I think its strange to hear all these people complaining about how a special election in the summer is "rigged" for those on the side of 4 year terms. As Will Rogers said, "the world is run by those that show up." If you 2 year term fans think this is such a big deal, then rally your troops and get out the vote. If you lose, then its the non-voting people's own fault. Those who voted against 4 year terms will be the only ones with a right to complain.
Or, lose, and then get your own petition signed in September to put it back on the November ballot. That way we might end up having special elections every month.
I'm looking forward to seeing John O'Donnell Stadium full again tonight for the Midwest League Allstar Game. Assuming I don't have any more camera problems like I had this weekend, I should have some images up by tomorrow morning.
11 comments:
It isn't a question of voting, it's a question of the additional cost to the city based on the poor timing of the submission of the petition.
It seems more than reasonable that this issue could be included on the November ballot when a larger voter turnout will occur.
Could the group that submitted the petition withdraw it and resubmit it in September so it could be included in November? That's a simple solution that would make everyone happy.
I agree - why a special election., bad timing and too much $$
Out of a $146 million annual budget, you think $30-60k is going to break the bank? I suppose it is 00.04% of the budget. The city probably spends more on toilet paper.
Also, I'm not exactly on D1's side on this. In fact, I'll probably vote against it. I think any change that extends the terms of office need to include a logical mechanism for the citizens to remove an Alderman or Mayor from office. Basically a recall. However, it needs to be fairly difficult to do, IE not California. That way it would only happen in the rarest situations where almost everyone agrees that someone's got to go. If we already have this option, its news to me.
The people pushing the petition know exactly what they want, an election with low turn-out to better the chances of passing. I am surprised a pay increase for alderman isn't rolled into the petition.
Gee, a congressional aide had to resign his position to run for office, but city alderman can run for mayor while retaining their seat.
QCI, that's the trouble with people with your mentality, you piss away enough $60K's and pretty soon you have a real problem.
Anyone know who signed the petition? Not looking for names here but where do the petitioners reside, which wards? No one came knocking at my 3rd ward door.
Wouldn't the cost be about the same in November, since we don't have any other municipal issues on the ballot? I'm not 100% sure, but I think this would cost a similar amount in July or November. Either way, the law states that this needs to be moved forward -- because the auditor has certified the petitions.
That would be because you third warders keep electing Keith! So, who cares what you folks want anyway.
Keith knocked on my door during the election and after too. He is visible in his ward. That's the way it should be. One of the alderman quoted at COW this week said they favor 4 yrs because there wouldn't be the need for so much 'political posturing' during elections. Well hells bells stop posturing and run a decent campaign, forget the media and get out and meet the people in your ward. Doing that every two years is not a burden for someone who wants to represent people. OUr 4 year state and federal officials are in Davenport more than every 2 years and it doesn't seem to be a burden for them. The people pushing for 4 years are the ones who don't want to work for all the residents of their wards but instead push their own agendas or those of special interests. I cant wait to vote no in july or whenever the election is set.
How would the at-large be elected -- vote for one every 2 years?
The 3rd Ward only has about 800 part time voters,with 5000 registerd, Primary-"card night",School board-"happy hour 2 for a buck", Special election-"bowling night".I was going to vote.?????????
It's not the money it's the few who have thier head up thier @ss.
And think they ARE Davenport.
Then our Mayor chimes in with a "Will pay for it some how"
Will we be saying 4 more years or wiping our tears?
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