Behind The Ballot: Should The Minneapolis Election Filing Fee Increase?

MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) - We all watched as dozens of people signed up to become mayor of Minneapolis in 2013.

Now, Minneapolis voters are faced with the question on Tuesday's ballot of whether the Minneapolis Charter Commission should increase its filing fee.

In December 2012, we learned Mayor R.T. Rybak would not seek a fourth term.

"I'm going to do the toughest thing for me and keep my mouth shut and go away," Rybak said with a laugh.

Shortly after the announcement, a total of 35 people threw in their hats to become the next mayor of Minneapolis.

"We had a lot of people plunk down their $20 and be on the November ballot for mayor," said Barry Clegg, chair of the Minneapolis Charter Commission.

After seeing the number of candidates, the commission thought it was time to increase the filing fee. The cost would jump from $20 to $500 to run for mayor, and to $250 for a city council run.

During a public hearing, "the only speakers opposed to the change were in fact failed candidates for mayor in 2013," said Clegg.

Like Captain Jack Sparrow, who ran for mayor and lost.

He's not a fan of increasing the fee. As a matter of fact, he's suggesting candidates should be paid to run. He calls it "community funding" and about $10,000 per candidate should do it.

"I only want to see serious candidates, and there are other ways besides money to determine who is serious," said Capt. Jack. "Money doesn't determine who is serious."

Capt. Jack says doing community service could determine who's serious.

Another former mayoral candidate opposed to the increase, Bob Carney Jr.

"I think we should leave the fees as they are now," said Carney.

Now it's up to voters on Tuesday.

An alternative to paying a filing fee could be a petition of voter signatures as provided in state law.