What do you find to be important when voting for an individual?
I hope most would say the issues but what happens when we have those seeking a seat or those currently in office that bring "issues" with them such as non payment for delinquent taxes or other personal issues less than political. Does that make a difference?
...just remembering past scandalous political races in our area.

I agree with Sun Dog -- it's the issues first of all, then the person. Like, Robert Wagner may be a very nice man, but he's got some serious issues with not getting the proper permits for out-of-control parties. I won't be voting for him, he doesn't sound like he has the gravitas to represent my district on city council. Though he may provide some excitement.

I'm relieved that I don't live in the 2nd district.  I like Rob Wagner on one hand and he has been a good friend to me over the years AND, he has some pretty solid positions that I agree with on the issues according to his website (http://www.wagnerforduluth.com/).  He also has some demographic appeal for me as a citizen given his youth, and his diverse life experiences and, I know this may seem shallow to some, but also his ancestry.  I believe that if Wagner were to win he would be the only person of any color other than white to sit on the council that I can remember. And I don't want only white, middle and upper class women and men representing our community on that board anymore, that's not an honest representation of our community.  Also, he will definitely provide some excitement, splash, and joie de vivre, because entertainment is so important to him, and that is fantastic.

On the other hand ... I do agree with Calk that he lacks some of the so-called gravitas, ie maturity and polish that the position apparently requires.  Also, he does have a problem with not being thorough enough, I can easily imagine an unpaid taxes, or conflict of interest scandal blowing up in his life, not because he is corrupt, but because he has a lot going on and doesn't seem able to keep track of it all. (I'm just sayin' not pointing fingers because I am the same way and that is #1 of about 50 reasons why I will never run for public office).  Also, he has an apparent relationship problem with the DPD that could render the whole campaign dead in the water. If he is considered a serious contender with a chance of winning I suspect that the police and (maybe firefighters) union will come out against him because of his "rave" orientation and past permit controversies. Most Duluthians, and nearly all of the 2nd district (except maybe some UMD students) are likely to side with the cops and the firefighters over Rob if it comes down to that.   

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So that's the 2nd district race.  I am wondering if people can provide some background, pontificating and/or analysis of the at-large city council race, which I WILL be voting in.  Also, I don't know much about those school board candidates.  Will the "red plan" or "let Duluth vote" camps be a factor in these races? How and why?

Wildgoose, Jay Fosle is Red Cliff Ojibway, and a bus mechanic, close to middle class income I suppose (union working class) but definitly not upper class

Kerry Gauthier is Native American, but more importantly, Kerry has long been involved with progressive local, state, and national politics. He has a track record of getting things done, both in the public arena and at his job as the director of Mash-wa-kisen. He has identified several issues (city financing, streets, police/fire departments, youth development)  that he wants to tackle as city councilor and provides solutions that I think are viable. (You can read his positions at http://kerryforcouncil.webs.com/PositionPapers/PositionPaperMar29,09.pdf)

I think that he would make an excellent city councilor for those of you living in the Fourth District. 

Disclaimer: I do not live in the Fourth District, but I believe Kerry has the interests of not only the Fourth District but the City of Duluth as a whole at the forefront of his mind and I like what I hear and see when I listen to him talk.

In other words -- in case that wasn't clear -- go out and do stuff for the community!  I'm serious!  You should know that, because I'm very terrible at humor, subtle or otherwise.

I've known Kerry Gauthier peripherally for many years. He totally rocks.

Surprisingly  only 2 candidates are running for the 2nd district spot.  I'm going to guess that Wagner will be a shoe-in with the young voters(that is if he can get there interest to actually vote)  District 2 contains both college campuses.  However Boyle has the $$$.  District 2 also houses all the rich folk. it will be an interesting race since Wagner has controversy always looming over him.  Personally I will be voting Wagner.  I think he will be someone who will actually do something positive for this assbackwords town. (and yes, provide some excitement in city hall too) I also like his position on priorities/issues on his site.

i am hoping the red plan opponents get into the school board seats.

& right now, i'm leaning towards Jim Stauber and Beth Olson for the at-large seats.

My 2 cents

I know Patrick Boyle. He seems like a sensible guy, calm and level-headed, wants to do something positive for this city. While Mr. Wagner might provide some excitement on the city council, I think he would prove to be more of a distraction than anything else.

We all know he's capable of organizing a rave, but we've witnessed his political organizing skills at work previously, and they were not impressive.