David Brauer wrote:
> I wonder if we can make it easier for newcomers. So here's my question --
> especially to those who have run or those who are going to:
> Would it be worth it to try to set up "candidates continuing education"
> class? My idea -- very loose at this point -- is something like the Kennedy
> School of Government does for new Congressfolks. Get together a group of
> experienced community folks -- city bureaucrats, representatives of
> important foundations or community groups, people experienced in
> government -- and provide a series of voluntary tutorials on city basics.
David, you must have been reading my mind earlier this morning -- thanks for
articulating this terrific idea! I would hope that such seminars/fora would be
open to campaign staffers as well as to the candidates. As someone interested in
being a campaign manager for Green Party candidates, this sort of information
sharing would be invaluable for all of the reasons you cited. Perhaps a "Guide
to Minneapolis and Metropolitan Government" might be a natural outgrowth of this
sort of experience. Thus it could be passed on for future use, with periodic
updates as needed. Please note that I inserted "Metropolitan" purposefully as
candidates may also need to be helped with gaining a big picture view in how
Mpls issues/concerns fit, or don't fit, within a county/metro-wide framework.
> The key thing is that we, the voters, would benefit if positions are more
> thoughtfully worked out and better argued.
Not only the above advantage, but it would shorten the learning curve for
new candidates and that could only benefit all of our city's constituents. And
let's not forget that incumbents may well benefit from such a learning
experience as well (in fact, having incumbents sit in on sessions and offer how
the shared information might relate, or be used, in the "real" world might be of
value. Tho' this might be rather idealistic wishful thinking on my part... for
obvious reasons.)
> Also, city staffers might be worried incumbants would penalize them if they
> are educating challengers or outsiders. And opponents for the same seat
> might not want to share a room, and tip off their arguments.
If this sort of endeavor could be clearly demonstrated to be non-partisan
and a fact-based sharing of information, it may feel "safer" to city staffers
and viers for the same offices. I also think that if opponents for the same
office -- assuming that they're coming from the same ward or district in Mpls.
-- don't know each other from previous political or community activities and
don't already know of each other's arguments/slants/partisan biases before
participating in such a forum, then perhaps they need to re-examine what they're
doing running for office.
> Anyway, I know good candidates spend a lot of time educating themselves. But
> I think seminar approach might be an important compliment.
>
> The question is, is it a good idea, or a pie-in-the-sky waste of time?
To iterate: it's not just a "good" idea, it's a great idea, David. Now,
however, the plot thickens: how to implement this great idea. What would be the
logical next steps in making this happen? Perhaps by contacting people who we
think might be interested in being presenters at such fora/seminars? The HHH
School at the U of M? Or at other colleges around town? Staff and/or appointees
in the various city departments? Checking with various foundations around town?
Checking with key community leaders who can bring knowledge to bear on
particular issues about their willingness to participate? If done well, this is
something that could serve as model for other metropolitan areas and would add
distinguishment to our city's already fine reputation. Hopefully that would add
to the enticement in attracting presenters.
Jenny Heiser
East Phillips/Ward 6
>
>
> Please post your reaction to the forum: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
>
> David Brauer
> Kingfield - Ward 10
> Not a candidate for anything but always has more to learn
