Academy of Local Politics

Warning: Shameless Self Promotion Ahead!

A review of Moving Mountains and Molehills Local Politics 101,  the official textbook of the Academy of Local Politics, was posted yesterday. Jesse Seymour of The Northwoods View liked the book. In part he writes...

The book is very easy to read, and very easy to absorb. Yet each time I read it (I've read it about five times now) I find a new nugget of information that I didn't catch the first time around.

Al Arnold is a master of local politics. He takes information that is considered by many to be very complex and presents it in such a manner that anyone can understand it as well as have a few laughs in the process.

Most political books that I have read have been full of theory but have very little guidance on the practical side. This book is just the opposite - it contains very little theory and a lot of practical advice.

The complete review can be seen here.

Thanks Jesse!

Entries for one of five free books of Moving Mountains and Molehills Local Politics 101 are due today at 5:00 pm CDT.

To enter simply send me an email.

I will then be randomly picking out five people to win an autographed copy of MMM.

Your entry will not be used for any other purpose than an entry to this contest. I wouldn't sell your address, even if I knew how to sell your address. I won't be adding you to any email list of mine. Just enter.

Good Luck!

Mayor Al

I like non-partisan local politics. It reduces, not eliminates, the" Us vs. Them" mentality. After all what is partisan about fixing streets, mowing parks,  providing police and fire protection, etc? In many areas, partisan politics does permeates local politics. We find this in Maplewood, Minnesota.

James Moreno is running for the Maplewood City Council. On his blog he publicly answers the questions on his DFL (Democrat-Farmer-Labor) questionnaire. The questions start off pretty good. So do the answers. Then we reach the last question...Within the past 15 years have you ever supported a candidate who has run against a DFL- endorsed candidate? Mr. Moreno's answer...Absolutely not. Lifetime DFL member and supporter.

It certainly looks to me that in order to receive the DFL endorsement for a City Council seat you need to be lock step with the State Party on all candidates and issues. Not to just criticize the Democrat candidates, I am sure the Republican questionnaire looks much the same.

WHY? We are talking about fixing streets, mowing parks, providing police and fire protection, etc. The amount of money that is spent on these services can be, and is, argued in Council Chambers across the country. But why on a partisan basis?

Oh, I forgot, it is all about power. It is the power of having elected puppets serving at even the lowest of levels in government for the greater good of the State Party. Not the greater good of the community. What a shame.

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I want to remind everyone of the Great Book Giveaway Contest!

On August 15, five lucky winners will win an autograph copy of Moving Mountains and Molehills Local Politics 101.

Simply Email your entry  indicating your mailing address in the message portion of the form. Good Luck!

Mayor Al

Yup, I'm going to give away 5 Autographed Copies of

Moving Mountains and Molehills Local Politics 101.

Here's how you can enter to receive one of them.

Simply email your entry ....

indicating your Mailing Address in the Message area of the email.

From all entries received by Noon Central time time on August 15, 007,                           5 will be chosen at random to receive an autographed copy of                                       Moving Mountains and Molehills Local Politics 101.

I will not be using your email address or mailing address for any other purpose than as an entry in this contest. Honest.

Good Luck!

Mayor Al