Political Observers Weigh In

Some will point to a lull in the development wars, others to what they see as an all-powerful local political machine or a voting rights lawsuit that could change the way Council members are elected.

Still others point to the high-stakes drama in the nation's capitol that could be distracting voters from local issues.

But for whatever reason, the November 6 race for three open council seats -- as well as the four local measures on the ballot -- have generated the least interest in decades.

"There isn't a real outcry about development, and so people are less motivated to run," said former Mayor Denny Zane.

"We have elections, and the thing is a done deal," said Tricia Crane, a local slow-growth activist and vocal critic of City Hall. "People have just given up."

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