Tuesday, August 02, 2005

Mitch Balonek for City Council

Yes, he is green and I am more libertarian in nature. However, I very strongly believe that we need more involvement from other parties in government as a whole.

I just got an email from Mitch thanking me for writing about him and letting me know he has updated his website.

His first item on his list of Ten Key Values about Grass Root Democracy I support 100%:

Every human being deserves a say in the decisions that affect their lives and not be subject to the will of another. Therefore, we will work to increase public participation at every level of government and to ensure that our public representatives are fully accountable to the people who elect them. We will also work to create new types of political organizations which expand the process of participatory democracy by directly including citizens in the decision-making process.

So, for those of you who are Toledo voters? I'd suggest rather than returning someone like Karyn McConnell Hancock to office you consider Mitch Balonek.

8 comments:

Cyberseaer said...

I'm just curious here, Lisa. Why do you care about the Toledo city council and mayor race, since you don't live in Toledo? I watch the mayor races in New York City, but I really don't care since I live close to the city, but not in the city. Like I said, I'm just curious.

Unknown said...

Valid question C, the line that divides Toledo from my township is within walking distance from me. Toledo is important to this area, if it fails alot of people are out of jobs and the whole area fails. If Toledo prospers? We prosper. So some decisions that Toledo makes affects us, which is why it is so important to me.

As far as supporting diversity in politics, that's something I believe in on a local, state and federal basis. The more independent or alternate party involvement we have the better.

Anonymous said...

I have to say, Lisa, it is impossible to "typecast" you. You really do have an independent streak.

Another reason for caring about the race in Toledo is you may get a good public servant for the whole state, ot it can provide a "prototype" candidate.

Unknown said...

You are right Steve, I don't "fit" into one category when it comes to many things.

While I would love to see more libertarian candidates across the board, I also really believe that our system of government was designed so that the best person would be elected, we were not meant to have a two party system. So if I didn't support someone like Mitch who may have some ideas I don't agree with but appears far better than some of the current members of council from a genuine willingness to make Toledo a better city, I'd be going against one of of the core beliefs I have.

We aren't always going to agree on everything, but if we truly make the focus be on encouraging the election of those who will be trustworthy stewards of our trust rather than who raised the most money or who has the right family connections or the right letter behind their name? We all win to me.

Anonymous said...

Lisa,

If for nothing else, you have to admire Mitch's goals!

Starting out by slaying the biggest, baddest dragon in the land (entrenched politicians and parties), is not for the faint of heart ;-)

He has a real uphill battle on his hands, but it can be done.

Just look at Mike Ferner…


However, the odds of gaining a seat are significantly against him, sheeple being sheeple…

Sheeple being sheeple indeed.


And, with JRB being the shepherd that he is... This whole election thing is beginning to suck, big time :-(

Unknown said...

I agree HT, I have personal experience watching a family member try to do exactly what Mitch is doing. I hope that people in Toledo really do want the change most of them keep talking about, this is their chance to prove it.

:-)

Anonymous said...

Balonek indicted for sexual battery.
http://www.toledoblade.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060111/NEWS03/601110465/0/NEWS

Unknown said...

I knew that, thanks anon