Scott Benson has announced that he will not seek reelection to the Minneapolis City Council in 2009, making him the second member to stand down voluntarily.
Benson, 47, represents the city's far-south 11th Ward, which is bisected by Minnehaha Creek and Interstate 35W. He plans to return to practicing law, litigating primarily securities cases for plaintiffs.
The second-termer chairs the council's Health, Energy and Environment Committee, and said he was proud that it helped to develop environmental sustainability goals for the city.
He also played a lead role on the council during his first term in securing state bonding to assist in the construction of the Guthrie Theater, MacPhail Center for Music, a new downtown planetarium and the Shubert Theater.
Benson's decision follows that of Paul Ostrow, a third-termer who decided not to seek another term.
Benson said that he's been pleased by budgetary policies set by the council, which he said has moved from crafting a city budget by horsetrading votes to following a set of principles. He said that the council also has grown more collegial.
Transportation is a big issues in the ward he represents because of its exposure to airport noise and the impact of the lengthy Crosstown Commons construction project involving 35W and Crosstown Hwy. 62.
Among those exploring a potential candidacy is Juan Linares, a veteran community organizer living in the Windom neighborhood. He also considered running for the seat when Benson unsuccessfully sought the DFL endorsement for the state Senate in 2006.
