Second of two parts
Re “Clarke Raised $25,000 Last Time. He Will Need to Step It up”
[img]1792|right|Jim Clarke||no_popup[/img]City Councilman Jim Clarke hopes he can raise 20 percent more in his run for a full four-year term than he did two years ago when he successfully chased an unexpired two-year commitment.
“I have been wondering about that,” said Mr. Clarke, who dedicated most of his political career to strategizing before branching into office-seeking two winters ago. His objective is to jump from $25,000 to $30,000 this cycle.
“The first time, people support you because they are willing to take a chance and give to you, he said.
“This time when you go back to them, they can say, ‘Well, I supported you and I helped to elect you. Do you think you can do the next one on your own?’
“The line I have been using is, ‘With term limits, this is the last time I will be asking you for money.’”
Pause here.
Term limits? After just six years in office instead of the two full four-year terms, as the City Charter seems to suggest?
He served out the last two years of Scott Malsin’s term after the Councilman resigned. However, the exact resignation date was carefully calculated, and that could hinder Mr. Clarke’s intention – if he wishes – to run again in four years.
Almost laconically, the 65-year-old Mr. Clarke adds in footnote style, “I don’t know” about term limits.
“When I was elected, they made a determination, and I did not really question it.
“Supposedly, there was a day or two more than two years left on Scott’s term when he left office.”
Mr. Clarke was speaking by cell phone from the Senior Center. “So I am feeling really young today,” he cracked. “These are my peeps.”
