Article published Nov 2, 2007

Trib's endorsement

"Form over substance" seems to be the Tribune's focus in its "Trick or Treat" endorsement of the incumbent mayor.

So, are "ceremonial duties" more important than respecting the First Amendment, inspiring staff to be forthright and accountable, designing public policy that the city manager (not "coal czar") will execute (not the other way around), fiscal oversight that doesn't squander our city's funds (money that could have helped GFDA secure GE here, not SME), reputation and thousands of staff hours on the Highwood "coal folly" and exercising leadership to encourage the commission to actively listen to citizens and debate issues so the voting isn't all 99 percent unanimous? Remember, disagreement is not disrespect.

Do you want a mayor that tells you "no questions" during the public's time, takes pride in running "fast" meetings or whose presence at commission meetings is so "charismatic" that Commissioner Jovick-Kuntz — with more years on the commission than the mayor — was left "paralyzed" to oppose the three-minute "muzzling" policy?

Ed McKnight's style and prior public service will be an asset in this arena, and I thank Susan Kahn because the election dynamics have stimulated public involvement for the better.

As for "one issue" campaigns, our Revolutionary War started on one issue — taxation without representation — but that issue was the catalyst for America's greatness.

Mary Jolley and Stuart Lewin are dedicated citizens who will offer new perspectives to help revive the commission.

Finally, if '"form trumped substance," would Abraham Lincoln have ever left Illinois?

— Richard Liebert, Great Falls