In response to John�s inquiry of my campaign...
No, I am not involved in the efforts of A City For Neighbors. I have
not participated in any of their meetings, issue discussions, or
publications. I do find the question of the connection between the
report card and my campaign interesting. In the traditional sense of
campaign report cards, I have nothing to gain. No 10th Ward candidate is
on the card.
Yes, Joe Barisonzi, a member of my campaign team, is a co-chair of A
City For Neighbors. In my campaign, as in my community building efforts,
I bring together many individuals involved in a wide range of community
activities. I am always impressed at the incredible energy being put
into our communities by neighborhood residents like Joe. No wonder we
live in a great city.
As for the efforts of A City For Neighbors, I applaud them for bringing
the votes of elected officials to the community, especially since they
explained the particular votes. Do I feel people should go out and vote
for candidates on the basis of these few votes, no. However, this is
information voters can draw upon when talking with candidates and in
voting for their next mayor and city council member. I would encourage
other groups to do similar efforts on issues that are important to them.
I am a strong supporter of citizens� groups working to provide voters
with accurate information on candidates. In 1993, I was a part of a
group of neighbors called the �10th Ward Coalition of Neighbors.� We
were committed to ensuring voters the opportunity to see and hear from
the candidates running for the 10th Ward City Council seat at the time.
We advertised, coordinated, and facilitated, through donations and our
own dollars, 3 candidate forums over the course of the campaign. I
would encourage A City For Neighbors and other community groups to do
the same. As a community organizer I know information is power for a
community.
As for the 10th Ward City Council race, the report card offers no
candidate information. One of the best opportunities thus far for 10th
Ward residents was the candidates forum sponsored by the South West
Journal. I want to thank them for giving community members a chance to
see and evaluate the candidates for their next City Council Member. We
are fortunate in the 10th Ward to have a number of great neighborhood
newspapers that keep residents informed of the issues important to them.
Dan Niziolek
Lyndale Resident
10th Ward City Council Candidate
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