QuoteAlvin Brown says there's no room for partisan politics in the Jacksonville mayoral race. Touting his opponent's description of him as a "conservative Democrat," he's working to garner support from the largely Republican business community.
In keeping with that approach, the former White House aide has been reassuring prospective supporters that he won't be promoting the candidacies of other Democrats - including President Barack Obama - should he win.
"This is not about Democrats or Republicans," the Jacksonville University MBA graduate said. "I'm going to be focused on putting Jacksonville back to work."
Brown says he's aware of the perception that a Democrat can't win Duval County but believes this race is different.
"There are more people out there who don't want the status quo," he said.
for full story: http://jacksonville.com/opinion/blog/403455/abel-harding/2011-04-15/abel-harding-brown-business-im-not-partisan
Sounds like he's taking that frame of Audrey's and running with it. He wants to make sure that people understand that he's putting Jacksonville ahead of Tallahassee and Washington. It's no secret that Brown would like some GOP votes in this race. He should get them, too, if the discussions here have any reality to them.
It will be a different scene later when Rick Scott drapes his arm over Mike Hogan and anoints him as his man in Jacksonville. That will be quite a picture.
Those GOB contacts and obligations that Alvin doesn't have as a Dem? Looks like Alvin has learned how to dance.
http://jacksonville.com/opinion/blog/403455/abel-harding/2011-04-15/peter-rummell-backing-alvin-brown-mayoral-race-commits
Wow Peter Rummell Republican president of the Civic Counsel for Brown. nice.
Holy cow! That's awesome news!!! :)
This race is a real race after all!!
Support of local Democrats, good. Support of local GOB's better. Looks like the pricetag for support is $150,000.00 from Peter of St. Joe company who sold its office here and moved to another city and a promised $150,000.00 for more of Peters buddies. Ain't Jacksonville politics grand!
Actually Stephen, if you really read what I wrote yesterday, you will see that I said he was courting local members of the civic council. I expected this after the full Civic Council voted not to endorse him. Your response is as if your expect me to feel chagrin about this development. I am not. I just get a kick out of him getting all that Dem money and then dropping the Dems and support for Obama to get the financial support he needed.
Alvin Brown is currently being supported and groomed by some of the oldest members of the Jacksonville GOB landscape. That is a fact. Brown is looking for money and support from the same old power structure that has influenced local politics here for years. He is more of the same, just packaged differently.
Quote from: Diane Melendez on April 15, 2011, 03:22:00 PM
Support of local Democrats, good. Support of local GOB's better. Looks like the pricetag for support is $150,000.00 from Peter of St. Joe company who sold its office here and moved to another city and a promised $150,000.00 for more of Peters buddies. Ain't Jacksonville politics grand!
sorry Diane...Rummell left St. Joe 3+ years ago...they didn't decide to move until 2010
btw...Rummell moved here back in 1997...hardly a life long Jax GOB
Diane, your argument would hold a lot more weight if you weren't backing Hogan. If he's not more of the same, I don't know who is.
For me, I'm excited that people who care about our city are recognizing all the strengths Mr. Brown brings to the table.
Wonder how hard core Dem only voters and supporters feel? Don't worry about my argument Jimmy watch what the politico's do. My point and I repeated it often is that the GOB fabric impacts every candidate in Jacksonville running for office at this level. As I have said several time before when people were attacking my views because I am a lifelong Dem supporting Hogan. People can make it ugly or begin and understand that the forces at work in this city are immense and divided right now. Again, read what Shelton had to say about why Dems have the problems they do in Jacksonville.
Read the TU piece by Able, link above. The connection to St. Joe is part of the article and goes to the fact that Rummel is very much a part of what happens behind the scenes in Jax. St. Joe connection did not come from me but is part of the report although I know for some it is easier to attack me that just read what media is saying. You guys carry on amongst yourselves.
Quote from: Diane Melendez on April 15, 2011, 03:27:05 PM
Alvin Brown is currently being supported and groomed by some of the oldest members of the Jacksonville GOB landscape. That is a fact. Brown is looking for money and support from the same old power structure that has influenced local politics here for years. He is more of the same, just packaged differently.
