Now that the term "Wrath of Kahn" is stuck in my brain, I keep having a vision of Captain Ostrow (more power IGR Scotty) manning the helm, attempting to secure the bridge of the Enterprise, while the insurgent Captain Kahn and her minions wander unchecked below deck. In terms of Green party destruction, I cannot speak for the D's, although it is certainly not a goal of the R's. Having done voter analysis for the R's at times, I can observe where the strongest G precincts are. These precincts do not line up in appreciable strength for either CM Z or CM J-L under any previous, current, or proposed ward lines. Perhaps as they did gain office, the voters chose other attributes than a party label. In terms of election schedule, the Minneapolis City Council (MCC) has had numerous opportunities to fix this problem. Minneapolis is the last city in the state to hold elections based on the 02 redistricting, aside from some outstate and suburban cities that have staggered terms; although these cities did elect or re-elect members in 02 or 03 based on the redistricting. Once again (good or bad) Minneapolis stands out from the crowd up the political food chain, thus detracting from more important issues. Having lobbied at the (Mn.) capitol the last three sessions, Ms. Kahn's bill narrowly missed the Senate floor in 03, with observers predicting passage and the Governors signature. Had the members of the MCC been self serving (I am not judging motives), an election should have been held fall 03, thus the CM's becoming darlings of the populace and too fast for any potential challengers. The worst case scenario for the MCC in the mid term would be a court ordered election around the time frame late May04 thru late June04 with the problem of the voters paying (pleased or outraged, who gets credit or blame) their property taxes. The more I consider this situation, the more I favor 2 year terms for the MCC, vis-a-vis your state representative. I am not proposing that we return to the 1950's when Minneapolis had 26 part time (who wants a job) CM's, or if we maintain a full time council we reduce to 9 CM's to line up with cities of our size across the nation, well then again. Seldom in my 20 years in politics have a run across a politician (confident or full of themselves, you choose) who is afraid to stand for re-election.
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