* JuanMapu - Vida en Nueva York

Once again I diligently voted in the local elections. I truly believe these are more important than Presidential, but it seems that not everyone agrees with that. Few people vote during Local elections and if they do it is to elect a new Mayor. The legislative branch of government, where corruption thrives, is ignored. Legislators, however, are the most accessible politicians. They have an office in your neighborhood where you can throw rocks or leave complaint notes. These guys don't need to campaign too much, especially the incumbents. My city council district incumbent, Robert Jackson, a democrat, will get a new period easily. Republicans didn't have a candidate and Jackson is also in the ballot for the Working Families Party. He ran his democrat machine against Firma Shlimel (Libertarian Party) and my pick Julius Tajiddin (Free, Equal & Just).

As for mayor I wanted to vote for any of the candidates with no chance to win. I was between Frances Villar, the 26 years old Dominican girl from the Party for Socialism and Liberation, and Rev. Billy Talen from the Green Party. I voted for Frances --even with my girlfriend calling me a looser for that. I like her web site but most important is her will to explain Socialism to the people. She should run for City Council in the future.

In this democracy the one with money is the one that wins an election. That is why this morning I just went to have fun at the voting poll and voted for the good intentions of those trying to bring people's power to government. Here are the rest of my votes:

- Public Advocate = Maura Deluca, Socialist Worker
- City Comptroller = Salim Ejaz, Rent Is Too High (love this name)
- Manhattan President = Tom Baumann, Socialist Worker
- District Attorney = Richard M Aborn, Working Families