Dayton Taps Political Ally To Chair Metropolitan Council

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) — Gov. Mark Dayton is calling on an experienced transit official and a political ally to lead the Metropolitan Council.

Current council member Adam Duininck will replace outgoing Chairwoman Sue Haigh. Duininck has served on the board since 2011.

Dayton announced the appointment Friday. He is pushing for the position to become a full-time job. Duininck will make $145,000 per year.

The governor's choice may give extra fodder to Republicans who want to scale back the Metropolitan Council's power. Duininck has been deeply involved in independent efforts to elect Dayton and other Minnesota Democrats. He's also married to the governor's chief of staff.

The Metropolitan Council adopts regional housing, transit and wastewater treatment policies for the seven counties that make up the Twin Cities region.

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