The Norman Transcript
Norman — Editor, The Transcript:
I find myself writing again as part of my “cool war” with the local Republican Party. I received a postcard signed by Party officials (listing) various outrages and urging a vote in upcoming City elections. Among the listed outrages was the cold claim that City officials were planning to eliminate voting on utility increases. Utility rates are deemed legislative matters, and as such are subject to the initiative and referendum processes, in addition to the current Charter mandate. This mandate exists irrespective of the desires of City officials or employees. (Perhaps the Party might benefit from advice on “legal stuff” by the perpetually outraged Councilman from Ward 3.)
More importantly for me was the interjection of the Party into nominally non-partisan election. I have no illusions about the pristine character of local campaigns, but I find the heavy-handed (and unsuccessful) intervention into City politics to be both embarrassing and wasteful. The Party would be much better served by an active denunciation of the attack on Democratic Party headquarters. My patience with self-righteous ignorance is limited to teaching teenagers, and I resent having to explain this to people who should know better.
DEL BAUMAN
Norman
