So, rather than bemoan the short list lets figure out who we could get excited about, not that we all have the same excitement criteria, but really, who could get you excited enough to commit time and money?? While its natural to think of current or former elected officials, its really not necessary to limit ourselves. Brian Bates, MacGrove
CRISTY DELACRUZ wrote:
Tim & other forum-readers,
I just found out about the mayoral forum recently through a DFL friend. Since I'm no longer affiliated with the party, I sometimes miss these announcements. I think it was meant to be a SD 67 regular monthly meeting, but they decided somewhat last-minute to invite the mayoral candidates to get an early start on the campaign.
Mayor Kelly, of course, was a no show. No explanation was given. Benanav had a prior commitment and had only found out about the event on Friday, but I noted that Jane Prince, his legislative aide, was there. Jane's a trooper. She works very hard on behalf of citizens of Saint Paul. Kudos, Jane.
Chris Coleman and Rafael Ortega both did a decent job of responding to the questions posed by the moderators (Reps Sheldon Johnson and Tim Mahoney). Other officials that I noted: Senator Mee Moua attended, and graciously handed out contact sheets for the new legislators along with senate committee assignments. Rep Carlos Mariani was in the audience as well.
Council President Kathy Lantry attended, and even earned a vote in the straw poll! I didn't hear the tally on the other candidates, so I think Tim Nelson will be charged to report the accurate numbers in the Pioneer Press.
Both candidates pointed out that Kelly had effectively renounced his status as a DFLer with this support of Bush in the face of Saint Paul's true blue Democrat status. They also reacted with disgust over his Riverfront gambling proposals, using the words "obscene" and "throwing up" in connection to it.
There was "paw-lenty" of critique of the Guv's cuts to city LGA and a hard-line tax stance that has resulted in reduced library and rec center hours (and property tax and fee increases, despite Kelly's shell game).
Questions from the audience included: *how to promote small business in the city *positions on the Holman field airport levy *ideas about how to keep libraries & public safety services strong *whether they supported a Riverfront Casino operation *positions on public financing of stadiums *how to address diversity in an increasingly multicultural city
I will attempt to give equal critique-time to both candidates:
Chris completely skirted his past support of public financing for the stadium, and didn't answer the question about whether he would support it in the future. A practiced answer, not surprising for a politician. He mentioned his big family a lot, which makes me wonder if he's going to be clinging to their coattails throughout his campaign.
Rafael did not effectively convince me that he could beat Kelly. He's clearly committed and has a good heart and a desire to give back to a city that has been good to him, but to beat Kelly's political machine is a formidable challenge. He used a little of the St. Paul vs. Minneapolis provincial rhetoric which I think is less effective these days because of our need to collaborate & cooperate.
Overall, I left somewhat uninspired by the slim field of choices. The room was nearly full, which is GREAT for a January meeting. The tone of the discourse was respectful between the candidates, and it was interesting to observe the contrast between them.
Cristy
P.S. If I've left out other elected officials that were in attendance, pardon me for missing you. I may not have recognized you if I haven't seen your picture in the papers recently!
* * * * * * * * * * * Cristy A. De La Cruz Armchair Journalist Reporting from: Highland Park, but clinging to Macalester
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