An array of community figures called incoming Minneapolis Police Chief Janeé Harteau an empathetic, energetic and committed professional as her nomination moved through the City Council's public safety meeting on Wednesday.
The committee approved Harteau's appointment 6-0, setting up a vote by the full council Friday.
Before the vote, Harteau got vigorous endorsements from downtown business leaders, who said she was responsive to their concerns and frank in her communications with them. Others commented on her rapport with young people.
At a pre-Thanksgiving turkey giveaway at a Cub Foods store on E. Lake Street, youngsters were "giddy" to receive gold badges from Harteau, who managed to upstage some Vikings players, said Ed Anderson, store director.
Russom Solomon, chair of the West Bank safety committee, spoke of how helpful Harteau had been to the neighborhood.
"It's a great day for Minneapolis, it's a great day for the police department, it is great day for the advancement of women, for immigrants and people of color," he said.
Heather Huseby, executive director of Youth Link, a program for homeless youths, said Harteau, who is on the group's board, has a natural ability to connect with the youngsters. They look beyond her uniform and "see a heart," Huseby said.
"Janeé is truly a foot soldier for change," Huseby said. "She wants to change the way the community works with our youth, and she's helped us to do that."
