Kelliher is finalist for Minneapolis parks superintendent

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Minnesota House Speaker Margaret Anderson Kelliher was named Wednesday as one of three finalists for the head of the nationally recognized Minneapolis Parks Board.

Kelliher lost the DFL primary for governor in August and is retiring after six terms at the Legislature.

Also in the running for the superintendent position are two out of state park officials who have more experience in the field than Kelliher, but lack her local political connections. That includes Stanley Motley, parks director in Fulton County, Ga., and Steve Rymer, head of parks in Morgan Hill, Calif.

Kelliher will not comment on the position while in consideration for the post, but released a statement about the announcement.

“As the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board announced earlier today, I am pleased to be among the finalists in the search for a new Superintendent.  Our parks system is a national treasure that has always grown to reflect the needs of a changing city.  Creating and maintaining unique recreational spaces in one of the Midwest’s premiere parks setting is an exciting opportunity to serve our community.  I look forward to the next step in the search process,” she said.