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When public office holders endorse candidates, it can be useful for the voters,
as existing office holders have built a track record (positive or negative) and
are a "known commodity" for the voters.
I find the prospect of candidates who have not held public office making
endorsements a little odd, and of dubious value; in some ways it feels like
band-wagon politics (although there are exceptions, like people who are already
public figures, but not office holders).
I think Gary Schiff has made a wise decision as a "new" office seeker to avoid
making endorsements. Unfortunatly, though, the decision to remain focused on
his own race gives Gary's detractors fodder for controversy and character
asassination; however, said detractors are generally looking for anything to
latch onto, and they will always eventually find something.
Gary's future constituents should appreciate the fact that he is not prematurely
entering into political alliances that may eventually constrain his ability to
represent them.
If I could vote for Gary, I would.
David Piehl
Central/8th Ward
From: GARY SCHIFF <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
To: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
Subject: [Mpls] No Endorsement
Date: Mon, 17 Sep 2001 12:28:12 -0500
Hats off to Megan Thomas, for getting it right when she writes "maybe (Gary)
is actually campaigning on his qualifications and plan for the city and
the ward rather than on who he is supporting for Council President. Maybe
he is refusing to get caught up in this pissing match, refusing to demonize
one person or another and is instead trying to win an election!"
For a candidate who promises to clean up city politics, it seems to be
politics
as usual when the day after I respectfully tell RT that I am not going to
be endorsing anyone for mayor, his biggest mouthpiece attacks me and implies
that I am in the pocket of Cherryhomes. Keep beating that dead horse,
Russell.
It used to be expected (and respected) that politicians would stay out of
each others races. It says something about the tone of local politics when
"you are either with me or against me" becomes the law.
This list is no longer a place to discuss policy. It has become a place
to trade rumors and insults. I'm sure even if I were to announce who I am
voting for for City Council President, someone here would start a rumor
that I have changed my mind a week from now and we would all be back to
square one. I'm bowing out of that game right now. My constituents are
always
free to call or write me, but interestingly, no one in the Ninth Ward has
asked me about the mayor's or the council president race in the past week.
David Brauer says it is especially interesting that I have not endorsed
RT. Yes, it is interesting. I'm an independent kind of guy, and I'm not
going to be bullied into making declarations that I don't strongly believe.
My candidate didn't get through the primary. You'll have to excuse me if
I don't publicly embrace my second or third choice. How meaningful would
that be, anyway?
Gary Schiff
Corcoran
www.garyschiff.com
Please donate to the NYFD 911 Fund: http://store.yahoo.com/firedonations/
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