I think we need to cut the taint off somewhere.
I agree with Diane on this one, and let me suggest a cut off point as it concerns 'taint'. All candidates who had the where with all to send a letter from a constituent to their boss, who also was a public employee, to get them into trouble, step forward. Oh, hi Chris. Or, all those candidates who bullied constituents, not just other politicians, step forward. Hey, Chris, it's you again.
Ok, it's just me again. And I'm gonna stop.
I going to agree with Bob in an earlier email about saying positive things instead of negative. And from now on I'll try to do that, and at worse, just imply negativity. That appears to be ok.
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What do I want in my candidates? What came to mind were two attributes that can cross political lines. Those would be authenticity and courage in action.
I got the idea, most recently, for these attributes and how they should work in the public sector from a consultant who worked for the City for many years, Bob Terry. He ran a six month seminar called 'Creative Leadership' and it was just for employees from various City Departments. I think it was originally titled the Latimer Leadership class or something like that. Every year twenty employees would be selected to go thru the class.
Anyway, my choice for attributes are authenticity,combined with courage in action. I don't want wannabes; I don't want candidates who say what they think we want to hear. If asked a question, I want them to ponder the question, and then answer it honestly. It would be good if they have demonstrated consistency in their beliefs. I don't mind change, but change back and forth is somewhat suspect. I want a candidate who is mature enough to work things out and sure enough of themselves to be able to give as well as take. And one that is sure enough of themselves to be able to apologize.
I think one of the problems of the endorsement process is that a lot of people suspect the authenticity of the candidates because of the appearance of a closer association with party activist than with party members. Just an impression.
I think Kelley may have exhibited these attributes. I think he stance concerning Bush and international politics (pro), Bush and economic politics(anti), housing, floodwalls, dealing with politicians, Ayd Mill Road, transportation are authentic, and because of that I can opposed him on some of those easier, and I do, without getting rabid. He does appear to have problems with the 'give and take' part.
And I think Ortega has exhibited these attributes. I like his history on progressive ideas and how he has chosen to act and work in his life, and I like the way he answers questions. I'm not real familar with how hard he pushed a bus way on West 7th, but at least it wasn't light rail, and the corridor, somewhere, probably should have better transit. And I think that will be a high priority for him all over the city and region. And I like his ability to work out an agreement. I like the consistency between what he says and what he does.
I'd suggest that we look for this authentic, courageous person, and support them for Mayor of this City. At times I wonder if these qualities are better decision making factors for us than philosophy. Fortunately for me, with Ortega, I don't have any conflicts between the two.
Pat Byrne St. Clair and Lexington Neighborhood.
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