More and more I evaluate candidates based on whether they are willing to
participate in forums such as the Minneapolis Issues forum. This forum is
distinct from the precinct caucuses because the caucuses are partisan, and
this listserv has people from all different parties.
A while back, I asked Matthea Little Smith, one of the list participants,
and Neva Walker's campaign manager a question about Neva Walker's position
on the sodomy law (yup we still have this idiotic law in MN), and about
Jesse Ventura's plan to negotiate with the state employees to offer
domestic partner benefits. I haven't heard an answer to this question from
Matthea on this list. Brian Heron did respond privately, and said that
Neva would probably be supportive of sodomy repeal and domestic partner
benefits. I personally would love to see Rep. Walker join this list. This
would be one nice way to communicate with constituents. Neither my
roommate, or myself were real clear about what she stood for when she ran
for the seat. My roommate is a Dem by the way. She was always quite
impressed by Neva's predecessor, Rep. Wejcman (sp?).
The world is always run by those who show up. One thing that is really
quite impressive is the number of City Council people who are on this list
and who contribute to it. It seems like following this list is getting to
be expected with Minneapolis City Council folks. I also appreciate the
state legislators who participate. Sen. Higgins is the one who
participates most often.
Eva
Eva Young
Minneapolis, MN
At 06:12 PM 02/15/2001 -0500, David Wilson wrote:
>I think you have got it wrong comparing the listserv to a precinct
>caucaus. Both are self-selecting, but in distinction to the precinct, a
>listserv depends on regular access to a computer with internet access. I
>can budget my time to attend a precinct caucaus, spend the time, vote, and
>then move on with my life. With a listserv, I can choose to participate
>daily, every other day, once a week, or one time. the caucus is a formal
>political activity while the listserv is discussion. Unless I'm reading
>you wrong, why even make the comparison.
>
>David Wilson
>Loring Park
>
>
>
>On Thu, 15 Feb 2001, ferma001 wrote:
>
>> I have singled out one passage from Brauer's message for comment.
>>
>> >1. I'm not worried about candidates dominating. They are vastly
outnumbered
>> >by non-candidate list members. Last month, more than 100 of our 450
members
>> >posted. A reluctance to dive in or introduce topics is not a weakness
of our
>> >membership. Have faith this won't be a problem.
>>
>> The number 450 is what troubles me. Now many of the critics of the
>> precinct caucus system cite the flagging attendence of the caucuses and
>> how not 100% of elected delegates show up for conventions. {Here is a
>> little project. The delegate count of each precinct is a matter of
>> public record - the delegate attendence at the upcoming ward and city
>> conventions will be instructive.} There have been several to numerous
>> postings stumping for one issue or another but our number 450 shows the
>> list is as flawed as the low turnout caucuses. I can not think how to
>> phrase my next thought but it goes to legitimacy. Is there some way we
>> could blackmail 50-60 thousand residents to subscribe?
>>
>>
>> Jack Ferman
>> Minneapolis, MN
>> [EMAIL PROTECTED]
>>
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>
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