Re: Candidate School
I too think this is an excellent and amazing idea! One important thought I would like to throw in is that these classes be free. If the classes are not free it obviously sets up another hurdle for the poor to become involved in the system. I think we all would agree that this would be an amazing community service, and that something like this OUGHT to be free. I would imagine that former office holders/staff would see the importance of this and volunteer their time. I think we all can see that this type of "school" could get away with charging quite a lot - hopefully this will be avoided. Which runs into my second thought - how are people enrolled? My first thought is to have an "enrollment window" and depending on demand, and the number of "educators" have a lottery for all admittance. If admittance is first come, first served - people in the know (connected people) will most likely make up the class. If admittance is on a type of "service seniority", those admitted that have been involved in community planning and government for a long time already, this will bias against younger people and a certain non-political freshness that might manifest from not having been a system-player. As above, hopefully there is no money passing hands - for all the reasons we understand too well. Recommendation by parties - once again, this will harm independants and non-partisians - and runs into the status-quo perpetuance. Is David actually going ahead with planning on this, or is there someone else (or a group) who is willing to take up the reigns? What do those in the system think of this? And is it correct to assume that anyone on the council now would not have the time to invest in this - so we should aim for past officeholders staff? One last thought...it seems like this would be a good thing to hit cable access with... jon kelland bryant --- Barbara Lickness [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: I would welcome the idea of candidate classes. I have spent many years preparing for this job in both my volunteer activities in Whittier and my professional life as NRP staff to 13 South Minneapolis neighborhoods. I feel that "I can hit the ground running" as they say. However, I am sure there is a vast amount of knowledge you need and gain only from the inside or from gracious insiders who decide to share it with you. All you intellectual pundits out there who are dying to train in a better class of candidate can start with me. I am willing to be your guinea pig on any seminars, or classes you want to put together. I think it would be interesting for you to organize past council members so we can pick their brains. After all they have been there done that. Who better to get the real life accounting from. The only other thing I ask is that this be organized at the grassroots level. (O.K. maybe with the help of the League of Women Voters) No think tank organizations please or groups pushing specific agendas. So.go for it David and whoever. Give me the where and when. I'll be there. Barb Lickness Whittier Ward 6 __ Do You Yahoo!? From homework help to love advice, Yahoo! Experts has your answer. http://experts.yahoo.com/ __ Do You Yahoo!? Thousands of Stores. Millions of Products. All in one Place. http://shopping.yahoo.com/
RE: Candidate School
Jon K. asks: One important thought I would like to throw in is that these classes be free. That was always my plan. I'm also interested in advice on fundraising, or places/organizations that will help for free as part of their own mission. Foundation suggestions, anyone? Which runs into my second thought - how are people enrolled? My first thought is to have an "enrollment window" and depending on demand, and the number of sinp This is to be determined, though Jon's right about not making it first come first served, to avoid insider taint. The logical way to best get the word out is to inform the city political parties, including Greens, Libertarians, Independence, etc. I've wrestled with a few questions already: do you allow candidates from the same race to sit in the same class? Competing for the same primary? My early answer is yes -- best to have one mass session, to reduce time on the presenters (who will probably have to be volunteers unless I get cash for honoraria). I think we'll need to have participants sign a "code of conduct" -- that this is not a debate, no arguments, only questions, etc. Something to keep it steered toward information, not electioneering. Is David actually going ahead with planning on this, or is there someone else (or a group) who is willing to take up the reigns? I'm running with it for now, but don't wish to "own" it and would welcome any help. I've contacted friends at the Center for Urban and Regional Affairs, and the Humphrey Institute, to see who can help. Anu other nominations are welcome. One last thought...it seems like this would be a good thing to hit cable access with... FABULOUS idea...can someone at MTN provide advice here? David Brauer King Field - Ward 10
