Why no Candidate Forums?
To the editor:
Voters need accurate information to be able to make a decision about who to vote for. The best way for voters to understand a candidate’s values and where they stand on issues is to hear directly from the candidate.
As Chair of the Aroostook County Democratic Committee, I was frustrated in 2012 when planned candidate forums were cancelled because Republican candidates refused to participate in them.
I hoped for more this year. On July 7 I met with representatives of the three Aroostook Chambers of Commerce, Aroostook Partnership, WAGM, and the Chair of the Aroostook Republicans. We all agreed to dates and formats for four regional public candidate forums and joint appearances on WAGM featuring all Aroostook candidates for Maine House and Senate seats. I notified all of the Democratic candidates and they all agreed to appear at all events. On Sept. 4, interested parties were sent confirmation of dates, times, and locations.
On Sept. 14 we were notified that all of the public forums had been cancelled and the format for appearances on WAGM had changed. Candidates would not be appearing together. Again this year Republican candidates are refusing to participate in forums that will allow voters to accurately decide who to vote for. What are the Republicans afraid of?
Instead of appearing with their opponents in open, public forums, Republicans are dropping literature on people’s doorsteps that is filled with falsehoods about their opponents. They are paying others to call voters and repeat those falsehoods. When you receive these please do not believe them. Call the candidate who is being targeted and ask them for the truth. Then call the candidate spreading it and ask them why they are afraid to appear in public to answer voter questions.
Senate District 1 Republican candidate, Tim Guerrette, was asked why he wouldn’t appear in public with Democratic candidate, Troy Jackson. He answered said it wasn’t up to him and that he was doing what he was told.
I don’t want someone representing me in Augusta who just does what the party tells him to do. I want someone who represents me based on principles, values, and the best interests of Aroostook rather than the interests of party bosses downstate. Troy Jackson has already proven that he is that kind of person and I urge others to join me in voting for him on November 8.
Shelly Mountain
Central vice chair
Aroostook County Democrats
Mapleton
