees some reason for optimism. Rybak delivered his 1.24 billion-dollar budget proposal for 2004, saying there will be no more layoffs. In fact, he says the city will hire more police and firefighters. But the strain of debt and the second round of cuts from the state mean property taxes for Minneapolis homeowners will continue to rise. Report includes commentary form various city officials.
April 18, 2002 - MPR’s Brandt Williams reports on Minneapolis Mayor R.T. Rybak’s statements that it is time for Police Chief Robert Olson to go. Mayor Rybak says the chief hasn't done enough to foster public trust in the Minneapolis Police Department. Rybak will need the City Council's approval to buy out the remainder of the chief's contract. However, the council appears split on the issue, with some council members saying constituents don't believe a new chief will necessarily bring better relations between police and the community. Reports includes comments from Keith Ellison, attorney and community activist; Mathea Little-Smith, DFL activist; and Robert Lilligren, Minneapolis city council member.
January 15, 2002 - R.T. Rybak, Mayor of Minneapolis, used the term "difficult" to describe the next three months. Rybak is trying to get the Minneapolis budget back on track as he begins his term as mayor.
January 2, 2002 - MPR’s Art Hughes reports on R.T. Rybak taking oath as new Minneapolis Mayor. A Minneapolis City Hall ceremony installed the new mayor and a city council with more newcomers than veterans. Mayor Rybak promises an era of new openness and cooperation in city government. The day also included surprises as the council's elected its new leadership.