Centerfield

Nonpartisan Elections in New York

Former LA Mayor Richard Riordon endorses proposed nonpartisan elections in New York City

All city and county elections in California are nonpartisan, and have been for more than 90 years. Nonpartisan elections often lead to more choice and greater participation, and those are reasons enough for New Yorkers to vote on Tuesday in favor of eliminating party primaries in city elections. My experience shows another benefit of nonpartisan elections: they encourage nonpartisan governing.

In my two terms as mayor, I had only a few ideological disputes with the City Council, unions and businesses. I selected my staff on the basis of ability, not party loyalty. We then put the interests of Los Angeles before those of any political party.

Beyond Los Angeles, the evidence is clear. California's mayors and city councils tend to work together better than its legislators and governor because mayors do not enter office on a partisan ballot. Candidates elected in a primary limited to members of a political party, like the state legislators, are forced to the extremes as they appeal to the most ideological partisans.

Update: Howard Dean stands accused on flip-flopping on this issue, according to Dean Independents.