Tim writes: "This group appears to be unique in that they did not actually screen the candidates before giving their endorsements. As far as I know, all the other Minneapolis groups sat down and talked with candidates before deciding who to endorse.
But perhaps they already knew who they wanted to endorse beforehand, and didn't want to be distracted by actually hearing the candidates explain their positions." Park Board Reform has done something that I consider to be both more honest and more effective than what traditional special interests appear to me to do. First, I believe that members of the Park Board Reform either recruited candidates to run, which is something that I would like to see more of, or built personal relationships. I'm not aware of any screening because the Park Board Reform folks already have a relationship with their slate. I think their method is more honest because I look at the City Council race in the 13th, where the endorsements are vs. candidate resumes and ideology, and I believe firmly that groups in Minneapolis are not endorsing based on ideology or policy, but rather on whom they think will win. By siding with winners they likely hope that favors will fall off the back of the truck. Compare that to the endorsements of Betsey Hodges or Dorian Eder by Progressive Minnesota. True, there was a screening. But both Ms. Hodges and Ms. Eder were already in tight with PM before their races began. PM knew going in that they might lose, but if they win, oh what a win. I know that the Park Board Reform slate means genuine reform because the PBR folks went out and got face to face and found their people. If other progressive interest groups would follow suit there might be more Paul Wellstones and fewer Norm Coleman's. Jeremy Wieland Northeast http://e-democracy.org/mpls 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
