David: You asked for some feedback on this year's caucus process and, although I don't post often and usually lurk on this list, I thought I'd throw my two cents in.
I live in Ward 11, Precinct 8. (A non-contested city ward -- Scott Benson is unopposed and, by all accounts, has done a good job deserving of re-election.) We are one of the larger precincts in the Ward, maybe in the city, and had 60 delegate slots. About 42 people showed up and 7 proxies were brought. The crowd was almost 100% white and the average age was clearly north of 40 and probably 50 (and clearly north of me). This was not the face of diversity in action -- it was a lot of the same folks who come out year after year. The agenda was mercifully brief, we were all able to be seated as delegates for the city convention and we got out by 8:05. But I have to ask the question whether this was worth an hour plus of my life. I think the precinct caucus system, in theory, sounds like politics at the grassroots. But our precinct chair was already in place and, due to the fact the DFL city party does not have its own platform, no opportunity for real discussion of resolutions. We came, we saw, we left and I could have saved myself the trip to Washburn H.S. and would have missed nothing if I submitted a proxy. This does not reward newcomers and those interested in making change. It make the process seem like a farce. Maybe the answer would have been a "ward-wide" caucus. (The Ward 11 caucus will be a snoozer.) But I think the answer isn't to have multiple opportunities to have folks sit in a room looking at each other. It is active debate about the issues facing the city by the candidates who are seeking office and the city's residents. If this year's changes have encouraged debate at larger events, that is terrific But it wasn't happening at the precinct caucus level. Also, I have to second the comments of the list member who previously complained about such things as lack of child care for the city convention, etc. If the DFL party wants to truly be inclusive, it needs to think more broadly and strategically about the needs of the people it wants to attract. Otherwise, the same people will sit in the same rooms and nothing will change. Steve Marchese Hale Ward 11, Precinct 8 REMINDERS: 1. Be civil! Please read the NEW RULES at http://www.e-democracy.org/rules. If you think a member is in violation, contact the list manager at [EMAIL PROTECTED] before continuing it on the list. 2. Don't feed the troll! Ignore obvious flame-bait. For state and national discussions see: http://e-democracy.org/discuss.html For external forums, see: http://e-democracy.org/mninteract ________________________________ Minneapolis Issues Forum - A Civil City-focused Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: mailto:mpls@mnforum.org Subscribe, Un-subscribe, etc. at: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
