I guess my thoughts regarding integrity in campaigning practices fell on deaf ears...
I would hope that we could avoid rumors and innuendo as attacks on candidates, but I
guess that says something about how far people are willing and have to go to attempt
defame such a good candidate as Don Samuels.
I am not going to respond directly to the veiled attack on Don. There are those that
are far more qualified then I to answer that question. But I think a better way to
approach campaigning is to stick to facts.
And one of the most important facts is that Don's community involvement neither starts
nor ends with his involvement on JACC. Don was the co-founder of the Jordan
Livability Project – which brought together a group of diverse Jordan residents to
focus on the livability issues which are so important to stable neighborhoods. When
Don lived in St. Paul he was the Chair of the Saint Paul Public Schools Curriculum
Committee. His commitment goes back decades. Don has been a volunteer in the judicial
system as an advocate for kids. He has been a guardian ad litem for 10 children. Don
has been a volunteer at his church. Among so many other things he has helped direct
the annual pageant. Don is an artist – a singer and a painter – who has be
involved in the arts community. The last time I visited Don's house there were a group
of young African-American men from his block hanging out, doing homework and talking
with Don.
This type of diverse day-to-day authentic community involvement is what has shaped Don
and makes him such as excellent candidate for the council.
Not only is it very gratifying, but I believe also very telling to see so many posts
come back to being about Don Samuels. He has picked up endorsements and support from
people all over the ward -- ranging from Jennifer Young, owner of the California
Building; Dr. Chi Vang, a Hmong community leader; Jim Jarvis, Northeast community
activist; to Councilmember Barb Johnson. Don was on Channel 9 News Sunday night. This
Friday he will be on WCCO radio. Over the last five days his campaign has mailed over
20,000 pieces of literature into the Ward. He has made over 500 phone calls and
pounded on over 300 doors. Voter outreach is being made by three phone banks and three
doorknocks. All of this has been done in less then one month -- without the support or
infrastructure of a Political Party - but through the sheer determination of neighbors
who have been touched by Don's example.
The momentum is building - the election is December 30th - Time to put away rumors and
innuendo and get behind an authentic community voice for City Council.
Jonathan Palmer
Admiring a great campaign and a great community leader
in Victory
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