Neel was the target of a Star Tribune editorial criticizing him for his role in promoting contentious tenure changes and his lack of leadership as the board's vice chair. Neel, who represents the First District, said he spoke with legislators, residents of his district, administrators and faculty to find out what they thought of his performance. Neel's only competition will come from Thomas Stoa, a physician from Winona. When regents' terms expire they can run for re-election or step aside, allowing other candidates to vie for their seats. Seventh District Regent Stanley Sahlstrom and Sixth District Regent Wendell Anderson both decided not to seek third terms.
Regents serve staggered six-year terms, making four seats open every two years.
But Jean Keffeler's departure from the board in November created a fifth open seat. O'Keefe has filled that spot since he was specially appointed by Gov. Arne Carlson shortly after Keffeler's resignation. Despite his recent appointment, O'Keefe still has to be approved by the Legislature to serve the remainder of Keffeler's term, which expires in 2001. Hamline University Professor Joseph Daly and William Drake, CEO of Islet Technology, will contest O'Keefe for the Fifth District seat. The candidates will be interviewed by the council Jan. 23-28.