February 16, 2001

Dispute Arises Over Reappointment of State Official as U. of Minnesota Regent

He's not exactly Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde.

But the dual roles that Michael O'Keefe plays as both a member of Gov. Jesse Ventura's cabinet and a University of Minnesota regent worry some state officials, as he seeks to be appointed to another six-year term on the university's board.

Mr. O'Keefe's divided loyalties surfaced as an issue last month, when Mr. Ventura, of the Independence Party of Minnesota, proposed a slim higher-education budget.

Mr.