??? I don't get it.....
Quote from: Diane MelendezAs to Mr. Browns experience I will say once more that at this serious juncture in Jacksonville's history, we cannot wait for Mr. Brown to learn how this city functions. The learning curve is huge. Anyone can get in a car and drive it during good weather, but driving in bad weather or fixing one that is broken down and then knowing how to rebuild an engine is a completely different story.
And
Quote from: Diane MelendezRight now the party of the person is not as important as their understanding of our system and budget and how it can be made better.
So what Jacksonville needs is someone who knows how to work the system.. not someone who knows how to work the system?
Wait.. what?
You see what I said yesterday as well about some in the Civic Council supporting Alvin and that he like all the other candidates is depending upon Republican money and support. That's the point Stephen. This is not about me, as much as you would love to make that the case, I am a single voice with a single opinion who has attacked no one here. Just shared my views which is difficult to do on this forum because it seems to dissolve into a face off with those who think differently. If your case for your candidate is sound, you should have no need to attack the views of those who do not share your own. Talk up your candidate and tell Jacksonville why he is the best choice. I am but one voice.
Quote from: Diane Melendez on April 15, 2011, 03:16:12 PM
Those GOB contacts and obligations that Alvin doesn't have as a Dem? Looks like Alvin has learned how to dance.
http://jacksonville.com/opinion/blog/403455/abel-harding/2011-04-15/peter-rummell-backing-alvin-brown-mayoral-race-commits
'learned how to dance'? --- not the best use of words in this case...
Now that is just a silly thing to point out Jaxson and nothing more than an attempt to read something into one word to create a red herring. Lets say it this way. He learned how to move his chess piece. It that better?
Don't mind me guys, I am just lurking with my finger on the F5 button for refreshing.
I am terribly amused by this conversation since this is the best thing ever all week along since I drank my homemade coffee this last Sunday.
Carry on, fellows!
-Josh
Worry about what the candidates say or do Stephen. My opinion is just one of many and there are plenty more on this site that agree with you. I continue to be amazed how quickly the topic has moved from Alvin Browns not partisan statements and Rummels backing to trying to pick apart my views. I am not the topic. There are two names currently on the ballot. Mike Hogan and Alvin Brown. It's what they say and do that matters.
If Rummell is willing to give/raise that amount of money, that tells me this race is winnable for Brown. Great news for the Brown campaign. Let's hope it starts a trend.
Quote from: vicupstate on April 15, 2011, 03:57:56 PM
If Rummell is willing to give/raise that amount of money, that tells me this race is winnable for Brown. Great news for the Brown campaign. Let's hope it starts a trend.
This is my take-away. Rummell and $300k is a compelling reason for other moderate Republicans to get off the sidelines.
Thank you Stephen. ;)
Quote from: stephendare on April 15, 2011, 04:00:46 PM
Quote from: Diane Melendez on April 15, 2011, 03:57:18 PM
Worry about what the candidates say or do Stephen. My opinion is just one of many and their are plenty more on this site that agree with you. I continue to be amazed how quickly the topic has moved from Alvin Browns not partisan statements and Rummels backing to trying to pick apart my views. I am not the topic.
I suppose its because the flip flops are more like Somersaults, if they were performed at the Zeigfield Follies of 1942. You couldnt be more spectacular if you were wearing a sequined Balenciaga, singing the star spangled banner while being hoisted out of an olympic swimming pool on a golden Menorah.
You are just simply epic, Diane!
Hey! Is that supposed to be FineHoe's Balenciaga?
-Josh
Quote from: Diane Melendez on April 15, 2011, 03:38:06 PM
Wonder how hard core Dem only voters and supporters feel? Don't worry about my argument Jimmy watch what the politico's do. My point and I repeated it often is that the GOB fabric impacts every candidate in Jacksonville running for office at this level. As I have said several time before when people were attacking my views because I am a lifelong Dem supporting Hogan. People can make it ugly or begin and understand that the forces at work in this city are immense and divided right now. Again, read what Shelton had to say about why Dems have the problems they do in Jacksonville.
