Candidates who won’t talk, don’t deserve a vote
One of the treasures of democracy is we get to elect the people who represent us. Considering what’s at stake, most of us want to choose wisely when making that decision.
We want to know the candidates – the people pushing to be our elected leaders – because it’s important who runs our government. When it’s our lives and our livelihood at stake, our government officials can either make a difference or fight a continual battle with competency.
That said, it’s a complete enigma why candidates for political office would turn their back on a chance to address the voters. It’s difficult to believe a candidate running for governor and another running for county executive would refuse to attend an open forum held for the sole purpose of hearing their views.
Simply put, if Van Hilleary and Kenneth Rogers can’t tell us why they deserve to be elected, then why should anyone vote for them?
The Standard makes that statement after a series of election debates the paper is currently sponsoring with public radio station WCPI. Republican gubernatorial candidate Van Hilleary turned down an offer to debate opponent Jim Henry right here in Warren County. Instead, Henry showed up by himself and wondered aloud why Hilleary was hiding.
The following week, a very successful debate took place between the three Democratic front-runners in the race for governor. Phil Bredesen, Randy Nichols and Charles Smith all took the time from their busy schedules to debate in McMinnville in front of a crowd of about 150.
Whether you liked one of the candidate or not, you had to admire all three for making the effort to be here. Hearing the candidates tell their philosophies – not in a 15-second sound bite, or a few paragraphs in the newspaper – but in person, really made an impact.
And that brings us to this week’s debate between Warren County Executive candidates Bob Warren and Carol Hamblen. Candidate Kenneth Rogers was invited but he has declined the invitation.
To Rogers, we extend these feelings: We wish you would reconsider. There’s still time left to show up for Monday’s debate. It’s OK to change your mind.
If not, then what’s the purpose of voting for you? If you can’t give your neighbors an impression of how you’ll stand up and represent Warren County, how can you possibly be a leader?
A debate is simple. You show up and tell people what you think. If you’re talking from the heart, you shouldn’t even need notes.
If people can’t a least get a glimpse of your leadership qualities, your goals and ambitions, it makes voting like a blind plunge. It’s like buying a car without even a test drive.
When you run for office, it’s your job to sell yourself. It’s your duty to hammer home why you are the best candidate – not leave people wondering.
Van Hilleary’s chance is over. To the voters of Warren County, he turned his back on you this election.
It’s not too late for Mr. Rogers yet. He can still show up for the debate and tell us why he is the best person to represent Warren County. If he can’t do that, then why should we elect him to be the leader of Warren County?