A statement from Board member Christeen Stone

The right to VOTE is a privilege- if only we could help people to realize that truth. WE have a good example of the results of VOTER APATHY in our 2005 election when 5,457 people of a possible 22,661 registered turned out to vote.

Look what we got , a mayor and two new council members who haven't a clue how democracy works. So, they created a dynasty where they ignore the other two council members and fire everyone who doesn't agree with them. They hire a totally unqualified wannabe legislator unqualified for the job, without a background check, then make him permanent at 2 AM, after only one citizen was still there. This would make a good Soap Opera, but it is real life in Maplewood now.

I always vote. But for the first time in my sixty plus years of being a proud citizen of Maplewood I have decided I must do more. I have been reluctant to have signs in my yard on the city level because it is not supposed to be partisan, but this year I will have two well qualified candidates' signs in my yard. I will work hard to urge people to study the candidates and the issues before they vote, because the welfare of our city depends on having a real democracy.

I am very proud to be a member of the Maplewood Voters Coalition, and I would urge you to join us in bringing democracy back to Maplewood.

Christeen M Stone