Comprehensive Election Reforms in Mendocino County and Beyond
Effective Representation for All,
Because Consent of the Governed Matters

The most common way people give up their power is by thinking they don't have any.
Alice Walker

...all experience hath shown that mankind are more disposed to suffer, while evils are sufferable, than to right themselves by abolishing the forms to which they are accustomed.
U.S. Declaration of Independence
There are three sides to every story: your side, my side, and the truth.
Robert Evans

When we try to pick out anything by itself, we find it hitched to everything else in the Universe.
John Muir

The significant problems we have cannot be solved at the same level of thinking with which we created them.
Albert Einstein

Be the change you wish to see in the world.
Mahatma Gandhi

Are you looking for alternatives to

  • divisive politics?
  • political gridlock?
  • money influencing elections and elected representatives?
  • having to choose either a rock or a hard place?
  • campaign attack ads?
  • spoiler candidates changing election outcomes?
  • candidates elected with less than half the votes cast?
  • minority interests choosing an entire city council or school board?
  • 51% overriding the needs and desires of the other 49%?
  • ballot measures benefitting a specific business or industry?
  • district boundaries drawn to benefit certain candidates?
  • following the path offered by politicians, parties or PACs?

It's been said that insanity is doing the same thing over and over while hoping for a different result. We're working for fundamental campaign and election reforms that help voters feel comfortable voting for candidates they really want without fear of unintended consequences. This includes

  • demonstrating that everyone matters
  • attracting candidates who understand and represent voters' needs
  • placing all candidates on an equal footing
  • having an election system that allows voting for the most preferred candidate without fear of unintentionally contributing to the election a less desirable candidate.
  • Governing bodies that reflect the diversity of those represented, and work respectfully and constructively to seek solutions that benefit everyone.

Mark Twain quipped, It could probably be shown by facts and figures that there is no distinctly native criminal class except Congress. After working with maximum security prisoners as an Alternatives to Violence Project facilitor, I started wondering if politicians could also learn these fundamental communication and collaboration skills. This website focuses concepts from Winning Decisions on government, candidates, journalists and voters.

The good news is we're exploring solutions that work as a grassroots effort, within existing laws and at very little cost. The bad news is it may require a grassroots effort which depends on the active participation of many people.

Tell us about your interests, skills and knowledge. If you just want to watch, what are you hoping to see? You may also add your name to our e-mail list.

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