As a point of clarification, it should be noted that I did not "forget" the promise to abide by the endorsement, but rather received such an outpouring of requests from neighbors and other constituents to run because they did not feel represented by the endorsement, and they did not feel as if there concerns were being met. I do not apologize for answering the concerns of the community and being responsive to the people I represent or wish to represent. I think that that is the main responsibility of any public servant.
That being said, that does not excuse agreeing to abide by the endorsement and not doing it. One of the most valuable lessons that I have learned in the past year is the importance of working within systems, and in order to do so one must abide by the rules set forth within that system. I do regret giving my committment to abide and then not doing so and whatever damage they may have caused to the party or people's faith in public servants. People who run for office or who serve in a public capacity have a responsibility to be honest, forthright and stay true to their principles, and most importantly to do their best to represent and justify the faith of the community at large. Part of that is staying true to committments made. For that reason, I made the committment to abide by the endorsement at the June 1st convention, and state again, publicly that I will do so. As far as my needing to "accept and do penance", I have not raised an issue with regards to this. I fully understand that some people may still be angry or hurt or feel betrayed, and that it may be awhile before I get the party's support or endorsement, only time will take care of that. I have done my best to make necessary amends through continuuing to serve and support the DFL through being a precinct chair, a director for my SD and CD, and working with the Mayor and several of the councilmembers as well as continuing my work within the community and the DFL party. I have also made it a point to speak with and resolve issues with anyone who has raised a concern regarding the past, not the least of which was the endorsed candidate and his campaign manager. What disturbs and disappoints me is that anyone would hold on to that and show up at a convention for the sole purpose of voting against me or any other candidate because they were angry about something from the past. It doesn't speak well to principles and it really takes away from the constituents we're supposed to serve. More to the point it lowers one to the same level that you feel the person you would oppose is at. And in the end all it hurts is the DFL and the community. If you don't think a candidate is qualified, by all means don't support him or her, but if you have a personal or professional grudge that should not be carried to the political arena, more specifically as adults we should be able to sit down, discuss and resolve our differences. We gain much more ground as people and as a party that way. I would welcome the opportunity to sit down or discuss with anyone any issues or concerns still lingering from last year. You have my email and my number's listed. While I am disappointed at not receiving the endorsement, I am not upset or hurt, it's part of the process and the nature of "penance". And I believe that there are four good people endorsed. But I am concerned about anyone feeling so hurt or betrayed as to show up at a convention dealing with children's future for the sole reason of opposing me, especially without at least taking a minute and voicing their concerns and trying to resolve them. I talked to several people like this when calling, and we were able to resolve our differences, I would hope that we as party members could at least attempt to do this. We have too many things that need to be done not to make the effort to come together and try and find common ground and move beyond the past to get them done. Not the least of which is the poor outreach and representation of the communities of color and underrepresented individuals. Let us come together and find a way to work together for the future. Jonathan Palmer Stevens Square-Loring Heights _______________________________________ 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
