Wasted Money From the sounds of things, it looks like there very well may be primary election in September for the city council race this fall. From a candidate's perspective, this has both its benefits and drawbacks. Basically it gives a candidate two opportunities to make a case, but it also costs more money for things like signs and such. In my case, it probably helps get my name out there more than it otherwise would. I welcome that opportunity.

However, from a taxpayer's point of view, this would be a royal waste of money if we hold a primary election simply to eliminate no more than a handful of candidates. The fact is that there are nine at-large seats and the top nine vote-getters in September will likely be the top nine, possibly save one or two, in November.

I understand the idea of such an election to narrow a field down to two candidates for one seat, i.e. the mayor's race, but that scenario doesn't seem to apply this year.

What's the point of narrowing down the council race? How much does such an election cost the city?  ¶ 9:49 PM