As a life long hard core democrat , called out on this forum itself for my partisanship, im excited as hell for the party. As for Shelton and his article, im happy to say i changed my district downtown to vote specically for Shelton in #14. But i disagreed with several of his points, and, Diane, as a leader of the party, most of my points are being proven by your opinions. Which is fine. Its one thing as a democrat to disagree with your parties candidate. But to come out in support of the other partys candidate? (Note Audreys silence towards her partys candidate) I begin to think of Aesops fable..... Sour grapes!
Quote from: Diane Melendez on April 15, 2011, 03:51:55 PM
Now that is just a silly thing to point out Jaxson and nothing more than an attempt to read something into one word to create a red herring. Lets say it this way. He learned how to move his chess piece. It that better?
It's not a red herring, just pointing something that could offend some cultural sensitivities. I did not mean to come across as attacking you or trying to distract from the issue, but you know as well as I do that some terms bring back negative memories for some people. For example, would you tell a Native American that you want to powwow with him? Would you accuse a Jewish person of jewing someone? It's not just silly think of the following stories and then think of how important it is to be mindful of what we say.
http://howardcosell-littlemonkeycomment.blogspot.com/
http://www.slate.com/id/2154672/
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/08/14/AR2006081400589.html
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/02/04/washington/04butz.html
http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,905825,00.html
I could go on, but just want to point out that I am not being petty, just realistic in these P.C. times. Just trying to help out. And, no it is not better, because I think you should know better when it comes to understanding the impact of words and how they can impact how people relate to one another. You are a great person in my book and should also know that I mean well and would not malign you. But, in my opinion, out of your dislike of Alvin Brown, I feel like you are beginning to lash out.
Quote from: stephendare on April 15, 2011, 03:22:19 PM
Our posters seem to disagree with you, Hogan is trailing badly in the poll.
I don't think a poll on MJ clearly correlates to how to bulk of Duval county will vote. The outcome of the first election was pretty different than the threads and polls here leading up to voting.
The only poll that concerns me is the one on May 17.
Disclaimer: I participated in the metrojacksonville poll ; )
Ditto. And the one that MetroJacksonville is sending around on facebook, too. :)
Is it just me, or is Diane's tone getting to be...I can't think of the word...a bit out of character for her? I don't remember her being like this.
OK I think we are making this too much about Diane.
This is a momentum builder that will play with Jack Jacksonvillian if we spread the word about why these kind of endorsements cross party lines to come Alvin's way.
Quote from: JeffreyS on April 15, 2011, 04:30:14 PM
OK I think we are making this too much about Diane.
I agree, but she seems to be acting like someone who is one step above a troll. I do not believe that her tone is very constructive to the conversation. She is usually a very agreeable and friendly person, but like I said before, she seems to be lashing out in order to defend her candidate for mayor. My thought: The election will be over soon and we will all be back to local opinionators (is that a word?). I worry, though, about the scorched earth approach to debating this election.
While it is great that Alvin Brown has promised not to get too close to Obama during the 2012 elections, it is telling that we have Rick Scott flying in to support Mike Hogan. The Democrat has to disconnect himself from this party's officeholders, but we have the GOP being able to associate themselves who whomever and whoever they want.
This is good for Alvin Brown to put city above party. I hope that others will take notice.
I certainly have taken notice, Jaxson. And I'm telling everyone I know. The bipartisan energy that Audrey drummed up is flowing very much to Alvin Brown.
Oh, and I think I saw someone say up-thread that the Civil Council endorsed Audrey. They did not. They didn't make an endorsement. It was clear they had a favorite. And with this news today, it's clear they have a new favorite.
Excellent Work Alvin!!
Nothing pleases me more than seeing you get support from the high money donors. ThAT to me indicates you can WIN!!!
