>>>>> "Dorian" == Dorian Eder <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> writes:
Dorian> I share some of your concerns about PR. Especially as a
Dorian> resident of Northeast, which is already seriously
Dorian> under-represented in local government at-large bodies, I
Dorian> fear the Southwest would simply dominate the council
Dorian> because they have higher turnout. The areas of our city
Dorian> with the lowest voter turnout (Near North, Dinkytown),
Dorian> could become the next 'flyover country'. Those seeking
Dorian> election wouldn't have to spend their time or resources
Dorian> trying to gain their (relatively) small number of votes.
Dorian> Ask anyone who's run for an at-large office lately where
Dorian> they put their time and money.
Well, the counter-argument to this is that you don't WANT a lot of
representatives from places where people don't vote. This is NOT
because you don't want those people represented. The reason you don't
want representatives from low-turnout areas is that that is a recipe
for corruption. When you have districts with low-turnout that have
representation, it is all too easy to "steal"[1] the election, because
all you have to do is get some buddies to turn out for you (or pay a
few people who aren't your buddies).
Not only does this give rotten government (and having lived in New
Orleans and Providence, RI for many years, I can tell you, Minneapolis
is strictly bush league for bad government!), it also sets up a
situation where it is in the interests of the area's representative to
DISCOURAGE turnout, to keep their safe seat in a rotten borough.
If you don't like what's happening to Near North and Dinkytown, with
respect, I think you should spend your time getting more people to the
polling place, and less time making sure that the few people who do
get to have disproportionate influence on city decision-making.
Cheers,
R
Footnotes:
[1] Scare quotes because this isn't really stealing.
--
Robert P. Goldman
ECCO
[EMAIL PROTECTED]
REMINDERS:
1. Be civil! Please read the NEW RULES at http://www.e-democracy.org/rules. If
you think a member is in violation, contact the list manager at [EMAIL
PROTECTED] before continuing it on the list.
2. Don't feed the troll! Ignore obvious flame-bait.
For state and national discussions see: http://e-democracy.org/discuss.html
For external forums, see: http://e-democracy.org/mninteract
________________________________
Minneapolis Issues Forum - A Civil City-focused Civic Discussion - Mn
E-Democracy
Post messages to: mailto:[email protected]
Subscribe, Un-subscribe, etc. at: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
