[Mpls] PM Endorsement Process

[Jordan S. Kushner]

It was not my intention by posting my impressions of the Progressive Minnesota endorsement process to provoke a barrage of criticism of Progressive Minnesota.  I actually thought the endorsement meetings was a very constructive and postive event overall.  A good group of dedicated people learned a lot about the candidates and had substantive discussions.  I will elaborate on a few points from my previous posting:   - While I believe that my interpretation of the 9th ward endorsement being based on organizational connections was fundamentally accurate (except Michael Guest apparently did resign from the Board before seeking the endorsement), I do not necessarily see that as  negative.  There is a lot of benefit to an organization that organizes around elections and issues, and has actually been a minor political party, developing its own candiates for office.  At the same time, (particularly as a Gary Schiff supporter), I think it is important for people to realize that PM's decision not to endorse him had nothing to do with his obvious progressive stands on issues.   - As for my previous analysis of the 10th Ward race, I again  think it was accurate but one of the points has been overplayed.  I think the lack of endorsement was based primarily on a lack of familiarity with the candidates who had all announced recently.  The reality is that many PM members who participate in the endorsement process are actively involved and are accustomed to knowing the candidates.  I also believe that the firm opposition to privatization of city services is highly justified.  It is obviously one of the schemes that governments and their officials  around the country have been using to sell out out to corporate interests.  The overwhelming effect is lower wages and union busting.  While my interpretation of Doug Kress' stand on privatization differed from others', I do understand the concerns.   - I have been a member of PM for a couple of years because I support the work they have done in opposing stadium funding, promoting affordable housing and living wage legislation, and previously sponsoring a Charter amendment to close a loophole and bring the Minneapolis police under the jurisdiction of the civil rights department, and building coalitions among progressive activists and the labor movement.  I do not have PM's 12 point platform in front of me, but I have read and agreed with it, and hope that someone can post it on this list.  I like some of the candidates that PM has supported, and frankly think that others are too compromised.   The point is that PM does have a specific agenda that is worthy of support.  Its electoral activism can also be constructive and hopefully the feeback from this list can lead to more positive developments.   Jordan Kushner Powderhorn, Ward 8