http://www.swjournal.com/articles/2004/05/14/news/news13.txt
This is a new effort by Council member Don Samuels and Michelle Edwards. There is reference in the article to Getting to the Bottom of the Ballot (GetBoB), our SW Mpls election issues group. GetBoB has sponsored numerous events and workshops over the past couple of years to raise people's awareness of various issues and candidates.
Here's a capsule description of the group: -------------------------- A Local Experiment in Civic Engagement
It Started with a Question: In early 2002, a handful of Southwest Minneapolis neighbors, concerned about apparent apathy toward local elections, organized themselves around two important questions:
1. Why was voter turnout for local elections so poor in a corner of town otherwise known for its well-educated residents and high voter turnouts for national and state elections?
2. Could the reason be less about apathy and more about lack of relevant information regarding lesser known political offices?
----------------------------
And a link to our site.
http://www.getbob.org/index.asp
We are also now in the process of "franchising" this program throughout the city and region. If you or someone in your neighborhood is interested in hosting a franchise, let me know. Your own GetBoB group can challenge your own neighbors about relevant issues and help them make better decisions about all candidates including those at the bottom of the ballot.
Paul Lohman Lynnhurst
Paul Lohman email: [EMAIL PROTECTED] web: www.paullohman.com
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