Former Minneapolis mayor R.T. Rybak's memoir to be published in April 2016


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

'Pothole Confidential: My Life as Mayor of Minneapolis' will be published in April 2016 by the University of Minnesota Press

Press Release Date: 2015-10-26T05:00:00+00:00


The University of Minnesota Press is proud to announce former Minneapolis mayor R.T. Rybak’s forthcoming book Pothole Confidential: My Life as Mayor of Minneapolis, to be published in April 2016.

With refreshing candor and insight, Rybak’s personal account of the challenges and crises confronting the city over twelve years, including the tragic collapse of the I-35W bridge, the rising scourge of youth violence, and the bruising fight over a ban on gay marriage, is also an illuminating, often funny depiction of learning the workings of the job, frequently on the fly, while trying to keep up with his most important constituency: his family. As bracing as the “fresh air” campaign that swept him into office, Rybak’s memoir is that rare document from a politician: one more concerned with the people he served and the issues of his time than with burnishing his own credentials. 

“We are thrilled to be publishing Mr. Rybak’s memoir, at once a political coming of age story and a clear-eyed look at life as an urban mayor inside and outside of City Hall. His approach to politics, not to mention his legendary energy and enthusiasm, transformed the city we call home. We look forward to a fun book launch next April,” commented Doug Armato, Director of the University of Minnesota Press.

The book will be available in both hardcover and e-book formats for $24.95. 

More information on Pothole Confidential.

For inquiries contact Heather Skinner, Publicist, at presspr@umn.edu or 612-301-1932. 

 

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ADVANCE PRAISE FOR POTHOLE CONFIDENTIAL:

"There are four types of political memoirs, depending on whether or not the politician was any good and whether or not the politician can write. There is much to be learned from all four, but only one type can be recommended with enthusiasm. A skilled journalist before he became a great mayor, R.T. Rybak has given us a story that deserves the attention of all those who enjoy good governance and good reading."
—Jeff Speck, author of Walkable City: How Downtown Can Save America, One Step at a Time

"This is a fascinating look into the personal and political life one of the best big city mayors in the U.S. R.T. Rybak, a leader of the American Progressive Movement, started out as a Nixon Republican and became a public servant known for his honesty and his willingness to tackle the really tough problems of urban America. It's a great read."
—Howard Dean


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Image credit: Travis Anderson