Cherryhomes to kick-off mayoral campaign

Former Minneapolis City Council member Jackie Cherryhomes will kick-off her campaign for mayor Saturday.

If elected mayor of Minneapolis, Cherryhomes said she will make the city's economy a priority.

"The first issue that's front and center is job creation and getting people to work," Cherryhomes said. "That's job number one. And that is what I am absolutely focused on."

Cherryhomes lives in north Minneapolis, a part of the city that was devastated by job loss during the recession.

She represented the area on the City Council for 12 years, eight of which as council president. Cherryhomes lost her seat in 2001 to Green Party candidate, Natalie Johnson Lee, who bested her by just 72 votes.

Since leaving elected office, Cherryhomes has worked as a consultant and lobbyist, both at the Legislature and City Hall. Her past clients include those in the real estate development industry. She said she has no plans to lobby this year, although she continues to advise several non-profit groups.

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