Letting George Do It

Although St. Paul conducts its local elections without partisan labels, it counts as a definitely Democratic city. Accordingly, it came as a surprise two years ago when plodding George Vavoulis, owner of a small florist shop, got elected mayor by 6,000 votes; Vavoulis ran as an independent, but was regarded as a Republican. Accepted explanation for the upset: Vavoulis' opponent, supported by Minnesota's Democratic-Farmer-Labor alliance, was overconfident, waged too easygoing a campaign. When Vavoulis ran for reelection this year, the D.F.L. candidate campaigned strenuously, placed newspaper ads picturing himself and President Kennedy, and few St. Paul politicians expected Vavoulis to repeat the 1960 fluke. But last week, by George, Vavoulis won again, this time by 7,000 votes.

Vavoulis has little political glamour, little flair, little gift of gab. But he has two qualities that St. Paul voters obviously like a lot: he conveys an impression of deep sincerity, and he works very hard at his job. "I saw the man turn up at meetings I never dreamed the mayor even knew about," says a St. Paul newsman. "He may have been a bit tiresome, but he was tireless."

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