COMM. 036 - Laserfiche WebLink

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• 411 2 , vote in order to stand before the voters as a candidate for. office in the general elections. The Voter is thus assured that the candidate of his choice represents more than a pleasing or likeable personality. The candidate 's party affiliation links him to a standard of principle and platform in the conduct of government, and the act of noting choice is thus lifted from the category of an election being merely a popularity contest. By contrast , under our present County charter, nominees• , to appointive office , while no more than a bare majority of the political party in power may be appointed, may be and often are seledted as 'independents ' , men and women who belong to no political PartY have declared no affiliation with principle or platform, and are non-partisans who would find it almostimpossible under our election laws to qualify for any elective office. How can we afford such discrimination between those who participate in the policy making and decision making process of our government on either an elective or appointive basis? The present lack of definition of 'political party' in the County Charter, and the present lack of ordinance pertaining thereto, has resulted in discrimination against members of a political party as appointees to boards and commissions. , Why should these boards and commissions , . which are an integral part of our government and an integral part of our political structure not be subject to the same political qualifications as candidates for elective office? If our Mayor I. . and County Council ran for office andwere elected on a non partisan basis, then the present system of appointments to boards and commissions would be valid. We protest that grave injustice and discrimination prevails in this matter and we urge the Commissioners r