Former Police Chief Brings Expertise to Transit

"My election to the Minnesota State Senate was an honor for me and it was a privilege to serve my neighborhood and my city," Harrington says. "I recognize that my election was exceptional, as until 2010 there had only been one other African-American ever so honored. I am told that I was one of the more outspoken - and perhaps in part because of that - I was one of the more successful freshman senators that came into office in 2010. Despite my success, I never felt that I was as productive as I had been as chief of police. In the legislature, you identify problems and hope that if you can get your ideas heard you might be able to get action. I also felt frustrated at the partisan bickering that has become the norm in elected politics and missed the camaraderie and civility of police work.

"I hope that the friendship and knowledge of the state senate and legislature will serve this agency well, as there will be challenges that Metro Transit police in particular and police in general will face in the coming years," Harrington adds. "I hope that I am able to parlay my background into being a leader for Metro Transit and for police all over Minnesota."