[speedgibson] Speed Gibson: Seven Come Eleven

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Posted by Speed Gibson:
Seven Come Eleven
http://speedgibson.powerblogs.com/posts/1253072004.shtml


   In just seven weeks, eleven candidates will vie for the the
   Robbinsdale School Board. There is no primary and with four seats in
   play, much could change.
   Two years ago, there were just four candidates chasing three seats,
   which is largely why the District decided to skip the primary this
   year. Who knew there would be so many this year? Both incumbents
   (Bassett, Van Heel) were re-elected, but new Director Sherry Tyrrell
   outpolled them both, something that might give pause to the three
   incumbents running (Green, Walsh, Johnson). On the other hand, not one
   incumbent lost in 2007 in the Northwest suburbs, including mayors and
   council members.
   A quick scan of the names turned up no campaign web sites for the
   challengers nor much else of value so I'm going to have to wait for a
   presumed candidate forum and Sun Newspaper profiles. Meanwhile, what
   am I looking for in a candidate?
   Incumbency is a consideration, generally a plus, as turning all four
   seats would be too much change, including the loss of the Chair and
   former Chair. At least one winner will be a new face, almost always
   desirable, and maybe two is better still. So yes, I'm thinking along
   the lines of two plus two.
   Definitely a negative is anyone currently working for the District as
   licensed staff, a clear conflict of interest. The rest comes down to
   issues.