Final Robbinsdale Council Meeting for Selman, Backen
Tuesday night marked the final council meeting for exiting Robbinsdale council members George Selman and Pat Backen.
Backen served on the Robbinsdale city council for 12 years representing Ward 4. Backen was applauded for shepherding the movement to get flowered baskets hanging in downtown Robbinsdale, a project that’s paid for through donations.
Both council members received resolutions commending their service.
George Selman served for 16 years representing Ward 3.
In his final remarks, Selman says he will continue to be an advocate for public transportation, but not for the proposed route of the METRO Blue Line light rail extension.
“As diligently as I worked to get light rail to this corridor for over 15 years, I am going to work equally hard to prevent it from being on [County Road] 81,” said Selman. “Public transportation is critically important. I’m dedicating to finding a way for this to work and for this corridor, just not the way that it was force-fed to the city of Robbinsdale, in my opinion.”
Selman also said that he will advocate for Metropolitan Council members to be elected officials to encourage accountability.
See also: Concerns Raised Over Blue Line Extension Light Rail Project
