[Mpls] Reducing the number of delegates.

[C Becker]

Hugh Gitlin wrote:

> The central committee could have prevented this mess back when the call to 
> caucus was being prepared.  If I were on the committee, I would have 
> insisted on a 1000 delegate limit, with the delegates to the city 
> convention elected at ward conventions (using proportional representation, 
> where applicable)  There is no reason why any political body needs a 
> 2000-3000 seat convention.

I am the precinct chair for 12-1.  During the presidential straw vote last 
year, my precinct (precinct) had 275 people turn out.  There are outstate 
Senate districts that have lower turnout than my precinct so I know that my 
precinct isn't typical.

During the Vecoli-Sabo convention, I had to beg for a full hour to have 
enough people agree to be alternates so the candidate could be on the floor 
to vote for herself.  After four hours, I had one alternate threaten me, 
implying bodily harm if he was not seated. (My response? Yes sir you will be 
the next person seated as soon as someone comes off the floor...)

For anyone who thinks fewer delegates is a good idea, come to my precinct. 
12-1 may be a bit of a world unto itself but with as many people as want to 
be active here, I don't want to turn away that kind of enthusiasm.  Let the 
people who want to be involved be involved and just manage the process 
better.  Clearly the room was too small.  Clearly there are better ways of 
doing voting besides paper ballots.  But reducing the number of people 
involved isn't the answer.

Carol Becker
Longfellow