Assistant Hennepin County Attorney Chris Tolbert will be the first St. Paul City Council member from the Third Ward in years who doesn't have the last name Harris.
He will be sworn in Jan. 4 representing his native Macalester-Groveland neighborhood as well as Highland Park, succeeding Council Member Pat Harris, who succeeded his brother. Tolbert grew up in Mac-Groveland and now owns a home in Highland Park. By topic, he discussed his background and his plans for his first foray into political office.
School: St. Paul Central High School, St. John's University and Hamline University School of Law.
Why run: Because Harris wasn't seeking re-election and it was an important time for the ward with the upcoming Ford Plant closing and redevelopment as well as city budget issues.
Not true: He said he decided to run on his own despite rumors he was recruited by Mayor Chris Coleman. The mayor did endorse him.
Inaugural ball: Tolbert is 28 and "technically" single, but yes, he does have a date for the Jan. 6 ball.
Courthouse ties: He clerked for Ramsey County Chief Judge Kathleen Gearin.
Biggest political influence: His late grandfather Jerry Christenson, a teacher, who went on to work for Vice President Hubert H. Humphrey and to serve as state planning director under Gov. Wendell Anderson. He also was the chancellor of the state's community colleges and was legislative auditor.