As a hard core Dem (not a lifelong Dem), but yet pragmatic Dem.............I realize that in NE Florida you have to run as a Blue Dog Dem, to court the Republican vote.
There is nothing wrong with that.
I am actually amused that a Dem who is supporting an arch conservative candidate is worried that hard core Dems would mind a Blue Dog Democrat.
And Jaxson, I agree. That phrase that DM used is very disrespectful.......... more what someone like Glenn Beck would use.
Quite shocking actually!
And as you know, being from Amsterdam.............it takes a lot to be shocked.
Oh, and not only am I a hard core Dem, I really am more of a Progressive.
Quality of Life is so important..............yet Dems have been excluded for too long in Jax. But we don't have to return the favor...............we can be inclusive. We are ONE.
Is this the ONLY thread for the debate today at the University Club? If so, this was interesting:
QuoteJim Schoettler: Suggests he (Brown) can bring an additional 35,000 job. Also talks about small business, the backbone of our economy. We have a tremendous opportunity to close the gaps.
Hey, 35,000 is a great number. With 10.2% unemployment, that would make a nice dent, but we would still be at 5-6% unemployment. Don't get me wrong, I like the direction, but why not offer double that at 60,000 and get us down to the levels we were in 2006/2007, before the great recession started. If we're throwing out numbers....
Alvin has the port issues figured out. I think that number could be related to logistics jobs. He knows jobs, btw.
Quote from: mtraininjax on April 15, 2011, 04:52:37 PM
Is this the ONLY thread for the debate today at the University Club? If so, this was interesting:
QuoteJim Schoettler: Suggests he (Brown) can bring an additional 35,000 job. Also talks about small business, the backbone of our economy. We have a tremendous opportunity to close the gaps.
Hey, 35,000 is a great number. With 10.2% unemployment, that would make a nice dent, but we would still be at 5-6% unemployment. Don't get me wrong, I like the direction, but why not offer double that at 60,000 and get us down to the levels we were in 2006/2007, before the great recession started. If we're throwing out numbers....
4-6% Unemployment rate is COMPLETELY normal because of people changing jobs, going to schools, quit for person reasons, etc etc.-Josh
Thanks for thinking, how about digging for answers:
QuoteJim Schoettler: Brown: My vision for downtown jacksonville is very simple. Downtown speaks to our character, it speaks about who we are. My vision is to have a vibrant downtown that is thriving. The city has invested over $1.2 billion in downtown over the last 10 year. How do we level that investment. I say public private partnership having a single authority...focusing on downtown.
QuoteJim Schoettler: Brown: We can become a destination for downtown. Downtown should be the place of commerce where people can work, live and play.
QuoteJim Schoettler: It is an important neighborhood. It is the most important neighborhood. But we don't have the money right now. I believe the downtown will delveop when the Realtors and businessowners realize there is an opportunity. I've worshipped downtown for 40 years. I worked downtown for 40 years. ...
Good for Brown, he is taking the approach that everyone on this board who loves downtown wants him to take, he is going to lose the suburb vote, but he will win downtown. I am happy for him, but if he keeps on this tack of making downtown the "most important neighborhood", he is going to get crushed in the suburbs. We'll have to see if the voters in the urban area can make up for the suburban crowd.
Quote4-6% Unemployment rate is COMPLETELY normal because of people changing jobs, going to schools, quit for person reasons, etc etc.
Sure you do, but tell that to the 50,000 still unemployed. We got down to 3% when the economy was running full board. We can do the same with the assets we have here, but its short sightedness to leave opportunities on the table. If I wanted more votes, I would have gone with a bigger number. Hogan did not say anything or have any numbers, if Brown wants my vote, he needs to think bigger.
Well M--you know you DO NOT have to vote for him :)
Well at least BROWN said something I liked in the forum today:
QuoteJim Schoettler: Brown: You got to look at all the variables. You want to make sure we leverage them. As mayor, I would not raise your taxes and fees. I would take a 20 percent pay cut...
So no taxes and new fees, how do you pay for all the social programs that all ya'll want???
