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Consensus was to approve the agenda with the addition of Case #5: Approve Annual <br />Report to District Court. <br /> <br />COMMISSION BUSINESS: <br /> <br />Case 1: Review Electoral Process Survey Results <br /> <br />Note: A copy of the survey is attached to these minutes (Exhibit A). <br /> <br />City Administrator Schroeder stated that the survey, suggested by the Charter Commission <br />at their last meeting, was sent out to the 1994 Mayoral and Council candidates. These <br />candidates were also invited to attend the Charter Commission meeting. Staff received two <br />surveys back, one from Mr. A1 Pearson who is present tonight and the other from Mr. <br />Clayton Berg. Mr. Schroeder apologized for not getting the survey out sooner which was <br />probably the reason for the poor return. <br /> <br />Chairperson Steffen noted #15 of the survey which states as follows: Do you have <br />suggestions for changing the electoral process not addressed above? <br /> <br />Al Pearson stated trying to cover the entire City is too time consuming and costly. He <br />suggested that financial support is almost a must. He stated also that if too many <br />candidates are running for office, the vote is split too much. He felt a primary would be <br />beneficial if there are more than two candidates for Mayor and more than four candidates <br />for the City Council although he didn't know what the extra cost would be to have the <br />primary. He stated that Ramsey has different areas of different types of housing, therefore, <br />residents with different needs and desires. He felt it would be nice to have representation <br />of your own area (ward system). The precinct would probably give you a better overview <br />of the entire City. <br /> <br />Mayor Hardin reported that he started to fill out the survey but he wasn't certain where he <br />stood on some of the issues questioned. He felt it would be beneficial to attend this <br />meeting and hear input from other candidates also. He stated he would be glad to answer <br />the questions that he is able to for the Commission. Mayor Hardin proceeded with the <br />questions/answers. 1) He felt campaigning was very time consuming. He suggested this <br />particular campaign was more so because of other issues going on. He stated he really <br />didn't track ~f the time he or his supporters actually worked on his campaign but it was a <br />lot of hours. <br /> <br />Mr. Schroeder asked how that could change. <br /> <br />Mayor Hardin stated he wasn't sure anything could be done to change this, especially if <br />there are big issues. There are different parts of campaigning - door knocking, PTA <br />sponsored forums, etc. He felt if there are negative campaigning issues, you have to spend <br />time on that when you would rather work on issues you feel are important. <br /> <br />Chairperson Steffen asked if the expense and time spent campaigning for Mayor is <br />unreasonable. He suggested maybe the pay for the Mayor could be increased, however, <br />this wouldn't help the person who lost the race. <br /> <br />Mr. Pearson stated he is involved in other politics. He felt if the perks get too good, too <br />many people will mn for office who are not really dedicated. He added that the position of <br />Mayor is a full-time job which means that the Mayor then usually has two full-time jobs. <br />He added that he doesn't really know what could solve the problem of how time <br />consuming or how costly it is to run for office. <br /> <br />Charter Commission/January 19, 1995 <br /> Page 2 of 8 <br /> <br /> <br />