If I recall correctly, one of the more noxious aspects of the last round of council elections in 2001 was the unwelcome involvement of non-residents (SSB for sure, but quite a few others as well) in many DFL ward conventions. While it certainly is RT's prerogative to do as he pleases in the W3 race, I believe that it is far preferable for the mayor, any mayor, to leave the ward races to the ward residents.
Just FYI, although it has merely been a custom, I think the school board practice where sitting board members who are not up for reelection refrain from involvement in other candidates campaigns is a good one.
Ann Berget
Kingfield
