New Public Safety Leadership
What: St. Paul Police Chief John Harrington is not seeking a second six-year term. The city will hire a new chief, likely a department insider, before his term expires June 30.Longtime Ramsey County Attorney Susan Gaertner is running for governor, with her position up for grabs. Four people have said they're seeking the post: St. Paul City Attorney John Choi, Assistant Ramsey County Attorney Dave Pinto, Roseville City Council Member Tammy Pust and former Assistant Attorney General David Schultz.
Ramsey County Sheriff Bob Fletcher has said he'll seek a fifth term in 2010. So far, two people have said they'll run against him — Assistant St. Paul Police Chief Matt Bostrom and St. Catherine University Director of Public Safety Laura Goodman.
In Dakota County, Sheriff Don Gudmundson is not seeking a fifth term. Chief Deputy Dave Bellows and Apple Valley police Sgt. Mitch Scott have said they're running.
Why it's important: Police chiefs, sheriffs and county attorneys set the priorities for their departments/offices, such as what crimes to concentrate their resources on.
What you can do: Attend community meetings during the search for a new St. Paul police chief — there will be two in February, asking St. Paul residents what traits and leadership styles they're looking for in the next police chief, and more in April, when residents can hear from the finalists and ask them questions.
For elected positions, you can learn about the candidates and their positions, and vote in November.
— Mara H. Gottfried and Emily Gurnon