Wednesday, April 18, 2007

Not Over Until It's Over

I have been following the blogs and read (courtesy of a link from Craig) this post, which expresses many of my concerns. At the same time I ran across Tom W's latest in which he goes all statesmanlike on us. I wonder if he is really Janus in disguise?

Don is going to challenge the election, and I hope he has a solid basis for doing so. Tom W doesn't think he does, but I consider those cellphone pics of JoMo electioneering as pretty serious evidence of hanky-panky by our apparent Alderman-elect. I was the first to vote over at Fargo, and only because the polls weren't yet officially open did I not make a complaint about the Moore supporter (watcher?) who was within the blue cones and said "re-elect Joe Moore." Seems to me he was in the wrong location to say that.

There is a lot of work to be done in this ward. JoMo is vulnerable, and perhaps he finally has seen the light and had his 'road to Damascus' moment. Time will tell. In the meantime, I do agree with Tom on one thing - we all need to commit to action not just words. We are all responsible for this ward (regardless of which candidate we supported) and for insisting the Alderman represent us and our concerns. He is accountable to us, not the other way around, but he won't be if we don't insist on it.

4 comments:

Jocelyn said...

Okay, this will come across as sour grapes, but let those who were so keen to work with Joe Moore (Ginderske clan) work with him. I don't really want anything to do with the group at this point. Maybe my point of view will change, but right now I'm still mad at the character assasination of Don Gordon and his supporters that took place. Maybe in time I will mellow a little.

If I were Joe, I'd send a letter to all the people he thinks did not vote for him telling us what he plans to do to address our concerns. Or post it on his website- something. He himself said he will forget himself again in his win speech.

I'm not going to spend my time reminding someone to do their job. If he doesn't, he will probably get the boot next time. The bad news for him is now many more people know about some of the nonsense that goes on.

He makes it out like he had this HUGE opposition and powerful forces against him. He ran against a guy with 1/4 of the money and no political experience and he almost lost. Give me a break!

Kheris said...

I agree with your assessment of Don's victory and I also agree that Moore went out of his way to attack Don's character. He certainly had help.

The politically smart thing for Joe to do is exactly what you suggest. I am not going to hold my breath waiting, and I know you won't either. Political savvy is not his strong suit.

That said, we don't get a "get out of jail free" card just because our guy lost. The winner needs to be reminded, in the tradition of the Roman Triumphal parades, that he is not a god. And I believe Joe will need to be reminded often. If we don't do it then who will?

I hear your pain Jocelyn and I guess 31 years in the Federal sector watching my agency get whipsawed by Congressional priorities that change with the state of the deficit has had a different effect on me. I can think of many emotionally satisfying things I'd like to do to certain select folks, but will satisfy myself by firing my Star Wars blaster at TV bad guys instead. It has cool sounds, but is a poor substitute for the ass whuppin' I'd like to inflict. After venting at the screen, I think I'll be ready to tighten the suspenders and have another go.

Remember, Joe won't do his job if he thinks no one is watching or cares. He's addicted to the title and power of the position. Public service is an afterthought. If it were otherwise he'd not have found himself in a runoff against a neophyte and struggling to win. 247 votes is not a landslide, and it's not a mandate, it's a warning.

We should get together with other Gordon supporters and start strategizing just how we'll hold Joe accountable. Then do it.

Fargo said...

You both have good points. One good goal for the future is to keep holding Joe's feet to the fire and hold him accountable as much as possible.

Jocelyn said...

Yes, I am sure you are right. There is no way I'll stop caring or paying attention- that would be a big mistake. I'm just not sure what exactly I want to do yet- I think it's fair to take a little time and reflect.