In a few days African-American elected officials will gather to discuss what went wrong in November’s election and how to rebound. So, here’s some observations on the election debacle and suggestions our Black elected officials should consider.
First, understand why Bart Peterson lost Black votes.
It wasn’t just a white backlash that sunk Mayor Peterson; a fair number of Black voters were dissatisfied with how they felt our Black community had fared under his administration.
That dissatisfaction showed up in the WISH-TV and WTHR/Star polls showing one-fifth to one-sixth of Black voters undecided whether to vote for a two term Democratic mayor.
How did the Peterson campaign address Black voter dissatisfaction? By running ads saying that Black Enterprise named Indianapolis as one of the Top 10 cities for Blacks.
That message was out of touch with Black voters’ concerns about crime, neighborhood redevelopment and, to a lesser degree, taxes. Black voters felt Mayor Peterson and Black elected officials had done nothing to improve their lives and neighborhoods.
Despite soft Black voter support, Peterson spent less than 1 percent of his $3 million campaign war chest marketing to African-American voters. Considering how critical Black voters were to Peterson’s winning calculus, spending less than 30 grand to motivate and enthuse Black voters was a pitiful investment.
Peterson made the mistake many white Democratic candidates make — spend as little as possible to reach Black voters.
Parsimonious spending and an unfocused message didn’t help bring Black voters home to Bart Peterson. His 5,312-vote losing margin could’ve been overcome if the campaign had addressed Black voters real concerns. They didn’t and Democrats paid the price.
The biggest complaint I hear from Blacks about their politicians is that they don’t “hear” and “see” them. I know our Black politicians attend scores of neighborhood and community meetings. But most Blacks don’t belong to a neighborhood association; community meetings are sparsely attended.
In an African-American community that’s now a quarter million strong, Black politicians must find new ways of re-connecting with their constituents. Here are some ideas.
How about salon Saturday where Black politicians drop into neighborhood barbershops and beauty shops just to meet, talk and listen?
Do the same at day care centers, grocery stores and those big summertime family reunions.
And since I suspect Mayor-elect Greg Ballard won’t have the massive Black Expo presence like Mayor Peterson, Black Democratic politicians should have an Expo booth staffed all weekend; not by volunteers, but by every Black elected official. It should replace Expo’s Black Elected Officials Reception.
I enjoy meeting, interacting and learning from people when I sit in my company’s Expo booth. If I can, so can our Black politicians. And I’ll bet Expo’ll give up the booth for free.
Demand white Democrats get out their voters.
Despite the fact that Black politicians and activists have gotten out the Black vote, there’s always criticism from white Democrats that Blacks haven’t done their job.
Well, its time Black Democrats challenge their white counterparts to do their job. Looking at the election returns, there were several disappointing areas for Democrats. One is Wayne Township west of Haughville from Rockville to 34th from Tibbs to I-465. Another is eastern Center Township, from I-70 to Emerson between the Conrail tracks and 21st Street. A third is southern Center Township south of Morris. While there are plenty of Black voters in these areas, there are plenty more white voters. Democrats have done a poor job organizing and getting out this vote. White critics of the Black Democratic organization should cut their carping, hunker down and get out the vote in these vote-rich, but pitifully organized Democratic areas.
Get over disliking white media.
For Black politicians representing majority-white districts and those elected countywide, it’s imperative that you communicate not just with Black voters, but also with white voters.
While the Recorder and Black radio have scores of white readers and listeners, most white voters get their news from white-oriented media. To counteract white voter backlash, Black politicians must end their media phobia and confront and communicate with white media.
Bombard them with what you’re doing in your duties. When asked a question, answer quickly and honestly. If you don’t know, say that. And most important, don’t do things that will cause the media to come after you with a meat ax.
Media feast on crooked or dishonorable politicians, regardless of race, creed or party. But, if Black politicians are doing their job honorably, professionally, playing by the rules, operating ethically, they have nothing to fear.
And don’t be afraid to enter the lion’s den of the one-dimensional local conservative talk shows. If your position is just and correct, take on the Garrisons’ and Abduls’ as Jesus confronted the Pharisees or Dr. King confronted Bull Connor.
There are plenty of fair-minded whites who’ll appreciate your candor, honesty and determination. And you’ll earn their votes.
Nice candidates finish last.
Tell what Democrats are for and against.
No one likes negative campaigning — BUT: Voters, especially Black voters, want to know where our elected officials stand on the issues. And where the other party stands or doesn’t stand. In this past election, Democrats did a horrible job of explaining their positions.
This column repeatedly explained that the property tax increase was not the fault of city/county government, but was because many properties were assessed far below their actual value. Democrats never made the case. Never told the truth that the state of Indiana approves all property tax rates and assessments. The state signed off on the Marion County assessment debacle.
Worse, Democrats never made the case of why the local income had to go up. Local income taxes should have been raised to lower property taxes. Democrats never made that case. Never defended themselves. Never compared their positions to Republicans.
And they paid dearly for it.
That must stop.
In the 2008 election, Democrats must make it clear where they stand on the issues. And call the other side to account when they don’t.
And do it from the get go. Not wait until 48 hours before Election Day.
To our Black elected officials. Hope this advice helps. I hope you use it.
See ‘ya next week.
Amos Brown’s opinions are not necessarily those of the Indianapolis Recorder Newspaper. You can contact him at (317) 221-0915 or e-mail him at ACBROWN@AOL.COM.
