"This is not a resistance. It is a capitulation." - Glenn Cashuric (from Doherty Cal.,...Calendar thread at DD)
Very interesting quote that made me think about why there isn't a viable political opposition in Scranton. Here are a few thoughts...others can add as they see fit.
Taxpayer's Association You would think that this would be a natural place to spark an opposition movement. Why isn't it? Well...
...the President of the group crows about fiscal responsibility, but yet he himself managed to drive a not-for-profit fiscally into the ground ...membership is almost exclusively a closed-block of frequent council speakers who are viewed with suspicion by many voters because of their podium tirades; to become a member you need a majority vote of these same closed group. It comes across as an insular group of wackos.
A Fix? First, Ozzie Quinn simply lacks credibility when it comes to fiscal management, so as long as the members of the group consistently elect him president the groups credibility will be questionable. Second, the by-laws need to be changed to allow membership without the majority vote of existing members. As it stands, the group is about as (politically) diverse as an Arkansas gene pool.
"Community Activist" Joe Pilchesky Joe Pilchesky files lawsuits like bored teenagers in Bradford County smoke crystal meth...and that's the oposition "leader"? No wonder many think of him as just this wierd lawsuit-happy dude. Add to it the completely wacky postings on the message board run by the "Community Activist" and you have the recipie for a political joke.
A Fix? If Pilchesky were serious about forming an opposition against Doherty, he would have to do two very basic things:
1. DD - Allow dissenting opinions on his board and encourage debates that were based on facts and reasoning, not wild conspiracy theories and assorted silly-assed name calling. Talk about the budget, WITHOUT the "Irish are plotting to take over the world" spew and the comparison to New York City, circa 1870. 2. The Lawsuit Jones - Pilchesky has to curtail his lawsuit habit to something that most people would view as reasonable. Using the court system as your own tool of vendetta is stupid (because you aren't guaranteed a win....Pilchesky knows that better than anyone else) and appears more self than community serving. Most people manage to resolve their personal and professional differences without the courts getting involved.
Niche Opposition Issues Opposition candidates are pigeon-toed into narrow boxes by the need to garner support by unionized city employees. That's an easy target for Chris Doherty, who realizes that the wages and benefits earned by city employees (while not what they should be, especially for the police) are still better than what most senior citizens and working poor "enjoy". When an "opposition" candidate only appeals to a small number of voters (city employees and their families) it's no wonder why they are doomed to failure.
A Fix? The unions needs to realize that their long-term intersts are not separate and distinct from the long-term interest of every other Scranton resident. Demonizing Doherty constantly only serves to demonize the unions themselves. Emphasize the positive and the value they add to the city's quality of life; move away from the more insane examples of city-union control (such crying when Doherty demanded...rightfully so...that the Police Chief not be an FOP member).
Niche Opposition Candidates Gary DiBileo is a nice guy who can't get a majority of votes in a city-wide 1:1 election because of his niche support among union members and West Side residents. Janet Evans can't win 1:1 elections because she has no message, other than "Doherty Bad". Neither has figured out that people want a reason to vote for someone, not just against someone else. That incredible revelation seems beyond the comprehension of 95% of DD's posters.
A Fix? Opposition candidates have to take the high road while discussing the issues facing the city. They should talk about what they've already accomplished...not cry about how everyone ignored their non-starter alternative budget (for example). Acknowledge Doherty's successes and talk about how you will build upon them; talk frankly about the issues facing a city like Scranton and how you will deal with them in a realistic manner (and about how maybe Chris Doherty hasn't). Offer innovative solutions...something as simple as reforming how garbage is disposed of (such eliminating the garbage tax and replacing it with a per-bag fee) can make a difference. Be identified as something other than the "Doherty Opposition".
-- Edited by Agamemnon at 15:13, 2008-12-23
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Free Speech does't require a multi-paragrah disclaimer Mr. Pilchesky.
