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South Bend Needs More Republicans

I know.  I feel a little queasy just writing it.  In case I just offended you Republicans - don’t worry – I would have the same queasiness if I were to substitute “Democrats” for Republicans in the title.  I love politics.  But I have a disdain for both parties and I lean towards some radical opinions regarding “voting” and the “kingdoms of this world.”  If you buy me lunch at a fancy restaurant, I’ll share them with you.

Anyhow…

I write this because I read an interesting article Sunday in the paper where the South Bend Tribune is doing a series of interviews with different people about what they think South Bend will look like in 2020.  The interviewee was Lou Nanni (VP of public relations at Notre Dame – prior to that he was the Director of the Center for the Homeless).  During the interview he said this:

“I think we have suffered in this community for the fact that we don’t have a stronger Republican Party. … I say this as somebody (whose) affiliation is with the Democratic Party. When you have one-party rule, whether it’s Democrats or Republicans, it’s not healthy in the long run. … We need the Republicans to run stronger candidates, especially on the (South Bend) city level. Because it will keep everybody more honest, more accountable, and bring in a fresh set of ideas. It will also make the politicians more responsive to the electorate and less to the party structure.”

I think he is right.  South Bend is solidly Democrat by way of politics.  So much so, that it appears unless you are a Democrat, you cannot get elected to office, no matter the power of your integrity and ideas.  I wonder what would happen, if at the very least, there was greater competition between the two parties AND I would be curious what would happen if there was a Republican administration.

Mishawaka, while not perfect, is not experiencing the decline in residence and business like we are.  I know there are lots of reasons why that is the case but I can’t help but wonder if one factor might be that Mishawaka’s mayor and administration is Republican.  ”I’m just saying…” (that phrase allow me to say whatever I want and be dismissive of whatever offense I may have caused)

What is interesting is that out of South Bend’s districts, only one district, and one councilmen is Republican. David Varner of the 5th district.  Do you know what side of South Bend the 5th district is on?  The South Side.  Does it hurt the South Side that our councilmen is the LONE Republican.

Just curious.