was officially sworn in as the Saint Paul City Council Member representing Ward
1 in a ceremony held Thursday morning in City Council Chambers. Thao, 38, is
the first Hmong American to be elected to the Saint Paul City Council. He
finished at the top of a crowded field of seven candidates in a special
election that was called this spring after Melvin W. Carter III announced his
resignation from the council to join the Minnesota Department of Education.
In his first official act, Councilmember Dai Thao announced that he has asked
former campaign opponent Noel Nix to continue in his role as legislative aide
in the Ward 1 office through the end of the year.
βWe are in a time of incredible change and possibility for Ward 1. Noel has
played an important role in a number of projects currently underway. He has
graciously agreed to partner with me to ensure a smooth transition as I assume
my duties as Ward 1βs representative on the City Council,β said Councilmember
Thao.
Because this was a special election to fill the remainder of the current term,
elections rules dictate that the winner be sworn in immediately as opposed to
waiting until January.
Said Nix, "Councilmember Thao is a dedicated community champion committed to
securing the best possible future for everyone in Ward 1. Inviting me to
collaborate with him as his legislative aide is just one example of his
commitment to bringing community members together to accomplish this goal. I
am honored to work with Councilmember Thao to lay a strong foundation for
future success."
The City Charter permits each council member to appoint their own Legislative
Aide. Noel Nix joined the Ward 1 office in 2011 as the aide to former
Councilmember Melvin W. Carter III. Former Councilmember Nathaniel Khaliq
retained Nix after he was appointed in July by the Council to fill the Ward 1
seat after Carter resigned earlier this year.