We read with dismay the letter from the “conservative Republican candidates” informing the community they would not take part in a forum if it was hosted by the League of Women Voters.
Opinion
This is concerning for many reasons. First and foremost, it is the most undemocratic perspective one could espouse. Even assuming that the League is (gasp!) made up largely of Democrats, are we to understand that legislators are not willing to communicate with, or answer questions from, everyone in the communities they represent? They won’t even listen to or discuss policy with one-third of their constituency? The concept is appalling.
Further, it impugns the women who are a part of the League of Women Voters, who have put on non-partisan forums and debates in our county for years. They have always upheld that promise. To claim otherwise is simply false. These women have been the single most effective group, statewide, at hosting forums. The forums are recorded and put on YouTube, so that they can be accessed at any time, even if people can’t attend the debate.
It is a concerning direction to say that we will not engage in honest discourse with our neighbors. It is especially concerning when our actual representatives outright declare that they will not have a conversation with the people they represent. It is untenable under democratic principles.
Sen. Tim Salazar, Reps. Pepper Ottman and Sarah Penn, and candidates Joel Guggenmos and Tina Clifford, we all need representation and open, fair discussion. Everyone’s voice should be heard.
Signed,
Roger and Barbara Gose
John and Gretchen Vincent
Jared Kail
Bryan Hamilton
Michael Coffey
Dan and Kathy Moline
Travis and Eyvette Becker
Margaret Shaw
Kate Martin
Pat LeBrun
Mike Bailey
Alma Law
Bob and Suzanne Hargis
Tobi Gresback
Rose Stanbury
Bill and Maurine Miller
Tom Fasse
Debra Fustos
Corte and Laura McGuffey
Pat Newlin
Jay Vincent
Jack Schmidt
Vivian Watkins
Norm and Cindy Young
Bill and Dawn Reiter
Nancy and Joel Kindle
Tim and Karyn Ervin
Jim and Julie Yager
Steve and Nance Shelsta
Gay Hughes
Joyce Shimogaki
Susan Goetzinger
Ruby Calvert
Pam Bebout
Owen and Jeri Lampert
Marlene Brodrick
In driving around the county, I find it interesting to see locations (9th and Sweetwater in Lander and entering Hudson from Lander) where the above incumbents/candidates political signs congregate together. Smells fishy that they are likely sporting the same agenda. It disappoints me they are unwilling to “step up to the plate” and attend offered forums. I want open minded, free thinking representatives. It will certainly influence my vote!
This shouldn’t surprise anyone. These people have no answers to what we need and therefore can’t defend their ideas. All they spew is hatred and religious crazy rhetoric. Welcome to MAGA America and our demise as a nation.
The hard right wing is terrified when their “constituents” ask questions that open discussion with regard to truths and the facts. Everyone in our great state ultimately are their “constituents”.
It is really time elected officials remember that they represent every person in their district, not just their party, caucus or church circle. Agree or disagree, you represent each and every one of us and you answer to us, not some dark money PAC or Beltway Think Tank. It is time Wyoming voters start demanding the responsible and responsive representation we had in the past. Legislators like Sen. Bob Peck and Rep. Harry Tipton were never afraid to sit down and talk to any group.
Add my name to the list of signers.
I grew up in Riverton, and this is not how elections ran in my youth! Open discussion of all sides was the norm, regardless of the host organizations. I’m appalled that candidates think this is a good move. Wish I could add my name to the letter, too
Add my name to the list! I’m the Executive Director for the Wyoming NORML Foundation, Disabled Combat Veteran, Wyoming Native (literally) and registered Republican. Wyoming NORML and it’s foundation are BOTH NON-PARTISAN organizations. You can be purple with magic sprinkles! We believe in respecting everyone regardless of color, class, race or political affiliation. We are currently hosting LIVE “Meet the Candidates” interviews. The first one ever is tonight @ 7PM. https://www.facebook.com/Legal4WY. Invitations to participate were sent to ALL currently running candidates, only 12 brave candidates responded, and only 3 have RSVP’d for this evenings session. We just want to know where candidates stand on a Conservative Medical Cannabis Law, we just want transparency.
Wish I lived in Fremont county so I could add my name to the list!
Add my name to this list of signatures!
Closing primaries, narrowing voting rules, now avoiding civilized public dialogue. These candidates are the same ones who clamor for more transparency in government.
Their collective lack of transparency is…..well……transparent!
What do these candidates have to hide?
I fully agree with the opinion posted today. If you are not willing to discuss issues you should not represent the community. Joseph Henry
Vote them out. Simple as that
I am, and have been a member of the Republican party all of my life. As I listen to the terror that is brought into the minds of some our elected officials, and some that have a desire to be elected, about the Fremont County League of Women Voters, I just don’t understand. Earlier this year the League had a bill board out by Milford, it said “VOTE”. That’s pretty damning!
A few weeks ago I attended a meeting of the League at the Riverton library. I admit as a republican, and not being a professional teacher, I was a minority there. The big take on this meeting was how can we bring about more civility to the election and legislative process. That’s pretty damning!
I attended the League sponsored forum in Shoshoni last week, and thought the questions that were asked were all very pertinent. I believe those candidates that are choosing to dodge these forums are missing a great opportunity to let the constituents know of their stance on subjects that are crucial to the Voters. I also believe that the Voters recognize that these individuals are choosing to ignore them.
How responsive do you think they will be for you? You must not vote for them.
I agree with what is said in this piece, and I have been thinking about it in the larger context. Candidates need to make their positions clear to the public, but I am not sure debates work these days– too often they become an exchange of personal jabs among the candidates. I would prefer to see a list of issues that the public has suggested used to give each candidate time to explain his/her stand on the issue in a way that is Q and A, not grandstanding. I think LWV has done an excellent job – I guess I have issues with the word “debate.” In any case, getting candidates to stand up in front of voters is essential, so anyone who refuses to do it will not have my vote.
It’s one thing to answer questions about where you stand on issues in writing – it’s another thing to be able to support those opinions in open debate, and maybe more important, is to see how people present themselves, manage their emotions and be able to speak on a subject consistently (without being able to rely on Google, proofreading, or canned responses).
Well done. Thank you for speaking up for the people in our county.
lets take a look at 1 of the signers.
tobi gresback,democrat,no problem sending money to another democrat,
tim gresback.
of course he lost his election,funny he ran for office in idaho,not wyoming ?
you can fool some of the people some of the time,
you can fool some of the people all the time,
but you can’t fool all the people all the time
Those two people are not related. Many of us share the same last name but are not related.
How can a candidate who is supposed to represent refuse to let his constituents know how he stands on the issues by refusing to debate? Thank you for this editorial.