I read your Jan. 12 editorial on David Zuckerman and how he may be a
potential spoiler if he runs for Congress. I share your sentiments that
splitting the Democratic and Progressive vote may well result in
continuing the very dangerous policies and actions of the Bush
administration and those who support him. However, your concern does
not go far enough. If you suggest David Zuckerman step aside for the
good of the country, you must also speak out and work vigorously and
unequivocally for institution of the instant runoff voting system into
our political system.
If this country is to sustain and foster the values of democracy and be a model for the rest of the world, we must foster vigorous and diverse political debate. This is not done by asking worthy candidates not to run for office and thereby impoverish political debate. We desperately need to cure the mounting ills in this country � the lack of transparencyy in government, the mounting power of corporations that no longer serve communities and states, the abuse of money in the campaign process and lobbying of Congress, and the lack of regard for the environment on which we all depend for our livelihood and survival.
We will make no inroads to solving these and other critical issues unless voters hear vibrant debate and can vote their consciences without having to second-guess the political outcome. With instant runoff voting in place, such a decision would be completely unnecessary because if no candidate wins a majority, the voters' second choice comes into play. The political process would be more vibrant and democracy would be much healthier and the will of the people would be heard loud and clear.
The political process of this great country should be such that Zuckerman should not be asked to make the decision that you ask. But until the political process is changed it must be asked. It behooves all political parties to support the Instant Runoff Voting process so such a diminishment of our political process does not occur.
Richard Czaplinski
Adaman
If this country is to sustain and foster the values of democracy and be a model for the rest of the world, we must foster vigorous and diverse political debate. This is not done by asking worthy candidates not to run for office and thereby impoverish political debate. We desperately need to cure the mounting ills in this country � the lack of transparencyy in government, the mounting power of corporations that no longer serve communities and states, the abuse of money in the campaign process and lobbying of Congress, and the lack of regard for the environment on which we all depend for our livelihood and survival.
We will make no inroads to solving these and other critical issues unless voters hear vibrant debate and can vote their consciences without having to second-guess the political outcome. With instant runoff voting in place, such a decision would be completely unnecessary because if no candidate wins a majority, the voters' second choice comes into play. The political process would be more vibrant and democracy would be much healthier and the will of the people would be heard loud and clear.
The political process of this great country should be such that Zuckerman should not be asked to make the decision that you ask. But until the political process is changed it must be asked. It behooves all political parties to support the Instant Runoff Voting process so such a diminishment of our political process does not occur.
Richard Czaplinski
Adaman
Election Day '09 was a roller-coaster for election reformers. Instant runoff voting had a great night in Minnesota, where St. Paul voters chose to implement IRV for its city elections, and Minneapolis voters used IRV for the first time—with local media touting it as a big success. As the Star-Tribune noted in endorsing IRV for St. Paul, Tuesday’s elections give the Twin Cities a chance to show the whole state of Minnesota the benefits of adopting IRV. There were disappointments in Lowell and Pierce County too, but high-profile multi-candidate races in New Jersey and New York keep policymakers focused on ways to reform elections; the Baltimore Sun and Miami Herald were among many newspapers publishing commentary from FairVote board member and former presidential candidate John Anderson on how IRV can mitigate the problems of plurality elections.