St. Paul Council Member-elect Amy Brendmoen will represent the North End, Como Park area and near East Side as one of two newcomers to the seven-member council. As a self-proclaimed "practical Democrat," she won't change the general leanings of the council, but as an insurgent who defeated incumbent Lee Helgen, she's shown she can overcome a challenge.
The other new council member is DFLer Chris Tolbert. He replaces Highland Park Council Member Pat Harris, who didn't seek re-election. Tolbert, an assistant Hennepin County attorney, comes from a politically active family. Brendmoen, 42, grew up mostly in Stillwater, but also lived for awhile in the Cedar Square West complex in Minneapolis and in Little Falls. She is much more of a newcomer on the political scene.
Brendmoen has been communications director for the Children's Home Society. She will continue to work two days a week in that position. She is married to Jeff Neske, who also works at the society. They have three sons: Sawyer, 11, Haakon, 8, and Lars, 6.
The new council member will be sworn in Jan. 4. She answered questions last week:
Q Where did you meet your husband?
A While we both were working at Billy's on Grand in 1997.
Q Did anyone respond to your campaign offer to walk around Como Lake and discuss issues?
A Yes, more than 30 people. It takes about 40 minutes to walk around Como. It's a good way to exchange ideas.
