It was what a good political forum should be.  Perfectly organized, managed with panache and confidence,  a format that allowed us to compare candidates, and an endearing venue.  The Coalition of South Side Neighborhoods put it on and it was as well managed as any forum I've ever attended or participated in.  It started promptly at 7 p.m. and was finished at 9:03 p.m. - 3 minutes late.  And during those two hours we got to compare 24 candidates.  It was run without a hitch.  

Well, one hitch.  Someone in the standing area leaned back against a light dimmer and, just as Port Commissioner Jim Jorgenson started speaking, the lights above him started dimming.  He stopped, paused, and asked the audience if he was that bad.  The lights came back on to laughter from all. Nicely done, Jim.  

It was almost a perfect forum as the pace was so brisk and well managed.  Each candidate got 4 one-minute chances to present their case - opening and closing statements, one generic question they knew ahead of time, and one question selected from audience submissions and read by a moderator. The generic question was, basically: tell us why you are qualified, why you want to be elected, and what will you focus on when elected. One minute. Candidates who started to tell the audience of their childhood never got to telling anything needed to win votes.   

24 candidates attended, including most running unopposed.  Again, I've rarely seen a forum with such a great attendance of candidates.  I changed my mind on three contested seats and am sure others did the same.  And, knowing the passionate liberal southsiders, many neighbors will get information passed along in the coffee houses of Fairhaven.  

The venue was the Firehouse Performing Arts Center - the old #2 Bellingham fire station.  Replaced by a new station about 10 years ago, the Firehouse was renovated into a coffee cafe and small theater.  It provided an intimate venue, allowing attendees to easily compare candidates.  It is great to have the candidates next to each other so we can calmly compare as they take turns speaking.  

I've often heard there are too many forums.  Well, I think maybe the real problem is too many forums are boring or too long or hard to follow or so confusing that we don't learn enough about the candidates.  As most readers of NWCitizen know, I've helped stage many forums over the decades here - and tonight's was better run than any forum I've ever helped put on.  Tonight's forum helped those of us who attended to decide who to vote for.  Well done, southsiders.  

I'll write soon about the candidates.  For now just a bit about the forum as it deserves credit.  To be sure you know, I had nothing to do with this forum. It was nice to simply attend, enjoy, form opinions, and make up my mind.  I'm ready to vote.