With all the crowing about the end of 3rd parties, and end of the Republican wave and so on let's remember that this was a brief special election and look a little closer.
Valdis Rozenthals came in third in a field of 23 candidates, the majority of them DFLers. I would say that is proof of a growing Republican wave. Trust me I'm not happy about it, (nothing personal Valdis) I hate Bush and everything he stands for, but it's there. The Green party isn't dead. It still has two council members, one Park Board member and several members appointed to various city bodies. The Minneapolis GP will continue to grow as will the 5th District Independence Party. I'd be willing to bet that will see quite a few more independents in 2005. People want choices. The DFL has given this city: Police Brutality under the Sayles-Belton appointed Olson, the Frazer appointed Laux, and I believe it was a DFL mayor who appointed the racist Charlie Stenvig as police chief long ago. Olson is currently having a field day playing various sides against each other for the purpose of stopping mediation. Numerous financial scandals begining with the LSGI episode in the early 90's, the Hollman decree as it were and epsecially in the Third Ward where the past two concecutive DFL council members (Sandra Hillary and Joe Biernat) were involved in scandals. Power hungary and abusive officials like Jackie Cherryholms, Walt Dziedic (whom I've had the honor to have been personally yelled at by) and Barb Johnson (the only council member to support the police action during ISAG, and supports the police and Chief Olson 100% of the time no matter how many innocent people get harassed or even killed.) A city government that is only now, after so many years begining to be more open to the needs of it's residents. Believe me, there will be more independents in the year to come. Tamir Nolley Holland Ward 3 __________________________________________________ Do you Yahoo!? Yahoo! Mail Plus - Powerful. Affordable. Sign up now. http://mailplus.yahoo.com _______________________________________ Minneapolis Issues Forum - A City-focused Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Subscribe, Unsubscribe, Digest, and more: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
