What are the neighborhood and ward issues at stake in this special city council member election? Who are the most qualified candidates? (We have seven to choose from at this point.) I am supporting Barret Lane, the president of the Fulton Neighborhood Association. Barret has demonstrated his leadership abilities over the last several years by moving some contentious neighborhood issues, especially those dealing with changes in the 50th and France district, toward successful outcomes. Barret has the ability to facilitate compromise solutions to difficult and contentious problems. Barret is committed to making sure that all interested parties have an opportunity to participate in the decision-making process. These are the kinds of leadership skills that we need on the City Council. Barret is running as an independent candidate. His campaign organization is reaching out across party lines to recruit those citizens concerned about the future of the neighborhoods and the city, but who are turned off by the counterproductive, business-as-usual ways of partisan politics. Let's take a common-sense approach to protecting and improving the assets with which we are blessed, our parks, lakes, schools, neighborhoods, and business districts. Let's promote more active involvement in civic affairs and work to strengthen all of our community organizations. Let's support the kinds of public / private partnerships that work so well in building a prosperous city.

By Dave Delvoye