No, ladies and gentlemen, the blogger who took out papers is not me! However, my name is frequently mentioned on this particular blogger's website.
Wag the Dog blogger Bryan Maersch has taken out papers for the 2010 Spring Aldermanic Elections. Bryan lives in the 5th district, currently represented by Alderman Lyle Sohns. The taking out of papers this early poses several questions, at least from this vantage point:
- Is Alderman Sohns seeking re-election in 2010? Lyle has been on-an-off about the subject, and has indicated to me personally a while back that perhaps the drive just isn't there anymore. However, I believe(d) he is/was going to take serious thought on the matter.
- Is there a rift between Alderman Sohns and Alderman Steve Olson, who represents the 1st District and is also up for re-election in 2010. It would be rather odd, since they tend to vote with each other on a regular basis with the council. However, Sohns many times in recent months have put the interests of the people before the interests of the pocketbook & businessman. Olson is usually the lone NO vote on many decisions where tax dollars are requested to sustain and enhance the quality of life of our community.
- If there is no rift, and Alderman Sohns decides to run, who will Olson back? His protege and good pal (as well as fellow Technology Commission member) Maersch or longtime council ally Sohns?
Now for all we know, Bryan could have taken the papers out to give to Lyle - we just don't have anything definitive until announcements are made. While I know Bryan many times has "thanked God" that Lyle was his alderman, I can definitely see Olson prodding him to run against Lyle. I see this for one and only one reason: Bryan is heavy on the "t" word - taxes. Olson and Bryan are both very similar in rejecting/frowning on basically every community project due to the "t" word.
