RE: [Mpls] PM Endorsement Process

[David Brauer]

Jordan writes:   >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 positive >event overall.  A good group of dedicated people learned a lot about the candidates >and had substantive discussions.   First, I want to thank Jordan again for being the first to post his impressions. It was great that he jumpstarted a discussion that has resulted in more information getting into the hands of voters (at least the ones on this list).   As for criticism, it comes with the territory. Criticism should not be seen as unfortunate or a tragedy, but as healthy…as long as it is constructive. Although I am not a member of PM, I hope they welcome the scrutiny as a way to make themselves stronger, by having their dealings become more transparent.   Too often, the various DFL “caucuses” (and I realize PM is NOT always synonymous with the DFL) have become little cults of leaders’ personality. These groups do little to expand their membership, and bestow an impressive-sounding endorsement without the general public being aware of just how small and cliquish (with issues sometimes beside the point) these groups really are.   I’m not saying PM is any of those things. I’m still learning about them, one reason I encouraged this thread. I do believe that a key way to avoid cliquishness is to expose your endorsement process to open discussion. Jack Ferman is right; PM SHOULD publish its candidate questionnaires -- if only for voter education, but also so voters can see for themselves if the PM membership lives up to its purpose.   In my perfect world, groups such as PM should bestow multiple endorsements if there are only minor differences between candidates. I don’t know if that’s the case here (I’m still interested in learning about Schiff and Guest!), and certainly, PM has been successful doing it however they want. But in general, I believe community leaders should always “show their work” when making decisions, not just flop endorsements out there and expect voters to swallow them (even if voters do).   ANYONE with power – and that includes PM, which has gained power in the community through hard work and organizing – should be open to this. They should be held to the same standard of openness as we demand from council incumbents.   David Brauer King Field – Ward 10