Last night’s forum
Last night’s forum
Scott Ayers complains in his blog this morning that he has so few letters to the editor that next Monday he may not have any to print. Yet I know of one letter he has been sitting on - not from me an
Scott Ayers complains in his blog this morning that he has so few letters to the editor that next Monday he may not have any to print. Yet I know of one letter he has been sitting on - not from me and meets all his criteria. The letter is very critical of the Herald and that racist cartoon. It will probably be printed on Saturday as that is the least read paper of the week. If he prints it. When asked why he does not print some letters that meet all Herald specs, Scott stalled for a week and then dodged the issue. It is pretty transparent that Scott does not print some letters that are too critical of the Herald or the Herald's interests. And it raises a question of Scott's honesty regarding letters.
8 am
Last night's forum was the first of this general campaign season but the focus was not on the important issues. The sponsoring organizations were more concerned with candidates attitudes towards the homeless, immigrants, low income housing, police treatment of people and ethnic diversity.
The audience did get to start judging the candidates as persons as most had not been through the primary process. And the major issues of water quality and growth were touched on by some candidates. While I have several pages of notes on who had knowledge of the issues and who answered with specifics and who with generalities and empty words, time and work prevent me from posting any of that this morning. No corporate media - no Herald reporter. I didn't even see any Weekly or Indy reporters, but someone I don't know may have been there. I may post some comments in the next few days.
The evening felt like a gathering of the 100 political junkies with virtually everyone knowing everyone else. The organizing groups were fair to all candidates but had some minor problems with process and the sound system. The candidates all tried hard to make a good impression.
If you are planning to attend only one forum - or recommend one to others - then I recommend either the Oct 3 or Oct 16 forums. The Oct 4 will be very limited seating and will focus on neighborhood and southside issues. The Oct 10 will again focus on issues dealing with the poor and those at a disadvantage in our community. Those are issues of importance but will disappoint people wanting to judge the candidates on the major issues. Based on the primary forums, the Whatcom Indy forum on Oct 16 will be by far the best forum. Great seating, great sound and it gives candidates enough time to either shine or hang themselves.
8 am
Last night's forum was the first of this general campaign season but the focus was not on the important issues. The sponsoring organizations were more concerned with candidates attitudes towards the homeless, immigrants, low income housing, police treatment of people and ethnic diversity.
The audience did get to start judging the candidates as persons as most had not been through the primary process. And the major issues of water quality and growth were touched on by some candidates. While I have several pages of notes on who had knowledge of the issues and who answered with specifics and who with generalities and empty words, time and work prevent me from posting any of that this morning. No corporate media - no Herald reporter. I didn't even see any Weekly or Indy reporters, but someone I don't know may have been there. I may post some comments in the next few days.
The evening felt like a gathering of the 100 political junkies with virtually everyone knowing everyone else. The organizing groups were fair to all candidates but had some minor problems with process and the sound system. The candidates all tried hard to make a good impression.
If you are planning to attend only one forum - or recommend one to others - then I recommend either the Oct 3 or Oct 16 forums. The Oct 4 will be very limited seating and will focus on neighborhood and southside issues. The Oct 10 will again focus on issues dealing with the poor and those at a disadvantage in our community. Those are issues of importance but will disappoint people wanting to judge the candidates on the major issues. Based on the primary forums, the Whatcom Indy forum on Oct 16 will be by far the best forum. Great seating, great sound and it gives candidates enough time to either shine or hang themselves.
