Jackie Cherryhomes

Jackie Cherryhomes

Age: 58

Occupation + experience: Works as a lobbyist and consultant helping businesses navigate city and state bureaucracies. Served on the Minneapolis City Council from 1990 to 2002, the last eight years as council president.

Big ideas: Would institute a "zero tolerance" policy for downtown crime and offer incentives for problem-free bars. Wants to fund road paving with a 1 cent per gallon sales tax on gas.

Big accomplishment: Saved the historic Shubert Theater by orchestrating its move down Hennepin Avenue in 1999.

Weakness/ baggage: Some of the projects she led while on the council, such as the purchase of Target Center and development of Block E, are now considered costly blunders. Post-council years as lobbyist for entities doing business with the city may be perceived as conflicts of interest if elected. She has ceased City Hall lobbying during the campaign.

Personal: Married to attorney F. Clayton Tyler, who chairs the Minneapolis Public Housing Authority board. They have one daughter and live in the Willard Hay neighborhood.

Supporters that matter: Former Mayor Sharon Sayles Belton, County Commissioner Linda Higgins.

Stadium position: Supports the stadium overall, praising it as a jobs creator, particularly for union members and minorities. Opposed financing it with gambling revenues.

Quotable moment: "We have a system that has a weak mayor but I'm not a weak woman, so I'm not going to be a weak mayor."

Ideas for growing jobs/population: Proposes creating a new city position focused on growing jobs and linking them with appropriate training programs. Would like to reinstate an industrial development commission to lure more manufacturing jobs.

Suggested cuts/efficiencies: Says with few areas left to cut she is more interested in growing the tax base. Also wants to streamline services such as animal control and public works.

Website: jackiecherryhomesformayor.com