TBO.com - TBO is Tampa Bay Online

Suncoast Pinellas News

Pointless Proposal?

ADVERTISEMENT

THE SUNCOAST NEWS

Published: October 13, 2007

In general, count us among the ranks of those who like any idea that makes it harder for incumbents to get re-elected. In general, a healthy turnover rate in the ranks of elected government is a good thing, whether the body in question is Congress, a state legislature, a county commission, school board, city council or commission.
So, we might be tempted to support a proposal to amend the Dunedin city charter that is close to squeaking onto the 2008 municipal election ballot. The proposed change, which the City Commission will consider on final reading Oct. 18, would set up individual races for the City Commission, voted citywide. Currently, if there are, for example, two commission seats up for grabs, the top two vote-getters are elected.
Advocates of the change say it will make it less likely a political newcomer has to run against one or two incumbents, under normal circumstances. This prospect scares away candidates who don't wear the mantle of incumbency, the proponents say.
Really? Like Commissioner Julie Scales, we have seen no evidence showing the current way of electing City Commission members is any better or worse than the proposed alternative.
If that is the case, why bother making the change?

Share this:

Loading Comments...

Email Print

ADVERTISEMENT