List Members,
I would like to go on record as saying that IMHO the upcoming 8th Ward forum is
an outright slap in the face to all DFLers.
This invite is cleverly worded, inviting the delegates to come, but I feel that
the true intent is to welcome ALL DFLers in the 8th Ward, delegate or not, to
hear only the candidates that these two newspapers want you to hear. The bulk
of the evening is given to five candidates, and then from what I believe is
latent guilt, they are letting all 8th Ward candidates speak for the last 30
minutes. Then, saying that a separate nonpartisan forum will be held closer to
the primary is even more ridiculous. Are you trying to tell the masses that
only two or three candidates will be on the stage speaking at the nonpartisan
one then? By that time, whomever the DFL had chosen to endorse - if anyone -
will have all their lit and yard signs out and no one will be showing up to
that particular forum.
The first information that went out simply stated that it was a DFL forum.
But, since that was not worded correctly enough to screen out the individuals
that they did not want to speak, their being a DFLer or not, it was then
changed to only those seeking the DFL endorsement.
Again, IMHO, I strongly believe that it should go back to being simply a DFL
forum. Let any and all DFLers attend and make up their own minds. I think
some people are afraid that the 8th Ward may not endorse anyone either just
like they did in the 10th Ward last Saturday. Some delegates may not even
choose to attend the convention, as non-endorsement seems to be more the rule
these days, then the exception. The DFL machine once again proves that it
shall continue to roll, although it is going downhill fast and gaining speed.
As much as they read the affirmative action statements, and meander through
endless processes, they are still not as inclusive nor as broadminded as they
want one to believe.
Some folks may wonder at my nerve speaking out about this forum when I don't
live in the 8th ward. Well, wonder no more. By virtue of being an American
citizen I am entitled to take an interest in whatever part of the city I choose
to without garnering anyone's permission. I also have family members in the
newly formed ward who are not prone to attend these functions due to age and
other constraints, but who still like to have the information from someone they
trust. Plus, as I have said before, who knows where I will be living by
election day.
Many DFLers and others attend forums and conventions in wards they are not
living in. One reason is because their councilperson will have to work
collaboratively with those of other wards, so it is essential to get as much
info up front as possible.
It is amazing, too, how soon folks forget what happens to the promises made by
their DFL endorsed or other party candidates once they have been elected. So
many honor the process until they are safely in office, and then selective
memory loss sets in. Sometimes the DFL endorsement process boils down to a
popularity contest, and when the popular ones don't seem to be getting enough
attention paid to them, some folks don't want to play. Yet people continue to
play this eccentric game.
And folks thought that a casino in the city was a gamble. Haven't you all
figured out that this DFL process is its own gamble?
Pamela Taylor
(10th Ward)
David Brauer <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote:
It's not the first, but it might be your last chance if you're an 8th
Ward DFL delegate to figure out which candidate to support.
The new 8th Ward straddles I-35W, so Southside Pride and the Southwest
Journal � community papers on either side of the concrete divide � will
co-sponsor a City Council DFL candidate's forum Thursday, April 21,
7-9:30 p.m. at the Phelps Park Center, East 39th Street & Park Avenue.
Only the 5 candidates seeking DFL endorsement will participate in the
question-and-answer session. That's because the party's 8th Ward
endorsing convention is Saturday, April 30.
A 9-9:30 p.m. informal discussion is open to any 8th Ward Council
candidate.
The event should be of special interest to the ward's DFL delegates,
but anyone is welcome to attend and ask questions.
The papers plan a nonpartisan candidate forum closer to the Sept. 13
primary.
Hope to see you there!
David Brauer
Kingfield
Editor, SW Journal & Skyway News
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