Social programs?.. You're trippin , M-train ;)
QuoteSorry mtrain, but the suburbs didnt actually go for Mike. The westside did.
Stephen - We shall see soon. Folks in Mandarin, if they care at all, won't appreciate seeing their revenues going to fix something they deem as unsafe and unneeded. Come to think of neither will the westside, beaches or northside.
Quote from: mtraininjax on April 15, 2011, 05:05:17 PM
I am happy for him, but if he keeps on this tack of making downtown the "most important neighborhood", he is going to get crushed in the suburbs. We'll have to see if the voters in the urban area can make up for the suburban crowd.
On downtown: @HoganForMayor :: "
It is the most important neighborhood but we don't have any money to invest."
So... uhm... Hogan agrees that DT is the most important neighborhood. There go those suburbs. Dad blast it! :\
Quote from: mtraininjax on April 15, 2011, 05:07:34 PM
Quote4-6% Unemployment rate is COMPLETELY normal because of people changing jobs, going to schools, quit for person reasons, etc etc.
Sure you do, but tell that to the 50,000 still unemployed. We got down to 3% when the economy was running full board. We can do the same with the assets we have here, but its short sightedness to leave opportunities on the table. If I wanted more votes, I would have gone with a bigger number. Hogan did not say anything or have any numbers, if Brown wants my vote, he needs to think bigger.
If you expect 0 percent unemployment from either candidate, you are dreaming. I don't mean to say this because I want us to settle for anyone being out of work, but it does not make any sense to expect mayoral candidates to make such a promise. Even the U.S. government definition of full employment is 3 percent for adults. When did we last have a national unemployment rate of 2.93 percent? 1953.
mtrain wasn't being serious about the unemployment numbers. He was trying to make fun of Mr. Brown for giving specifics. I think.
I don't think there would ever be zero percent unemployment ,even if everyone were willing to work.
QuoteIf you expect 0 percent unemployment from either candidate, you are dreaming.
I never said 0 PERCENT. You never get to 0 percent, well maybe you do in Candyland or Fantasyland, but not in the Good Ol US of A! Check my stuff, I never said it, never implied it. Our best numbers a few years ago were around 3 percent.
Quote from: mtraininjax on April 15, 2011, 05:19:20 PM
QuoteSorry mtrain, but the suburbs didnt actually go for Mike. The westside did.
Stephen - We shall see soon. Folks in Mandarin, if they care at all, won't appreciate seeing their revenues going to fix something they deem as unsafe and unneeded. Come to think of neither will the westside, beaches or northside.
I am glad that we have a spokesman for the suburbs who is able to confidently say that downtown is completely useless to the rest of the city. Suburbanites, in their infinite wisdom, never go to Christmas tree lightings at the Landing, never go to see the Independence Day fireworks show, never attend ArtWalks, never go to the Jazz Festival, and never go to concerts at the Florida Theatre. Suburbanites have absolutely no use for downtown and believe that it should be boarded up surrounded in police tape like a crime scene that is too horrific to even look at. I am glad that the suburbs all feel that way.
QuoteHogan did not say anything or have any numbers, if Brown wants my vote, he needs to think bigger.
What do you mean by think bigger?
Umm..... no one said you did , M-train
QuoteHey, 35,000 is a great number. With 10.2% unemployment, that would make a nice dent, but we would still be at 5-6% unemployment. Don't get me wrong, I like the direction, but why not offer double that at 60,000 and get us down to the levels we were in 2006/2007, before the great recession started. If we're throwing out numbers....
sounds like 5-6% employment wouldn't satisfy you. in my opinion, it looks like a decent stat. not perfect, but good.
But, then again, nothing Alvin Brown does will satisfy the naysayers. If Alvin Brown walked on water, the first thing the naysayers will say is, "The poor sap can't swim!"
Quote from: wsansewjs on April 15, 2011, 05:04:23 PM
Quote from: mtraininjax on April 15, 2011, 04:52:37 PM
Is this the ONLY thread for the debate today at the University Club? If so, this was interesting:
QuoteJim Schoettler: Suggests he (Brown) can bring an additional 35,000 job. Also talks about small business, the backbone of our economy. We have a tremendous opportunity to close the gaps.
