I'd get rid of party labels on our municipal "non-partisan" election ballot.
Party (or three word principle) designation wasn't always there, oldtimers tell me. And when it was first introduced--at DFL insistence--some Republican Alderpersons went quickly down to defeat. Did they suddenly become poor stewards of the public interest?? Or did it just allow partisanship (Republican baiting) to prevail over "which of these neighbors of mine can do the best job." I suppose I will be accused of being a Republican if I say the mantra: "There is no Republican or Democratic (or Independent or Green) way to plow a street." But I would hope most of City Administration would be, well, administration, and I don't mean of a patronage machine. No, I'd prefer we let candidates run on their experience, character and positions on city issues, and let voters do a little homework before going to the polls. If a voter wants to bring along a sample ballot from their favorite group or newspaper, fine. But we don't have to allow prejudicial advertising right on the ballot. Two additional reforms I wouldn't mind would be Instant Runoff Voting (where you rank your choices for an office, 1-2-3), and some proportional representation on City Council and School, Park, and Library Board. Like Don J. I have no objection to endorsements; I just don't think they should appear on the ballot. BTW, what "principles" or self-designations are allowed on the ballot. Which of these would be disallowed? "Star-Tribune Endorsed" "Caucasian" "African American" "Irish" "Feminist" "Gay" "Stonewall Endorsed" "Labor Endorsed" "Labor Supporter" "Lifelong Minnesotan" "Twins Fan" "Christian" "Internet Guru" Actually, some of these are as informative as the designation "DFL", certainly given the range of "DFL" in this most recent election. What is it they say, that if you keep saying a word over and over and over then after a while it will become meaningless?! Alan Shilepsky Downtown _______________________________________ Minneapolis Issues Forum - A Civil City Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subscribe, Unsubscribe, Digest option, and more: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
