Hey Folks,
The 10th Ward is a competitive race and we are getting down to crunch time so I will tread lightly with this post but I believe it's essential to address why Dan is getting endorsements over Doug in this race. With every endorsement since the DFL Convention, organizations who have screened have endorsed Dan (Sierra Club, Star Tribune, and all labor except one), supported Dan (Mpls Realtors & Downtown Council), or took a pass on the race (Firefighters have endorsed no non incumbents). We're far enough along here to establish a pattern that despite competing agendas all these organizations have evaluated both candidates and have chosen to back Dan. In my view all these endorsements are not a condemnation of Doug but rather an affirmation that Dan is a very strong candidate who has the proven experience to serve on the City Council.
I've said it before and I'll say it again, we could use Doug as a candidate in some of these other Wards this year he just happens to be matched against a strong opponent. Is he working hard? Yes. Is he committed to the issues? Yes. Has there been some grave injustice to Doug by not getting these high profile endorsements? No. If Doug is a victim he is a victim of circumstance and that circumstance is that Dan Niziolek has a ten-year professional and volunteer commitment to this Ward that voters respect and appreciate. When Doug announced he was running, I know I wasn't the only one who said, "Who is this guy?", and I'm President of my neighborhood and active in local politics. If I asked that, think of all the other folks who asked the same thing. Comparing that with Dan's extensive involvement and roots in this community you have a disparity that is the true difference between these two candidates.
There is only one endorsement left in this race and that's the endorsement of the voters on November 6th, I know both candidates are working hard to get it and it has been a spirited and respectful race. That respect will continue after the election no matter what happens. Let's focus on the real job at hand and that is making the case to the voters of the tenth ward door to door and over the phone and letting the votes fall where they may.
Scott Persons
Lyndale Neighborhood
Ward 8
