I’ll be on WCBU tonight with Jonathan Ahl, first as a guest on “Outside the Horseshoe” at 6 p.m., and then in the studio to comment on the election results as updates are provided.
Because of the cumulative voting system and low voter turnout, there’s no telling how things will shake out tonight. Who will be eliminated? Who will be the top vote-getters? If the turnout is indeed low, as expected, can these returns be considered a valid sample of all registered voters and their feelings about the candidates? Tune in tonight for answers to some questions and speculation about others on WCBU, 89.9 FM.
Look forward to hearing you and your take.
When the election is over there is no doubt that turnout will be low and therefore, there will be NO mandate for any candidate or any real indication of what the citizens of Peoria want. However, there will be a clear indication of what the VOTERS in Peoria wanted and under our system, that is what really matters. Those that don’t vote, really have no reason to complain about what they get to represent them. Of course, this is only the primary and to be honest, there are many that just don’t feel that it is worth there time to go vote in the primary.
I think there should be some serious consideration to moving the municipal elections onto the same schedule as the state and federal elections for cost saving measures and to increase voter turnout. Yes, the local candidates will have to work harder for money if that occurs and yes there will be less attention given on the local issues (to some extent) but I fail to see the value in holding these special cycle elections.
I’m going to throw out my predictions for those that will make it through the primary into the final 10 (in no particular order):
1. Gary Sandberg
2. Jim Montelongo
3. George Jacob
4. Gale Thetford
5. Ryan Spain
6. Eric Turner
7. Dan Irving
8. Charles Schierer
9. Patti Polk
10. Brad Carter
Although if I were picking my fav five for the final slots, I’m afraid I may have trouble counting to five at that point. I haven’t heard enough from some of these candidates to see them as more than single or limited issue candidates – hoping that the run up to the real election will see more of them developing more detailed and defined positions on some of the critical issues facing the City.
Be careful, CJ. You’ll become famous for being famous. 🙂