Actually, the better solution might be to add two seats and divide the 13
districts into 15.
WMarks, Central
jmostrow wrote:
> *** Disclaimer: The following is the opinion of Julie Mattson Ostrow
> and does not to represent that of her husband Council member Paul
> Ostrow. (Paul and I haven't even talked about this, so I don't know how
> he feels about his issue.) I just have strong opinions and felt the
> need to respond. JMO
>
> While on the surface this seems like a great solution to some
> "unresponsive" CM's, I do think that it opens up a lot more problems. A
> significant part of the CM's job is ward and constituent work. I can
> speak first hand to this. As the wife of a CM there are a lot of
> neighborhood and community meetings as well as calls at city hall and
> home from concerned residents about a variety of issues.
>
> Other than serving on the obligatory committees what would these
> folks do? Just wait to be called into the ward of an "unresponsive
> CM"? Would do anything to foster peace and harmony within the council?
> And just who would these "Super CM's" be responsible to? I doubt that
> most residents would really know who these folks were. They see ward
> CM's at neighborhood meetings, at the gas station and in the community
> papers.
>
> Additionally, the "Super CM" would have the additional challenge of
> being elected citywide. Just ask folks from Est and Taxation, school,
> library or park boards as to the logistics and costs to run such a
> campaign. The reality is that many successful city wide candidates have
> had the benefit of a coordinated party (DFL) campaign. I know because
> I've been involved in coordinating some. I would suspect that a
> successful "Super CM" would be elected the same way. Talk about
> campaign finance reform and the influence of PAC's and large
> businesses! Do we really want to open this Pandora's box?
>
> As an active DFL'er I do support more grassroots/local control and
> feel strongly that CM's should continue to be elected from and represent
> wards. As for the "unresponsive CM"? Do what you can (legally and
> respectfully) to get a response. If none, find their replacement and
> work to get them elected. CM's work for the people of Mpls. It's not
> an entitlement position.
>
> Julie Mattson Ostrow
> Windom Park
>
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