Hey, 35,000 is a great number. With 10.2% unemployment, that would make a nice dent, but we would still be at 5-6% unemployment. Don't get me wrong, I like the direction, but why not offer double that at 60,000 and get us down to the levels we were in 2006/2007, before the great recession started. If we're throwing out numbers....
4-6% Unemployment rate is COMPLETELY normal because of people changing jobs, going to schools, quit for person reasons, etc etc.
-Josh
This thread has come full circle back to my point. We will never be at 0% unemployment. That's why I said its NORMAL for an economy in the good ole USA to have 4-6% because of the fluctuations in different factors from hiring temporary works even from international to holiday seasons changes to changing jobs to personal life changes, etc etc.
-Josh
Quote from: Jaxson on April 15, 2011, 05:31:59 PM
But, then again, nothing Alvin Brown does will satisfy the naysayers. If Alvin Brown walked on water, the first thing the naysayers will say is, "The poor sap can't swim!"
BINGO.. Jaxson .. don't let this get to you.. really .. its a waste to get upset over buddy :)
Quote from: mtraininjax on April 15, 2011, 05:07:34 PM
Quote4-6% Unemployment rate is COMPLETELY normal because of people changing jobs, going to schools, quit for person reasons, etc etc.
Sure you do, but tell that to the 50,000 still unemployed. We got down to 3% when the economy was running full board. We can do the same with the assets we have here, but its short sightedness to leave opportunities on the table. If I wanted more votes, I would have gone with a bigger number. Hogan did not say anything or have any numbers, if Brown wants my vote, he needs to think bigger.
I don't think that people would run a mayor out of town if unemployment were at 4-5 percent. It is just that some people will never be satisfied because it gives them a reason to be unreasonable.
And why is Brown the only one who has to think bigger?
He is not.. he is the only one CAPABLE of thinking bigger ;)
Alvin Brown had his best two weeks of fundraising ever. Over $60k reported from 3/26 - 4/8. Huge for momentum. Maybe it pushed Rummell over the top?
Go, Alvin!
Quote from: mtraininjax on April 15, 2011, 05:07:34 PM
Quote4-6% Unemployment rate is COMPLETELY normal because of people changing jobs, going to schools, quit for person reasons, etc etc.
Sure you do, but tell that to the 50,000 still unemployed. We got down to 3% when the economy was running full board. We can do the same with the assets we have here, but its short sightedness to leave opportunities on the table. If I wanted more votes, I would have gone with a bigger number. Hogan did not say anything or have any numbers, if Brown wants my vote, he needs to think bigger.
every state forecast I've seen says Florida will have 8+ percent unemployment for at least 4 more years...and the national number won't dip much below that
The days of 3-4% unemployment may be gone
Quote from: mtraininjax on April 15, 2011, 05:19:20 PM
QuoteSorry mtrain, but the suburbs didnt actually go for Mike. The westside did.
Stephen - We shall see soon. Folks in Mandarin, if they care at all, won't appreciate seeing their revenues going to fix something they deem as unsafe and unneeded. Come to think of neither will the westside, beaches or northside.
Except maybe for the Westside, but I can tell you other suburbs take pride in a vibrant DT!
This from a suburbanite who LOVES DT.
BTW how will we attract business to Jax by focusing on the bedroom communities surrounding Jax?
How do we create JOBS by focusing on those bedroom communities?
It's a flawed approach to making Jacksonville attractive to BUSINESS!!!
Quote from: FayeforCure on April 16, 2011, 02:35:35 PM
Quote from: mtraininjax on April 15, 2011, 05:19:20 PM
QuoteSorry mtrain, but the suburbs didnt actually go for Mike. The westside did.
Stephen - We shall see soon. Folks in Mandarin, if they care at all, won't appreciate seeing their revenues going to fix something they deem as unsafe and unneeded. Come to think of neither will the westside, beaches or northside.
