I never dreamed offering local political candidates a free opportunity to talk to the voters would cause such paranoia and controversy as it did earlier this month when we held the inaugural Smithville Review Forum.

I figured most folks who were running for office would love the opportunity to freely talk to their constituents and answer a few questions. Just this election season, we've had six such forums, hosted by various communities and groups over in Warren County, and the candidates flocked to them, eager to talk. And yes, this even included the folks who were shy about getting up before crowds.

However, on the eve of our forum here, I find out the chair of the Democratic Party had called for candidates not to go to the event. This after everyone had known for weeks about the forum. Puzzled as to why he would want to seemlingly deny members of his party this excellent opportunity, I called him. Now, without going into the meat of the conversation, it was said that someone had already seen the questions. I told him that was impossible because, at the time, I hadn’t even written the questions.

Now, this wasn’t because I was trying to come up with the perfect questions after much research and deliberation. No. It is because I am a procrastinator. I didn’t come up with the questions until an hour before the forum. I’ve helped host or moderated in over a dozen forums during my time at the Warren County newspaper so I’m well versed on the normal questions that are asked to the candidates. Oh, and by the way, there are usually softball questions about basic parts of the office people are seeking. The questions at the Review forum were so easy a third-grader could answer them. I’m still trying to figure out what kind of question people believed I could ask that would be so horrible. I don’t know anyone here so it isn’t exactly like I have a bunch of dirt on anyone.

As for the forum itself, it was a pleasant event where candidates were able to communicate to voters. And, as far as I know, everyone went away happy but confused why others didn’t talk advantage of the opportunity. The ones there also got their pictures in the paper.

Also, another issue the chairman had with the forum was that I hadn’t consulted with either party or the candidates. Well, that’s not how forums work. The hosting party, in this case the Review, sets the rules and makes up the questions. Consulting either side or any candidate as to the questions or format would taint the process.

As a voter, my opinion is that if you want me to vote for you and have my tax dollars pay you in that office, you should be able to communicate with me and tell me your plans. If you have something so dark in your past or are so scared you can’t stand up and talk to your constituents then maybe elected office isn’t for you.
 
Contact Duane at the Review
news@smithvillereview.com