The Campaign Support Committee Report
Report of the Campaign Support Committee
Democratic Farmer
Labor Party (DFL) Senate District (SD) 53
The committee charge was to recommend a process to “support”
or “endorse” candidates for local elected offices (e.g. City Council, Mayor,
County offices, and school boards).
BACKGROUND
The process for endorsement(s) in legislative races is
already spelled out in existing DFL SD 53 documents and these recommendations
do NOT change those processes.
Only the City of Landfall and the City of Woodbury have
elected offices that are totally within the current geographic boundaries of SD
53. (These cities have no primary. Filings open July 28 and close August 11,
2020. The election will be held on November 3, 2020.)
Other local offices such as school boards (elections are
held in odd-numbered or even-numbered years depending on the school district)
and county offices (elections are held in even-numbered years) although
partially located in SD 53 are geographically located in more than one SD.
(Filings for County races with a primary [held only when there are more than
two candidates for a single office open May 19 and close June 2 in 2020]. (In
2020 if no primary the filings open July 28 and close August 11).
RECOMMENDATION 1:
To authorize the DFL
SD 53 Central Committee members residing within the geographic boundaries of
the City of Woodbury (or Landfall) to endorse candidates who seek DFL support
for Mayor or City Council provided:
· Endorsement will require a quorum (a majority of the eligible voters) and a 60% affirmative vote of the voters present and voting (including blanks and abstentions) and every ballot (including blanks and abstentions) is a test of the quorum.[1]
RECOMMENDATION 2:
DFL SD 53 use a
process of “Resolution of Support” to indicate preferences for local candidates
who seek DFL support where the geographic boundaries of the position are
partially within SD 53 BUT ALSO include geography in another Senate District
(s) PROVIDED the candidate secures a “Resolution of Support” from the additional
Senate District(s) where the geographic boundary for the race falls. DFL SD 53
Central Committee members residing within the geographic boundaries of the electoral area are eligible to vote.
·
The
“Resolution of Support” will require a quorum (a majority of the eligible
voters) and a 60% affirmative vote of the voters present and voting (including
blanks and abstentions) and every ballot (including blanks and abstentions) is
a test of the quorum.[2]
Candidates seeking endorsement or a “Resolution of Support”
should:
·
Be given the opportunity to appear in person
before the DFL SD 53 Central Committee
·
Appear at the next Central Committee after their
request and after filings close
·
Have the opportunity to provide written
materials
·
Be allowed to speak to the Central Committee for
three minutes and respond to questions with answers limited to one minute
·
Receive a formal letter from the Chair of DFL SD
53 Central Committee outlining the action taken by the appropriate voting
members of the Central Committee
·
Be copied on a letter from the DFL SD 53 Chair
sent to the State DFL when an endorsement
or a “Resolution of Support” is adopted since this allows access to the State
DFL mailing lists including the VAN [3]
It is the candidate’s responsibility to seek the “Resolution
of Support” from DFL SD 53 and other relevant DFL SDs if applicable.
If the Central Committee determines a screening committee
should bring recommendations to the appropriate members of the Central
Committee the committee will develop uniform questions and procedures. An
example of a basic set of questions used by the City of Maplewood is attached
for information.
It is further
suggested that the following DFL SDs be notified by letter if the “Resolution
of Support” policy adopted: SD 39, SD 43, SD 67, SD 52, and SD 54. In addition, the Ramsey County DFL and City of Maplewood DFL should also be notified. (See
recommendation 2)
Publicity about these
processes could be shared via the DFL SD 53 website, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram,
Woodbury Newsletter to residents, Pioneer Press and Star Tribune neighborhood
sections, and a handout for candidates.
Recommendation 3:
It is recommended the
Endorsement process and the “Resolution of Support” process be formally
reviewed in January-February, 2021 to determine if these processes should be
continued and/or to recommend any changes.
The results of the review should be reported back to DFL SD 53 Central
Committee for consideration at the March 2021 Central Committee meeting.
Respectfully Submitted: June 9, 2020
Carlo Montgomery
Pat Williamson
Paul Tuveson
Tom Miller
Larry Wicks- Chair