David Brown draws a name as Janice Johnson-Martin awaitsThe luck of the draw?
Fuhgeddaboudit!
Jaimie Charon and Jim Spangenberg were the only two of eleven candidates to attend City Clerk Janice Johnson-Martin's ballot-position party at 10 a.m. this morning, each hoping for the coveted top spot for the April 7 mayoral primary.
They shoulda stood in bed.
Johnson-Martin assembled a small group of city hall employees to witness the drawing of candidates' names from an open-top coffee can -- one decorated with All-America City stickers from a happier time, 2003. City Finance Director David Brown started the proceedings by rolling up his sleeve, to prove there was nothing but his elbow up there.
Then he drew the first name, winner of the top spot on the ballot. "Sarah Palin," he announced with a straight face.
And so it went. A light-hearted, friendly beginning to what all expect to become a knock-down, drag-out race among some of the city's most ambitious politicians and a handful of newcomers.
Once the drawing got serious, Brown quickly pulled one name out of the coffee can after another: Lesia Hill-Driver got the top spot, followed in order by Jody Harding, Q.A. Shakoor II, Greg Helding, Raymond Fay. As Brown handed the slips of paper to her, Johnson-Martin stuck them on her official "Certification of Drawing of Names for Placement on Ballot" sheet.
Jaimie Charon and Jim Spangenberg wishing each other luck in the draw"Aren't you glad you came?" someone asked Charon and Spangenberg, who good-naturedly shook each other's hand for luck while wondering if their names would ever be called.
The drawing continued: Pete Karas, Robert Turner, John Dickert.
You couldn't have imagined a more suspenseful drawing. Just three positions left. Surely... And the ninth name drawn: Kim Plache.
Finally, with only two names left in the can: Jaimie Charon's was pulled, and drawing up the rear, Jim Spangenberg.
Someone tried to cheer them both up. "Bottom is good," she said. "At least you're not buried in the middle."
Charon and Spangenberg left City Hall together, wishing each other a good race. "We need more people in city government," Spangenberg said to Charon as they walked to their cars.
Nice coverage. Now the real fun begins.
ReplyDeleteWas Kim moving into Racine when the ballot was drawn?
ReplyDeleteI wonder if Kim called John Dickert for a place to rent when she ran for mayor. If Kim is elected mayor is Jean Jacobsen running for County Exec?
ReplyDeleteBob, you bring up a good point. Because of John's experience in real estate, he has been in a majority of the homes in Racine. One's home is very telling of their lifestyle and what struggles a family or business is going through. I feel this makes him in touch with the reality of the people of Racine are living in. All his career experiences make him the best candidate to lead us through these economically challenging times.
ReplyDeleteI guess John has the blog message machine up and running.
ReplyDeleteReal estate agents are barely above car salesmen.
Anon 3:48, that's not true. I'm a citizen of the city of Racine who reads the Post and blogs on occasion. I have an opinion just like you. The difference here is, mine is optomistic, you are negative. I am optomistic because we will all be better off when John becomes mayor !
ReplyDeleteBob, that would be fantastic if Jean Jacobson would run for County Executive!. She has my vote along with many others. Go Jean!
ReplyDeleteAnonymous 3:48pm, What do you do for a living?
ReplyDeleteMary, John's experience in Real Estate is?
Mary, I like Dickert too. He's been in politics but not a politican. I am sorry if anon is upset that some of us like Dickert. He or she can like whomever.
ReplyDeleteDid Jim really say "we need more people in city govenment?" Give me less, please.
ReplyDeleteuld make a great mayor hes honest and deeply involved in Racines Future.
ReplyDeleteAfter looking at the canidates John Dickert Is my vote
ReplyDelete