Perhaps I'm wrong, but I was under the impression that personal attacks were "off limits" on this list. Jenny Heiser's comments put me in the rather awkward position of publicly defending myself. Rather than engaging in a personal counterattack, I'd prefer to explain why--as a Green--I'm not supporting the Green-endorsed candidate in the 6th. Ward Council race.
First of all, I do indeed consider myself a Green, albeit one who decided not to support Dean Zimmermann in this election. As a Green, I felt honored to serve on the state Green Party Coordinating Committee several years ago (with none other than Cam Gordon and Jenny Heiser). I have voted for Greens consistently over the last few years, as well as working for and donating to their campaigns. So why am I not supporting Dean Zimmermann in his bid for reelection? I simply do not agree with his position on several issues that are important to me. Two years ago at a Fifth District meeting, I asked Dean publicly why he was supporting the Access Project. (Along with several other Greens, I consider Dean's support for the project to be a violation of Green principles.) Fortunately, public discussion ensued, and Dean was persuaded to change his mind. Shortly thereafer, he voted against the Access Project. He has since decided to remain "neutral" on the Access project. I was also disappointed to learn that Dean may be open to reconsidering his support for the smoking ban. Since I share the Green Party's commitment to making decisions with the "seventh generation" in mind, I find Dean's inattentiveness to clean air issues disturbing. I'm also concerned about his acceptance of campaign donations from contractors and developers. Although he is not running as a Green, Kevin McDonald has decided to eschew donations from these groups. I sincerely wish all Green Party candidates would do the same. So am I a Green? Aside from some phone banking I did for Paul Wellstone, I have been consistently supportive of Green candidates for almost 10 years now. Whether the Greens accept me as a Green is their choice (I do not equate the Zimmermann campaign with all Greens). I will continue to support the Green candidates I believe have remained faithful to a Green vision I cherish. I did not challenge Dean Zimmermann's endorsement by the 5th. District Greens because I feared that doing so would be far more injurious to the Party than simply making my own choices. And I have made my choice. I am supporting Council Member Robert Lilligren in this election, and I'm proud to say that I have volunteered to work for his campaign. I believe his position on the issues is far closer to my own than is Dean Zimmerman's. As far as the "The Gang of Five" goes, that's truly the first I've heard of this. Most Greens who know me know that I do not care for Mark Knapp; in fact, I've had absolutely nothing to do with him. Bone-headed/careless mistakes notwithstanding, Russell Raczkowski is my spouse of almost 23 years, and I love him deeply. Ken Avidor is my friend. As a feminist, I take pride in the fact that I think for myself: I do not let my male friends or my spouse speak for me, and I do not speak for them. They are responsible for their own actions and opinions, just as I am responsible for mine. Liz McLemore Bancroft 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
