[Mpls] Precinct caucuses: your review

[Elizabeth Wielinski]

Per David's request ...

   I am the Precinct Chair for 1-1 and also with the help of many 
handled the Ward 1 caucuses at NE Middle School.  The evening went well 
but I had hoped for a better turn out after last year.  We are in City 
Council President Paul Ostrow's ward but in an open seat ward that 
usually brings up the totals (though not necessarily).  As someone 
whose first Minneapolis caucus was in 2000 (the year of Saturday same 
day precinct caucuses and senate district conventions),  2nd was during 
a snowstorm in 2002,  3rd last year where attendance grew 5 fold and 
this year where all the precincts met at the same venue as a group 
first, I can't say that it's always the same old thing.  The jury is 
still out on which method I like best.
    I had a first time attendee in my precinct and know of at least 2 
others within the ward that were new to the process.  We had 
resolutions in various precincts (from the 1/2% sales tax to the Park 
Board) and since they are Minneapolis specific were appropriate and 
should be forwarded to the Ward and City Conventions (hope the powers 
that be are seeing this).  Though some folks may not have understood 
the wording (all the Whereas and we resolves) Commissioners Erwin, 
Hauser,Dziedzic and Kummer all mentioned them during the MPRB meeting 
this evening.  It was kind of interesting, like the old game of 
telephone, the resolutions as worded (that I saw) and what the 
commissioners heard from people were VERY different but the fact people 
were discussing the issues was great.
   I had parents that attended precinct caucuses (though of my siblings 
only me, 1 of 5 participates) but as my neighbor Kay Pogemiller told 
me, her son started going in high school and kind of dragged the family 
into politics with him.  Whatever your reason I'm glad you came and I 
hope to see you again.

Liz Wielinski
Columbia Park