Pair of Robbinsdale Council Candidates See Unusual Ballot Situation
Jason Greenberg defeated David Dirkers in the Aug. 13 special election to fill a vacant Robbinsdale City Council seat.
Greenberg won Ward 2 with 59.98% of the vote. Dirkers received 38.9%.
But, voters may have noted Greenberg and Dirkers were both listed in the primary for Ward 2 as well.
Their double names on the ballot was no accident.
After Ward 2 Councilmember Sheila Webb resigned last fall, the Robbinsdale City Council was left with an open seat.
Right now, the city charter that requires a special election to be held if the rest of the unexpired term is longer than eight months.
This time around, it made for an interesting ballot.
“The city manager, in his years of government leading up to this, he said it was the first time he had seen this exact situation,” Dirkers said.
That’s because Dirkers and Greenberg were running in both the special and primary elections for Ward 2, so they were listed under two categories on the ballot.
Both have been campaigning for months already, after coming out as frontrunners in the special election primary.
Greenberg and Dirkers were the top vote-getters in Tuesday’s primary.
Both said they’ve spent plenty of time door knocking.
“A lot of people asking questions about the light rail project, which makes a lot of sense. It’s a big thing that’s happening,” Greenberg said.
Both candidates have dedicated portions of their websites to their feelings and research on the light rail project. You can access their websites here: Greenberg and Dirkers.
Both Greenberg and Dirkers shared their perspective on yesterday’s election and the upcoming race in November.
The double ballot made campaigning interesting for both candidates.
“It did complicate it, made for some funny conversations trying to explain everything to people,” Dirkers said.
“Ward 2 was going to be on the ballot twice — which just always confusing to people,” Greenberg said.
Looking Ahead
After winning the special election, Greenberg is now a council member for Robbinsdale. It’s up to the voters if he keeps that position come next year.
“I want to make sure that people feel like their voices are being represented now, as well as into the new term that will start in 2025,” Greenberg said.
Dirkers got second, and will advance alongside Greenberg to advance to the general election.
He said he called Greenberg to congratulate him and talk over ideas they have in common.
“I was running for Robbinsdale, and I am running for Robbinsdale still,” Dirkers said.
In November, the two will face off for the last time this election cycle.
Changing the Charter
Looking ahead, the Robbinsdale City Council is looking to change the charter, and allow the council to appoint members to vacant seats in the future. The provision would also allow council member recalls.
The council would have to unanimously support that amendment for it to happen.
