R.T. Rybak will have some help preparing for his charge as Minneapolis mayor.

The newly elected mayor announced his 19-member transition team Tuesday. As Rybak’s praise for his appointed colleagues echoed against the marble walls and high ceilings of City Hall, his team smiled and laughed before cameras like it was the first day of school.

“This is a group, frankly, that I think will be fun to have around,” Rybak said.

The team will break into small groups this weekend to discuss policies on everything from affordable housing to the environment, Rybak said.

Team members are volunteers and come from business and political backgrounds.

“Every citizen should feel part of this administration,” Rybak said.

The transition team includes Green Party City Council Ward 2 candidate Cam Gordon and Jim Niland, an 11-year City Council veteran.

Gordon said he was honored to be part of the team.

“My primary plan for next year isn’t going to bear fruit,” he said. “I’m really ready to help in whatever area.”

City Council Member Paul Ostrow was also present in support of his wife, who was appointed to the team. Rybak and he announced a citizen committee that will look into saving the Minnesota Twins.

“The mayor of Minneapolis is going to be a big player in this,” Rybak said.

-K.C. Howard