Connie Sheppard argues:
>Steve Sumner referred to Shirley Carlson in the 10th
>Ward, and indeed she's a wonderful illustration of how
>wrong Tim's categorization is. Shirley is Pro-Choice,
>and Pro-Gay-Rights. She also opposes wasteful
>spending and counterproductive bureacracy.
Even though I'm a DFLer, I, too have been impressed with Shirley...she seems
to be a reasonable Minneapolis candidate more in line with the 10th ward
character. I will admit I harbor lingering concerns - perhaps unfair guilt
by association - since Shirley was part of the same 1997 GOP school board
slate as Renee "Savage Africans" Lavoi. Perhaps friends and foes can recall
that election and how Shirley and Renee differed - that would surely be good
proof of the permanence of Shirley's more moderate convictions.
While Shirley may be an example of the GOP "waking up" to the basic nature
of the Minneapolis electorate, I still think she has a very tough row to
hoe. None of the 10th ward DFLers - Doug Kress, Dan Niziolek, and Ann
Berget - strike me as wild-eyed civic spenders... (Ann is basing her
candidacy on being a fiscal tightwad.) Shirley's strongest argument is the
Republican label is more trusted on fiscal conservatism, but unfortunately,
there are many bad local connotations too. GOP moderates have been so rare
in recent years that Shirley will face much skepticism, deserved or
otherwise.
One other thought: the GOP may be so far down, they should build up to mayor
and council by running for city boards (sorta like the Greens are doing in
not running a mayoral candidate this year, to concentrate on the council.)
It's stunning to me that there's no GOP candidate (that I know of) for the
Board of Estimate, or the Library board, two natural places. Having a public
track record is one sure way for a candidate, and perhaps a party, to
overcome reputation based on reputation.
PS There is a third candidate - and first non-DFLer - running for the Board
of Estimate & Taxation. For the most current slate of local candidates, surf
to http://www.e-democracy.org/mpls/2001.htm
David Brauer
King Field - Ward 10
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