A quarter of its members will be new. Four members will be openly gay, the most ever. The Republican minority, though still tiny, will grow to five from three. For the first time, a majority will be black, Hispanic or Asian. Also for the first time, an Asian-American will represent Chinatown....
The 13 new members include 7 who won seats vacated by lawmakers who pursued higher office; 5 who ousted incumbents; and one who will replace Miguel Martinez, the Manhattan councilman who resigned in July and pleaded guilty to fraud charges.
With the focus on a few key races, including drama upstate when a conservative outsider pushed the local Republican out of the race for a special election per the safe Republican seat leaving to serve as Secretary of the Army, much less attention was given to local races. As noted by the above description, there was some news to be had here. Add to this a pretty close (given all his advantages) mayoral contest for Bloomberg and the first city-wise Asian officeholder, one who was a bit of an upset in the four way race for comptroller, and even an off year election matters. After all, we had a Republican pagan winning:
The society is hierarchical in nature. The group views those that do not belong to them as outsiders. The responsibility of an individual is to the family, the community, and to those bound by oaths of support. Outsiders have no standing in this society, although hospitality is an important aspect of the culture. Theodism doesn't recognize inherited positions of power. The individual must prove their worth through their deeds. No on is automatically important by right of birth.
More here* about the "adherent of Theodism, a neo-pagan faith that draws from pre-Christian tribal religions of northern Europe" who became one of those few Republicans in the city council. There are two Buddhists and one Muslim in the U.S. Congress, and one self-expressed atheist. But, never heard of any pagans! And, look who is an electoral commentator yet again:
The word “pagan” carries many connotations. “It denotes a particular historical and reality, a set of beliefs,” said Melissa Harris-Lacewell, a professor of politics and African-American studies at Princeton who worships at a Unitarian church that has pagan members. On the other hand, she added, ” ‘Pagan’ is used as a slur, and a way of using a corrupting religious tradition.”
There's more. Interesting. Also interesting, is this discussion on Laura Flanders' show about the perils of extremism on either end of the religious debate. As to how things will change with a bit more new blood and a sign that the electorate were concerned about the old way, shall see. A decent amount of novelty is well a bit novel around here in most political races overall.
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* The reporter here, Jennifer 8. Lee, often writes about local issues and food. She also wrote a book about Chinese food that had some interesting stuff in it.
I recently had soy bean sprouts, more of a Korean food, but one with a lot of nutrient. Less taste by itself, but along with TVP, a very cheap source of protein that can be mixed with other stuff. I soaked the TVP in some diced tomato product and it was quite tasty on a roll with or without vegetables.