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City Council Regular Meeting - 02/13/06 Minutes - Page 28 Councilmember Pust noted that, in the past she had not been supportive of the concept, but that through additional education, she had become more supportive and recognized the advantages for third party candidates. However, Councilmember Pust questioned the timing, dissimilar to 2003, in the Council being asked to consider an ordinance at this time. Councilmember Maschka noted the proposal's failure in 2003 due to political reasons, and questions the atmosphere at the legislature for another attempt. Mr. Kennedy expressed expectations of a different legislative atmosphere at this time. Councilmember Maschka noted the continuing existence of opposition from strong lobbying groups. City Attorney Anderson expanded his legal comments and cautioned the City from having such an ordinance on the books prior to legislation, in accordance with Minnesota Statute, Section 205.02, related to primary, special and general elections and the differences specific to Charter City provisions addressed in Section 205.065; and considerations of the Minnesota State Constitution's Equal Protection Clause. Mayor Klausing polled the Council to determine a consensus. Councilmember Pust was not supportive of an ordinance, but was willing to consider a resolution of support. Councilmember Kough spoke against instant runoff elections; opining that primaries were important to voters. Councilmember Ihlan expressed her willingness to consider the ordinance, noting that language regarding the effective date of such ordinance in Section 3 of the proposed ordinance addressed the City Attorney's observations and concerns. Councilmember Maschka, while supportive of pursuing legislative innovations at a State level, questioned if this was the appropriate vehicle to pursue such innovations.