Changing Cambridge, MA Government, Elections

Posted February 12, 2014 9:16 PM ET; Last updated February 21, 2014 9:55 AM ET

In his two-part statistical analysis of voting in Cambridge, (Rick Snedeker, "Let’s end Proportional Representation in Cambridge," Feb. 11, 2014; and "Exhausted votes and mandates in Cambridge's PR system," Feb. 20, 2014, Cambridge Chronicle) Mr. Snedeker fails to distinguish between the form of City government, Plan E under state law, and the method of elections. He does not mention the reason for the city government charter change in 1940. Some suggest it was corruption. Why is that subject seldom discussed by voters, officials and journalists? Especially in a one party state, even after public officials are jailed. What part of "Power corrupts." do the evolved superior Cambridge population not understand? Have the genes of Cambridge voters been cleansed of mendacity, sadism, greed and common sense? How often are integrity and common sense issues in elections?

The importance of acknowledging the reason for proportional voting is called the Fallacy of Chesterton's Fence. If you do not know the reason for a procedure, process or law, you may not repeal it. But if you understand why the rule or law exists, then you may be allowed to change it.

http://abovethelaw.com/2014/01/the-fallacy-of-chestertons-fence/

In George G. Szpiro's wonderful book, Numbers Rule, the author explains the many forms of elections tried throughout history. None of them are perfect. Some have the opposite of desired results, e.g., eliminating the best candidates. Finally Snedecker does not distinguish between low and high information voters.
Mr. Snedeker's interest in government is noble. Cambridge City government is run by people elected under one system. They are bound to act under another set of laws. How closely do these people exercise their power according to law? City Council meetings indicate the amount of lawlessness of the city government. Motions to suspend the rules are the most frequently heard motion.
There are serious dysfunctions of city, state and U.S. government mechanisms, including elections. But aside from pointing out alleged flaws in the current voting system, according to his standards, he makes no proposals to improve the system. Was this system of voting established for a reason? He does not discuss it.

http://cambridge.wickedlocal.com/article/20140211/NEWS/140219178/?tag=1

COLUMN: Let’s end Proportional Representation in Cambridge Part 1 of 2
By Rick Snedeker
Cambridge Chronicle
Posted Feb. 11, 2014 @ 4:17 pm

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http://cambridge.wickedlocal.com/article/20140220/NEWS/140229489/?tag=1

COLUMN: Exhausted votes and mandates in Cambridge's PR system  Part 2 of 2
By Rick Snedeker
Posted Feb. 20, 2014 @ 4:37 pm
Cambridge Chronicle