The question of whether the number of available delegate spots should be
reduced is an interesting one and should be considered before the next round of
city caucuses.
As I see it, the issue with whether you have a 25:1 or 50:1 ratio is not the
number of delegates you want, but the participation you want to encourage.
Wards 7, 10, 11, 12 and, especially, 13, have a distinct advantage if we use a
25:1 ratio. Not only do they get more delegates, but they fill their slots on
a more consistent basis. The other, lower turnout Wards have fewer spots AND
they fail to fill them generally (contested council elections cause spikes in
attendance, of course). This leads to even more concentration of voting
strength at the conventions in the wealthier, SW Mpls Wards.
By way of example, compare precincts 6-7 and 13-9. 6-7 was allotted 12
delegates this year and elected 6, leading to at most 50% representation under
25:1. 13-9 was allotted 49 and elected 49, leading to a potential 100%
representation under the 25:1 formula. If you change to a 50:1 ratio, 6-7 all
of a sudden fills its allotted delegate pool. 13-9 is unchanged (though fills
alternate spots).
Under the current 25:1 ratio we exacerbate the representation that the high
voter turnout wards get in the city DFL. The end result of a 50:1 ratio could
be a more balanced representation citywide. One potential bonus could be less
hectic conventions.
Just a thought.
Joel Bergstrom
Linden HIlls
---------------------------------
Yahoo! Mail
Stay connected, organized, and protected. Take the tour
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
