Story of the Year No. 5: Council, Board Get New Blood

Editor's Note: With 2011 winding down, we're using this last week of the year to look back at the five stories that shaped St. Louis Park over the past 12 months and had people talking. Today, we look at story No. 5—the fall election. Look for story No. 4 tomorrow.

It was a year of certain change for the City Council and school board, as two council incumbents—Paul Omodt and Phil Finkelstein—along with board member Rolf Peterson announced they wouldn't be running again.

For Finkelstein and Peterson, spending more time with family was the deciding factor. Omodt said compelled him to leave the race.

When the dust settled, Steve Hallfin and Jake Spano had , while Joe Tatalovich .

The three newcomers will be sworn in early next month.