Dunwoody has a city council of 7 seats, representing 3 districts.
Each district has 2 representatives: 1 elected from that district itself, and 1 elected "at large" by the entire community.
The Mayor is always an additional "at large" seat.
The form of government is called a "weak mayor" system. That is, the Mayor in city council matters, has a single vote like everyone else on council and serves mainly as a tiebreaker. The title itself is a glorified honorific; the Mayor is a representative position only. The "face of Dunwoody" if you will.
So if you really want to vote as a city council member and "make changes" or whatever the hell else is on your mind, you can run in whatever district for which you qualify. You'll have the same vote as the Mayor and just as much measurable political power - no more, no less.
Why is this announcement necessary?
Because we have a four-way race for Mayor as of a few minutes ago, while three other seats are going uncontested. Those with a chip on their shoulder or an axe to grind are more likely to be successful to run a race for the uncontested seats than to join a rat-race for the ceremonial spot.
It's obvious that the candidates we have thus far are all members of the "We Hate Mike" club. They have no platform to speak of, they just hate Mike and this is the way they express it. If it was a disagreement over policy, then it would show in their platform. But there is no difference in policy, so the motivation must be purely personal.
Those of you supporting these candidates - what are you trying to accomplish? What kind of Dunwoody will result from your friend getting into office? No, really, what??? Comments are open below.
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Wednesday, September 2, 2015
Monday, August 31, 2015
Dunwoody City Council Elections Qualifying Period Starts Today
The three at-large seats and Mayor are on the ballot for November 3. Qualifying period for candidates is today through September 3 4:30 on September 2.
As of 11:30 AM on 8/31, the field of candidates is thus:
(Update: Denny Shortal qualified later in the day after this post went live.)
When Dunwoody began, we had all kinds of people with all kinds of experience throwing their hats in the ring. No big deal, you have to start somewhere, right? Then the election cycles adjusted to bring them up to the regular 4-year cycle we have now. The discourse was polite, the elections mild. Some seats were not contested, some previous council members chose to resign or not see reelection.
Then 2 years ago, Dunwoody saw its first slate of candidates. Those who were pissed at Mayor Mike over the suggestion of a novel intersection upgrade rallied to "Save (sic) Dunwoody" and had partial success with the election of Jim Riticher. But exactly what "change" or "saving" was effected? Because Jim and Mike almost always vote the same way on whatever issue comes to council.
This year has a hint of a darker turn. There are no slates of candidates (yet). The "SD" crowd is active if smaller and have quietly cultivated a single candidate. There is open conflict over the Mayor's office. In both of these cases, long-term friendships are going to be strained to the breaking point and there is no discernable difference in policy or vision between the candidates for any given seat. Yet.
In years past, choosing between friends and acquaintances for an elected office was uncomfortable business, but it had to be done. In 2015, it looks like it's getting personal. The structure of our community is going to undergo a radical change in its network of relationships and foundation of trust (or lack thereof) because political business is going personal.
Dunwoody Voter Information
including list of candidates as they qualityAs of 11:30 AM on 8/31, the field of candidates is thus:
- Mayor
- Mike Davis (Incumbent)
- District 1 At Large, Post 4
- Terry Nall (Incumbent)
- Becky Springer
- District 2 At Large, Post 5
- Lynn Deutsch (Incumbent)
- District 3 At Large, Post 6
- John Heneghan (Incumbent)
- District 1, Post 1
- Pam Tallmadge
(Update: Denny Shortal qualified later in the day after this post went live.)
When Dunwoody began, we had all kinds of people with all kinds of experience throwing their hats in the ring. No big deal, you have to start somewhere, right? Then the election cycles adjusted to bring them up to the regular 4-year cycle we have now. The discourse was polite, the elections mild. Some seats were not contested, some previous council members chose to resign or not see reelection.
Then 2 years ago, Dunwoody saw its first slate of candidates. Those who were pissed at Mayor Mike over the suggestion of a novel intersection upgrade rallied to "Save (sic) Dunwoody" and had partial success with the election of Jim Riticher. But exactly what "change" or "saving" was effected? Because Jim and Mike almost always vote the same way on whatever issue comes to council.
This year has a hint of a darker turn. There are no slates of candidates (yet). The "SD" crowd is active if smaller and have quietly cultivated a single candidate. There is open conflict over the Mayor's office. In both of these cases, long-term friendships are going to be strained to the breaking point and there is no discernable difference in policy or vision between the candidates for any given seat. Yet.
In years past, choosing between friends and acquaintances for an elected office was uncomfortable business, but it had to be done. In 2015, it looks like it's getting personal. The structure of our community is going to undergo a radical change in its network of relationships and foundation of trust (or lack thereof) because political business is going personal.
Friday, August 28, 2015
UPDATED: SDOC Returns to Business Radio X at noon today!
Listen to the session online here!
Several weeks ago, Matt Holmes of DeKalb Business Radio X reached out to me via email and invited me to be a guest on his show. I was thrilled to accept as last fall I was on Lee Kantor's program on the same online radio network.
Hit the link below to listen online wherever you are at 12 Noon EDT
http://dekalb.businessradiox.com/
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