Rybak launches re-election campaign

by Jessica Mador, Minnesota Public Radio

Minneapolis — Kicking off his re-election campaign at the Riverview Theatre this morning, Minneapolis Mayor R.T. Rybak vowed to continue a focus on reducing crime if elected to another term.

Rybak laid out what he is calling his Opportunity Agenda, pledging to improve public safety, create jobs, grow business and improve transportation and education.

Rybak says his agenda is even more critical as the city faces tough economic times.

"This city has done great things, and when that bridge collapsed, we knew that this wasn't a city where people ran from problems. We ran to them to solve them to reach out and do them together, so I can't wait for the next four years," said Rybak.

Rybak touted the double-digit drop in crime in some areas, which he attributes to his community policing and youth violence prevention initiatives.