Eduardo Parra writes: >� The issue of Barb Johnson running for Council President and the controversy surrounding it is more about the current fear of incumbents and the reaction to be wary of them.� Yes, Barb did support Belton at times, but from my personal experience as a block club leader, she has always been responsive, open and supportive of the issues we face here in the 4th ward.� So why all the ruffled feathers?� The north side is on the verge of making a leap forward away from blight, crime, nuisance issues, etc.� With the redevelopment of Lowry Avenue (much needed), she might be able to infuse additional momentum to fix up northside areas.�
End Eduardo, begin me: An observation and a comment: If memory serves, of the last three council presidents, two have been north of the river - Alice Rainville (Barb's predecessor and mother) from the north side/northwest corner of the city, and the north side's Jackie Cherryhomes, with Sharon Sayles Belton (south central) sandwiched in there. The two combatants this time are north of the river - so this aint an anti-north thing. If anything, folks southwest and southeast have a gripe, council president-wise. As far as Barb's presidential candidacy, it's interesting that it's lasted this long. Wasn't it just a few weeks ago that Gary Schiff told the PiPress that Ostrow's selection should be unanimous? There may be cleavages among the new council that may impede the "era of good feelings." When assessing a council presidency, remember that the president brings committee chairpeople with him/her. This is often how a president "gets to 7" - a majority - by arranging committee chairs. So if you're worried about Barb being retrograde, how would your feelings change if her election made Dean Z. CD chair? Or made Dean and Natalie committee chairs? (These are just examples.) An interesting thread: how important is chairing a council committee? Is it like being a U.S. Senate or state legislative chair, where you can sometime spike things you don't like? My observation - from afar in recent years - is that city council chairs are less powerful, and are often overruled by their committee members. Tidbits for thought. David Brauer King Field - Ward 10 _________________________________________________________ Do You Yahoo!? Get your free @yahoo.com address at http://mail.yahoo.com _______________________________________ 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
