
After eight years on the St. Louis Park City Council, had his last meeting on Monday night.
"It's been one of the proudest things in my life," he said of serving. "I'll miss it very much."
Finkelstein that he wouldn't be seeking re-election because he wanted to spend more time with family. He joined fellow incumbent Paul Omodt in , which opened the door for Jake Spano and Steve Hallfin, who last month.
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Omodt missed Monday's meeting, which would have been his last as well.
Finkelstein, who is known for his light-hearted approach to meetings and occasional use of magic tricks, said he's enjoyed the policy discussions he's had over the years with other council members—even when things didn't go his way.
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"We don't always agree, but it's usually been considerate and thoughtful," Finkelstein said.
Mayor Jeff Jacobs, who met Finkelstein in 1974 while the two were in college together, said things won't be the same without his friend on the council.
"I want to thank you for being a great guy and a great councilman," Jacobs said. "I'll miss you every Monday night."
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