Tim Bonham wrote: > Perhaps Ms. Mensing could specify what she sees as the "problem" in the > Minneapolis DFL endorsing system?
MM: This was actually an extensive discussion on the List a few months back. Many List members (and DFL party members who I spoke with about this) agreed that in a city that is dominated in elections by one party, it is crucial to give choice to the voters at the primary level. After the endorsing process this spring/early summer, I noticed how many quality candidates were weeded out by the endorsing process rather than at the primary where I believe the choice should be made. Several of us met a few months back and discussed the possibility of looking at a multiple endorsement system for the Minneapolis DFL, so that more DFL candidates would get to voters in the primary. I hope this conversation continues within the DFL in the future. I think everyone would agree that the DFL endorsement in the vast majority of Minneapolis races means election. Don't get me wrong - I think that is great, since I am a Democrat. But, with the current system, we end up giving most of the selection process to the DFL delegates and little choice in the end to the DFL voters. That is the rationale for my statement. Michelle Mensing Armatage ----- Original Message ----- From: "Tim Bonham" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> To: "mpls-issues" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Sent: Tuesday, September 03, 2002 1:01 AM Subject: Re: [Mpls] Minneapolis schools > I have been a participant in that endorsing system, and I think it > is more fair & open than any other endorsement process in the city. > > This DFL endorsing process seems to be producing school board > candidates who are quite in tune with the voters of Minneapolis, based on > the results of the past 15 years or so. The voters seem to have no > "problem" in electing DFL-endorsed school board candidates. Choosing the > same candidates as the voters at large does not seem to me to be a > "problem" in an endorsement process -- quite the contrary! > > Tim Bonham, Ward 12, Standish-Ericsson > > >I agree there is a problem with the DFL's endorsing system in Minneapolis > >and I hope DFL members will continue reforming the city endorsing system (as > >I know I will do). > >. . . > > > >Michelle Mensing > >Armatage > > > _______________________________________ > 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 > _______________________________________ 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
