Comment 120176

By JPDanko (registered) - website | Posted September 29, 2016 at 10:34:00 in reply to Comment 120173

Party organization at the municipal level is anything but weak.

All parties run municipal candidates with party supporter lists, party volunteers, party contacts for campaign materials and other party resources mobilized on behalf of their preferred candidate. I do agree that this is largely hidden from view - but the only real difference to an official party is that parties are not listed on the ballot. That and there is no nomination process - so parties can end up supporting multiple candidates.

Name recognition is difficult to overcome yes - but official political parties at the municipal level would create an even more entrenched system.

First - it would eliminate candidates who want to get involved just to make a difference, who don't have higher level political aspirations. Second - it forces candidates into representing the party's views not necessarily their constituents. Third - it would create an even bigger barrier for an independent candidate to win - or even enter the race - reinforcing the election of politicos.

Finally, qualifications can be an election issue - but its up to the candidates to make it into a ballot question.

Structural engineer & photographer.

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