Should we dump politicians from the Renton River Days Parade?

The Renton Reporter just ran this interesting opinion piece suggesting that it was time to dump politicians from the Renton River Days Parade.

I just want to say that I’m not at all offended by this idea, and can see that it might make sense.

As guest-columnist Bill Virgin points out, politicians are in the parade in two capacities; (1) current city officials riding near the start of the parade, (2) candidates running for local and state offices who have designed their own floats, cars etc and are often handing out literature. Mr. Virgin suggests we consider both of these be reduced or eliminated, to tighten up the parade and make it more kid friendly.

I actually tend to agree, at least to an extent. While I would never turn down a request by parade organizers to participate in an official capacity, I would not make a stink if I was told I was not wanted in the parade. I trust the many wonderful volunteers working on Renton River Days to make good choices about such things, and I’m in no position to second-guess them. There are countless people who work much harder than I do to bring the River Days Parade to life.

One suggestion I have proposed to other council members in the past is that the Mayor and Council could consider all boarding the same vehicle (truck, fire-engine, trailer, whatever), and compress eight cars down to one. Usually, I bring this idea up too late, when being formally asked to participate… and at this point the cars are already scheduled for any given year, so we go with the plan. Perhaps I should push this idea a little more, and a little earlier.

With regard to candidates, I would be okay with the parade organizers making a blanket request for candidates to refrain from participating. I thing most candidates would be okay with this, if they were convinced that everyone else would do it too.

As a frequent candidate for office I can tell you that there is usually pressure to create a parade entry for your campaign, particularly if you feel your competition may be doing it. No one wants to look out-organized by their competition, or fear that citizens will think they did not care enough about their own campaign to enter the parade.

On the other hand, I know that the parade is a celebration, largely centered around children, and there is a lot of sense in handling the politicking elsewhere. Hence, I have run highly-contested races in Renton three times, and only once did I have a parade entry.

Other cities around the country have asked politicians not to enter their parades, and have generally had success when they want to keep them out. No successful politician will insist on being in a parade where they are not wanted. It may be a little harder to keep out yard signs, sticker, and buttons for politicians on the other floats, but maybe that’s not too big a deal… they are not really making the parade take any longer. And again, the parade organizers could request that people voluntarily refrain from promoting candidates.

In short, as Renton’s current longest-serving local official, I will be completely happy to leave this question to parade organizers, and I would encourage my colleagues in elected office –and those running for office– to do the same. I want Renton River Days to achieve it’s full potential, however the organizer think that will happen.

What do you all think about this?