Matt Kuhn and District 4: Wasted Meanness?
Matt Kuhn's selection to fill the empty District 4 county commission seat was a dick move. Democrats don't even bother to put a candidate on the ballot for that seat. There is no way Matt Kuhn holds this seat in the 2010 election unless the republican candidate is pictured drowning kittens while wearing women's underwear, and even then it will be close. How ever much it pains me to say republicans are correct, they are about this one. If the roles had been reversed, Democrats would scream like banshees. Why wouldn't the Democrats on the County Commission just put a mild manner republican there. It would be foolish to think this move wouldn't have consequences at the state and local level. As if the republicans in the state House and Senate weren't looking for another reason punish Shelby County. Locally, what chance is there for any cooperation to occur on the Commission. I think it is common knowledge that elephants never forget and now they are really fired up.
Since there are going to be long term consequences, there must be something coming up soon that is worth the risk. Why is one extra democratic vote so important. I remember last year the big fight for another juvenile court judge or maybe a vote on consolidation. I can't believe a short term gain of one more democratic vote is worth poisoning the well. As my friend said could this really be "just wasted meanness?"
I will remind all those pissed off republicans you don't have to just take this. There is a mechanism that just came into affect in September 2008. Ordinance 361. Recall. Lets see if the recall ordinance works. Republicans are the group that are organized enough to do it. I'm sure you are already planning this as I write this. My thoughts, if we have to have a war, it may as well be a big one. World War I style, partisan trenchwarfare. The Democratic commissioners already shot Archduke Ferdinand.
Section 5.24. Recall of elected county officials.
A. The county mayor, members of the board of county commissioners, and all
county charter officers elected pursuant to this charter may be removed from
office by the recall method provided for in Title 2 of the state election laws and in
accordance with this section, but in no event shall such county officials be subject
to recall during the first one hundred eighty (180) days or the last one hundred
eighty (180) days of the term for which such county officials were elected.
B. Voters of the county may circulate a petition to recall the county mayor, members
of the board of county commissioners, and all county charter officers elected
pursuant to this charter. Any petition to recall under this section shall be signed
by at least fifteen percent (15%) of the registered voters eligible to vote for the
office that is the subject of the petition to recall.
C. If a majority of the voters vote “no,” the incumbent county official shall remain in
office. If a majority of the voters vote “yes,” the incumbent county official shall
be deemed recalled and removed from office. In cases where the incumbent
county official is recalled from office, the board of county commissioners shall
appoint an interim county official who shall serve until a successor is elected and
qualified at the next countywide election allowed by the state election laws.”
posted by polar donkey at 9:38 PM
7 Comments:
In the November, 2008 elections the Election Commission stats indicate 41% of the district 4 constituents voted Democrat. There are three seats in the district.
4:28 AM
I agree with you PD. I am a very strong Democrat but with the way electoral districts are configured, the strong likelihood is that a Republican will win this district in 2010. Kuhn does not plan to run for election.
The Dems on the commission would have been better served to choose a relatively moderate Republican such as Carpenter versus a far rightwinger such as Wyatt Bunker.
Also, Matt Kuhn frankly does not deserve this seat. He was a terrible Party chairman, a lacky of the Sidney Chism/Willie Herenton organization. But that's why Chism and company supported him I suppose.
7:14 AM
Anonymous 4:28
41% in the highest turnout year in decades, I stand corrected. Democrats will sweep all three seats just like republicans will sweep all of district 3.
As for Kuhn himself. The only contested local election democrats won in 2006 was Mulroy in a district that was 55% democrat.
7:25 AM
When do you count the 180 days from: the beginning of Lillard's term or the date his replacement was appointed? It says "of the term." Close enough question to litigate, and the tyrannical majority could stick someone in even more replusive to Republicans; but it might be worthwhile to stir up this wasp nest anyway, to discourage such cross-party replacements in future.
These positions (or any positions at any level of government) should never have been subjected to party primaries anyway.
11:59 AM
I don't know Matt Kuhn, but putting a past SCDP chairman in the seat seems strange..... but this is small stuff compared to the crime and lawlessness in Shelby County.
12:11 PM
I feel 180 days means from the beginning of Lillard's term.
I think pursuing a recall is worthwile just to scare politicans in both parties. Accountability is something lacking. It also engages people and makes them feel as though they could have some control over the political system.
An interesting point is brought up by this appointment. Say Kuhn was selected to vote on consolidation. A new consolidated government would require a new charter. Part of that new charter may include nonpartisan elections for the new commission/council.
12:36 PM
PD, it would have to include nonpartisan, because consolidation would mean that County Elections would also be Municipal Elections. Per the state Constitution, IIRC, all muni elections must be non-partisan.
An unintended (or not?) consequence of consolidation, it would appear.
4:48 PM
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