Ward 2 Race Tightens

by Ed Felien

There are lots of reasons to vote on Nov. 6. This city election is shaping up to be one of the most interesting in modern memory.
In the 2nd Ward, for the first time in almost 50 years, an incumbent didn't survive a non-partisan primary. Joan Campbell came in third and won't be on the November ballot. The race between her and Paul Zerby for the DFL endorsement and later for survival in the primary was bitter at times. Zerby has to kiss and make up with that wing of the party if he expects to win.
Cam Gordon, the Green Party candidate for city council in the 2nd Ward, has taken the high road in campaigning. After the tragedy of Sept. 11, and sensitive to the discrimination and antagonism that Middle Eastern and South Asian people in the city already feel, he joined with Patrick Peterson, a candidate for School Board, and convened a demonstration of unity of 24 city candidates and elected officials Sun., Sept. 23 at Peavey Plaza. Gordon and others then went to the Islamic Center to show support. They were warmly received and participated in a special prayer service for all those who have suffered as a result of the terrorist attacks. They broke bread together and made new friends.
The race between Zerby and Gordon should be close. Zerby is a tireless campaigner, and he projects a solid, nice-guy image. Gordon showed some strength in the dormitories on the university campus. He has a lot of work in front of him, fighting uphill against a DFL endorsement. It would be a significant moment in history if the 2nd Ward were to elect the first Green to the Minneapolis City Council.
There's not much of a race in the 9th Ward. Gary Schiff looks like an easy pick there.
Wade Russell is giving Sandy Colvin Roy a lot to think about. R.T. Rybak carried the 12th Ward, and Sandy has been associated strongly with Sharon Sayles Belton. But, now, she is keeping her distance. She didn't want her literature dropped with the mayor's when the Central Labor Union came out to drop for her, so the CLU didn't drop her literature. Her name didn't appear on Belton's list of supporters. Wade started late, but he's coming on strong. There is a chance he could pull it out.
An interesting difference between the candidates came to light when they were asked who they would support for council president. Ostrow, generally thought of as more progressive, has said he will challenge Cherryhomes. Wade Russell said he'd support Ostrow. Sandy Colvin Roy said she'd support whoever gave her the best committee assignments.
Green Party-endorsed Michael Sumner is waging a strong battle against incumbent Ed Solomon for District 5 in the park board.
The mayor's race is being fought door-to-door. The latest Star-Tribune poll had Belton slightly ahead. In order to win, Rybak has to pick up most of the anti-incumbent sentiment expressed by Lisa McDonald and Mark Stenglein voters.
It's already been a surprising campaign, and the next few weeks promise even more excitement.
You can be part of it if you go out and vote.