Except maybe for the Westside, but I can tell you other suburbs take pride in a vibrant DT!
This from a suburbanite who LOVES DT.
BTW how will we attract business to Jax by focusing on the bedroom communities surrounding Jax?
How do we create JOBS by focusing on those bedroom communities?
It's a flawed approach to making Jacksonville attractive to BUSINESS!!!
Wanna know what's funny? Don't tell mtrain, but Mike Hogan supports downtown, too! I bet that is gonna anger those 'suburbanites' who allegedly couldn't give less of a d--n about DT! Who are those folks in Mandarin going to support now that Mike Hogan agrees with Alvin Brown ; )
Does Hogan support DT, or was he just responding to the repeated DT-centric questions at Tiger Bay, in the way he perceived that audience wanted to hear?
A politician who says what his audience wants to hear, Charles? NO FREAKIN' WAY!!! ; )
Not a chance ! :)
He is partisan and the voting world knows it. The problem with brown is not his being partisan, its with his being unelectable. The city's demographics are such that he is in one hell of an up hill battle for the office. I am a republican, but do not think Hogan is a good choice for THIS office (let alone the best!). However, Hogan has shown his ability to be elected countywide (so citywide is no stretch for him....remembering that Duval county is home to 5 cities).
Brown would have to run up his support within the core, near south-side and a stretch along the the cities west side along the river (and Roosevelt Blvd). Then he would have to keep hogan's margin of victory down in the rest of the city. This is hard as hell to do. I wish him well and hope that he will.
Brown is NOT my 1st choice... normally he would not even have been considered. However, there are only two horses in the race and i have pick one (even if i know he will have a hard time winning). Neither of the two are really worth the vote, but one of them must get in office. Brown, rather I like it or not, is the better of the two. I will vote for him and hope others will as well.
Now, mike will be a good mayor in some ways. And if he wins (like i think he will), we will be okay IF the city council could be a countervailing force on the other side. I have met Mike. I believe him to be an honest and honorable man and public servant. The city has benefited from his political leadership and stewardship up until now. Furthermore, I am proud to have voted for him in the past. I just cannot, and will not, do so now. We have grown a part on a few important issues...We differ honestly and honorably.
RCD, I have met many people who feel exactly the same way you do. I wouldn't write Alvin off yet. My fear is that people in your situation will decide to just not vote.
Alvin Brown as mayor will be a wake-up call for many people in our city.
Part of his resume that is not talked about often is that he was involved in setting up the transition team for the Clinton Administration. I wasn't a Clinton fan at the time, but looking back, I have to admit that those were pretty darn good times.
Quote from: dougskiles on April 16, 2011, 05:36:47 PM
RCD, I have met many people who feel exactly the same way you do. I wouldn't write Alvin off yet. My fear is that people in your situation will decide to just not vote.
Alvin Brown as mayor will be a wake-up call for many people in our city.
Part of his resume that is not talked about often is that he was involved in setting up the transition team for the Clinton Administration. I wasn't a Clinton fan at the time, but looking back, I have to admit that those were pretty darn good times.
Dougskiles, I will vote for Brown and work to get some of my friends who are in the same position as am I to vote for him as well.
I am an old political hound and know about the position that we were in during the Clinton years. What is often over looked, as a matter of fact, is that it was the Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1990, pushed by G.H.W.Bush, and passed by congress, that made the balance budgets of the Clinton administration possible. Not only that, but the Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1990, required a balance budget. The congress could not get around that without a super majority vote in both chambers. So while we had good times indeed within the span of the Clinton era, lets be honest about what they were responsible for. BTW, that bill cost G.H.W.Bush the white house in 1992.
Now, you are right, not all that Clinton did was bad, and I embrace that. I am not able to say that I was a big fan of Clinton. However, i understand your point and I will revisit my opinion on Brown. We all need to be able to talk honestly about the city we all love....and join together for what is in its best interest. We cannot always get everything that we want, nor should we.