The Nonpartisan Party
From: Joseph Barisonzi
Holle Brian
Carleton Crawford
Lee Eklund
Cameron Gordon
Brian Melendez
You and your friends are cordially invited to the "Nonpartisan Party" on
Saturday 8 November, from 7 p.m. until Whenever, at Brian Melendez's home,
1777 Dupont Avenue South, Minneapolis. (Please see below for directions.)
The Concept
This time most years, we are in the midst of campaigning. But this year, for
the first time in many years, there are neither federal, state, legislative,
nor municipal elections scheduled in Minneapolis. The first Tuesday after
the first Monday in November will come and go without a general election.
The co-hosts are volunteer activists in different political parties. We
spend practically all our volunteer time around politics, helping get our
candidates elected. But some of the most decent and interesting folks that
we have met in local politics are not necessarily members of the same party
as we are. Unfortunately, those folks seldom deal with each other outside
the partisan political context, so building relationships and actual
friendships with each other is tough. But local politics would be much more
civil, and perhaps focused more on issues and less on personalities, if
there were more opportunities for building relationships and friendships
among volunteers across party lines.
To that end, we are throwing a party next month--the "Non-Partisan
Party"--as an opportunity for volunteer leaders in all the political parties
to meet and mingle outside partisan politics. The date is Saturday 8
November, the weekend after what would have been Election Day if there were
an election this year.
If this event is a success, we are hoping that it will become an annual
event, a chance for coming together after an actual election, taking off our
hats as partisans for a moment and looking at the candidates and at each
other as neighbors and fellow citizens.
The Rules
There will be a few ground rules:
1. The party is a private event, hosted by individuals and not by
political parties, organizations, or titles. Everyone who cares about local
politics, regardless of partisan affiliation (or lack of affiliation), is
welcome.
2. No agenda or program.
3. The party is mostly in honor of volunteer activists. Publicly
elected officers are more than welcome. So are candidates for those offices.
But nobody gets a soapbox or a formal introduction.
4. No campaigning allowed. (Gossip and speculation are okay.)
5. No speeches!
We will supply some beverages and munchies (and maybe even some Mel-O-Glaze
and Krispy Kreme donuts). You don't need to bring anything. But if you do
want to bring something, you can bring a favorite beverage or snack for
sharing.
The Directions
1777 Dupont Avenue is a red-brick house with white trim, in Lowry Hill,
three blocks west of Hennepin Avenue, between Summit and Douglas (three
blocks north of Franklin). You can park on the street in front. Brian's
phone number is 612.377.1777.
We hope that you can come! Please write or call any co-host if you have any
questions:
Brian Melendez [EMAIL PROTECTED]
Cameron Gordon [EMAIL PROTECTED]
Carleton Crawford
[EMAIL PROTECTED]
Holle Brian [EMAIL PROTECTED]
Joseph Barisonzi
[EMAIL PROTECTED]
Lee Eklund
BRM
Brian Melendez
Lowry Hill (Ward 7)
REMINDERS:
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before continuing it on the list.
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