So...the meetings over and some of the members of the council don't want to hold hands and sing Kumbaya. (however you spell it) The vote has been taken, it's time to move on. Disappointment is natural, bitterness is ugly.
I was very encouraged by the events of January 2nd in the council leadership decisions. I am very proud of Robert Lilligren and am very happy for him. I think the mix of a returning council member as president from one slate and a new council member as vice president from the other slate is a good combination even if no one intended for it to be that way. Thank you Natalie for that one. I think Natalie showed her collegues that she should not be underestimated or dismissed and that you can reconsider your decision right up to the minute of the vote and have a powerful impact as one person. As for Sandy, I think she also had a right to change her mind and she proved that, loyalty pledge or not. I believe this last election was all about electing more independent thinkers than electing one sheep herder and the six sheep of the flock who do what they are told. I thought the "loyalty pledge letter" was a pretty arrogant gesture anyway. Just as Lisa Goodman and Paul Ostrow moving into the President and Vice President offices BEFORE the vote was taken was a little assuming. For Paul, it worked out. For Lisa, it didn't. Oops, now what? As for Barret, I believe that he can and hopefully will make major contributions in his seat on the Ways and Means Committee. I don't think he needs to be the chair to do that. I don't think he should be marginalized for being an independent anymore than Natalie or Dean Z. should be marginalized for being green. After all, the City Council election is a non-partisan race, right?. I think it also sent a message that the seven votes needed to pass any resolutions may not always remain the same and could very well be different a lot of the time. Oh my God, each council member thinking for themselves instead of doing what they are told? Could it be? I am sensing what appears to be a "poor v.s. rich ward" alliance emerging here. Anyone else seeing that? Any thoughts? There hasn't been an issue yet that has tested that theory, just a sense on my part at this point. Hope to see you all Saturday night at the ball. Barb Lickness Whittier __________________________________________________ Do You Yahoo!? Send your FREE holiday greetings online! http://greetings.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
