Tom, This is a rather unfair and misleading transition from a general policy question (which is actually incorrect) to an individual criticism (which borders on a personal attack), and really comes off as framing it as the first in order to do the second. If that's not your intention, you may want to state it differently.
I think the question of appointing versus electing is a good one, not one that I agree with, but certainly worth discussing. Generally, in my opinion, for appointed boards and commissions they are done that way because the individuals we elect are given the trust that they will find people who can do the work and can be effective in getting the job done. But I'd like to hear your position on why all boards and commissions should be elected. Now specifically regarding this situation, a position has opened up on the Library Board because one of it's members (I believe George Garnett) has stepped down. As with most boards and commissions, when there is a vacancy, the appointing authority can fill the vacancy to finish the term. It is not circumventing democracy, but rather the SOP so that the work can continue. If you have elections everytime a vacancy comes up, you can say that the people get to choose, but how valid is that choice. You have a truncated timeline for campaigning and for voters to really hear the candidates, and during that time, the seat remains vacant and less work is accomplished, and less perspective is at the table. By all means present a counter position, but let's be honest about the situation. This isn't circumventing anything and certainly not one individual doing that. As for your personal feelings about Wizard, which really have no place in the policy or process debate, I would suggest either contacting the other Board members and the Mayor to make your feelings know or else putting yourself in the running in situations like this. But the appointing is by no means improper or circumventing anything. Jonathan Palmer Victory REMINDERS: 1. Think a member has violated the rules? Email the list manager at [EMAIL PROTECTED] before continuing it on the list. 2. Don't feed the troll! Ignore obvious flame-bait. ________________________________ Minneapolis Issues Forum - A City-focused Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Subscribe, Un-subscribe, etc. at: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
