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Bob Miller called this evening with the news that his work situation changed suddenly and he will not seek re-election to the Monona City Council. Because he had already submitted his nomination papers and the deadline had passed his name will still appear on the ballot. Bob said he will ask that people not vote for him.
This is a bad break for our city. Bob has done a tremendous job and I, among others, had lobbied him to run for re-election and was very pleased when he decided to do so. But, life can intervene at the most inconvenient times.
Wednesday, January 07, 2009
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I am very disappointed to hear of this. I, too, thought that Bob did a fantastic job and brought a measure of reason and thoughtfulness to the council. He will certainly be missed. I does not look there are any "new" candidates in the election mix - isn't time to get newer blood into the council? I know Chad's new, but what about other council members realizing that maybe it's time to let others take the reins?
ReplyDeleteJim Busse and Mike Veserat aren't 'new'??
ReplyDeleteAs for the rest of the council, Kathy has been on since, well, a looong time. I have been on 6 years (plus 4 more back in the early 90's), Jeff has been on 5 years, Dennis has been on 3 years, and Chad one year.
Experience and continuity have value. It takes while to figure out how city government works.
"New blood" is not always a good thing. It's as though people think if we constantly have new alders, we'll somehow have "fresh" thinking. What we really get with a new person is someone who spends the first year figuring out which end is up. Being a good alder is not instantaneous - anyone who thinks they can step into that position and be really good at it right away is too arrogant for the job. Bob was an excellent first term alder and this is hugely disappointing because now we won't benefit from what he has learned in the last two years. All this said, it is possible for someone to stay too long. Heck, one term is too long for some folks, imho.
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