[Speed Gibson,
Wednesday October 4, 2006 at 10:46am]
Tim Willson for Mayor
We may never see such a well-qualified pairing again for Mayor of Brooklyn Center. I know I have never had a more difficult time in any city election, having to choose between Kathleen Carmody and Tim Willson. I know and respect them both. But a number of small indicators, including their performance on a televised debate tonight tell me that Willson is the better choice to meet the challenges and opportunities of our first ring suburb.
Yes, I'm crossing over to the dark side on this one. But it's going to take a little bit of Darth Vader to restore order, cooperation, and civility to the City Council. Having served with Willson on the Planning Commission for nearly ten years, I know he can be the strict parliamentarian required.
Being Mayor also puts you on the spot, often on camera as a representative of the city, for both happy and difficult occasions. Here, too, Willson has the edge. Carmody is at least his intellectual equal, but like so many of us, sometimes has trouble finding the right words when needed at candidate forums or even Council meetings.
I think very highly of Kathleen Carmody, and worked on her last campaign. And I do fear that Willson has a little too much faith in bigger government solutions, some of which haven't exactly worked out as planned in other first ring suburbs.
But a candidate that embodies the best of both isn't running, and I have to choose. In other years, facing different challenges, I might vote differently, but in 2006 my choice is for Tim Willson.
Yes, I'm crossing over to the dark side on this one. But it's going to take a little bit of Darth Vader to restore order, cooperation, and civility to the City Council. Having served with Willson on the Planning Commission for nearly ten years, I know he can be the strict parliamentarian required.
Being Mayor also puts you on the spot, often on camera as a representative of the city, for both happy and difficult occasions. Here, too, Willson has the edge. Carmody is at least his intellectual equal, but like so many of us, sometimes has trouble finding the right words when needed at candidate forums or even Council meetings.
I think very highly of Kathleen Carmody, and worked on her last campaign. And I do fear that Willson has a little too much faith in bigger government solutions, some of which haven't exactly worked out as planned in other first ring suburbs.
But a candidate that embodies the best of both isn't running, and I have to choose. In other years, facing different challenges, I might vote differently, but in 2006 my choice is for Tim Willson.
Seriously, I commend you for taking the time to consider both qualified and competent candidates and making a decision based on what you feel is best for the city, regardless of Party affiliation.
Flash
It also needs a stern master to try and keep and orderly meeting.
I hope you will look at the council candidates,
peronally I think we need to clean house there also.
Have you ever considered a run?
I do volunteer, currently serving on the NW Suburban Cable Commissison and the NW Community TV Board of Directors. I did the Planning Commission and Hoursing Commissions before that, but they don't take anywhere near the time the Council would.
But I appreciate you're thinking of me this way.