January 3, 2002 - Norm Coleman was an avid promoter of Saint Paul during his eight years as mayor ... and no part of the city was touted more heavily than the Mississippi riverfront, which enjoyed a development surge. As Randy Kelly takes over the mayor's office from Coleman, river boosters may wonder how the Father of Waters rates among Kelly's priorities. Last night (Wed), the new mayor used one of his inauguration week events to emphasize the importance of the riverfront in his plans for Saint Paul. Minnesota Public Radio's William Wilcoxen has more...
January 1, 2002 - Saint Paul's new mayor, Randy Kelly, says he hopes all the city's residents will attend at least one of the many inaugural events planned for the rest of the week. In addition to the inaugural ball and a more casual party, Kelly is holding roundtable discussions to help set the tone for his new administration. Once this week's festivities are over, he'll begin the task of leading the capital city through budgetary challenges. Minnesota Public Radio's William Wilcoxen has this report...
December 24, 2001 - Randy Kelly's inauguration as the new mayor of Saint Paul (Jan. 2) will bring a close to Norm Coleman's leadership of the capital city. The last eight years have been a period of prosperity for many -- but not all -- Saint Paul residents. It remains to be seen how history will judge Coleman's tenure, but many of his supporters think he will rank as one of the city's most effective mayors. Minnesota Public Radio's William Wilcoxen has this report...
December 20, 2001 - Saint Paul City Council members have approved a 2002 budget that does not cut services or raise property taxes. But to do that, the council had to dip into Saint Paul's reserve fund -- and that's causing some apprehension about how painful the budget process might be a year from now. Minnesota Public Radio's William Wilcoxen reports...
November 29, 2001 - Officials in Saint Paul marked a key step toward completing the city's biggest and most expensive development project today (Thurs). Pollution cleanup is complete at the Upper Landing, an eight-block area on the Mississippi Riverfront near downtown. Getting the site removed from Minnesota's Superfund list will pave the way for a 170-million dollar housing development. Minnesota Public Radio's William Wilcoxen has more...
November 7, 2001 - Randy Kelly claimed a narrow victory over Jay Benanav in the Saint Paul mayor's race. Unofficial final returns show Kelly winning by 403 votes out of more than sixty thousand ballots cast. Kelly was endorsed by outgoing Mayor Norm Coleman. He says his win shows Saint Paul residents want a continuation of Coleman's leadership style. Minnesota Public Radio's William Wilcoxen has more...
November 5, 2001 - Voters in Saint Paul will choose a new Mayor tomorrow (Tues). With Norm Coleman not seeking a third term, the race to succeed him has been a hard fought contest between Randy Kelly and Jay Benanav. The candidates met at the Fitzgerald Theatre downtown yesterday (Sun) for one of the final debates of the campaign. Minnesota Public Radio's William Wilcoxen reports...
October 24, 2001 - Saint Paul is often called a city of neighborhoods. The candidates in this year's mayoral race represent parts of the city that illustrate the strength and range of its neighborhoods. Randy Kelly represents the East Side in the state Senate; City Council member Jay Benanav represents the fourth ward, an area that includes Merriam Park and other western neighborhoods. Minnesota Public Radio's William Wilcoxen has this look at the home districts of the mayoral candidates...
October 12, 2001 - A briefcase was left in the gallery on Wednesday night. Witnesses say that it was left there on purpose. The contents of the briefcase: a library book and empty food containers. The food containers may have contained the mysterious goo that is found throughout the museum. The Science Museum is closed as a precaution.
October 10, 2001 - Voter turnout is typically low in off-year elections, when only local races are decided. But in Saint Paul this year, at least one constituency claims to be more involved in the mayor's race. Some of the city's business leaders say their interest in local politics grew during the administration of mayor Norm Coleman. Business people seem to be paying more attention than usual to the race to succeed Coleman. Minnesota Public Radio's William Wilcoxen has more...