To the Editor:
I’ve always wondered what happens when Democrats control a democracy.
Alexandria is great petri dish to make this observation. Not only is it full of Democrats, it’s full the best kind: government employees. Alexandria is awash with them. Understandably, their proclivity is to turn to government for leadership, solutions and redress. To this mindset, the government is not the servant; it’s the master.
And last month, our local master conquered. It vanquished the Old Town Boat Club. The city used police state threats and $5 million of our money to crush a venerable organization composed of private citizens. The city coveted their club property. Now, it appears what never belonged to the city is nearly in its hand.
Unless the Democratic Party in our city rejiggers the way in which City Council and the mayor are elected, there is nothing to restrain the city government. Our local Democratic Party has succeeded beyond its wildest dreams. It has fashioned a voting regime that insulates its nominees from opposition.
By changing the date on which our local city council and mayor are elected to coincide with national elections and by preventing communities from electing its own representatives, the Democratic Party has ensured that whomever its Party stalwarts select will be elected to office.
Hard to believe that a political party whose elixir is social justice took these steps. They suppress minority voices and marginalize views contrary to those espoused by the Democratic Party. Not very democratic at all; more like Dear Leader.
But back at water’s edge, unless I missed it, the waterfront our city leaders are intent on giving us — whether we want it or not — has neither shape nor price; just design concepts and cost estimates.
When both finally materialize, it won’t be the taxpaying citizens who decide either question: it will be those placed in office by Democratic Party apparatchik who select our office holders in their political primary. It’s democracy all right, but democracy shamefully writ small.
Jimm Roberts
Alexandria