ONE: You're going to have to cut these people SOME slack. They are working, and campaigning. Their days are scheduled to the hilt Meetings, Meet&Greets, events, fundraisers (vital to their ability to compete), debate prep and debates, and the hastily gulped meal.
When they take the time, late at night, after all the stuff that has gone on for the day, they are sincerely trying to be responsive and answer all the questions.
Many of these questions are going to be asked in the debates, so in some respects it will help them with their debate prep - but you're going to have to exercise patience. You've just piled on one more thing to carry in the marathon that the next - what is it? 45/75 days? entails.
TWO: You are really going to HAVE TO require real names for submitted questions. In this country we have FREE SPEECH - it is about damn time people stopped hiding in the shadows when they exercise that right. This is an important election, and we deserve to know who is asking the question.
THREE: The comments section is going to be even worse, and completely unmanageable as it grows to the point that no same person can possibly read them all. I would drop the comments, honestly. If what you're looking for is answers to questions, that's a good thing, if you are expecting these candidates to somehow participate in the comments thread, that is going to be impossible for them to do. It's not even going to be possible for one of their volunteers to manage the comments section.
QUESTIONS:
◼ HOMELESSNESS: What is your take on the homeless issues in our county, and what do you see as possible solutions? Is more incarceration a fix? (ASKED OF ALL FOUR CANDIDATES)
◼ Answered by: Allan Dollison◼ PART-TIME VERSUS FULL-TIME: Being that you have been working predominantly part-time throughout the years, how could you be ready to tackle the important issues on a full-time basis? (ASKED OF MAGGIE FLEMING)
◼ Answered by: Maggie Fleming
◼ Answered by: Arnie Klein
◼ Answered by: Maggie Fleming◼ CRIMINALS OR SICK?: It seems drug addicts are psychically addicted to substances, leaving less room for choice once the body becomes dependent upon it. Do you view drug addicts as criminals, or sick? And how does sentencing effect their opportunity to get better or lack thereof. (ASKED OF ARNIE KLEIN)
◼ link◼ CPR: Have you accepted campaign contributions from Humboldt Citizens for Property Rights? (ASKED OF ALL FOUR CANDIDATES)
◼ link◼ METH/HEROIN: Seeing how no one dares answer the most important question facing this county, maybe you will. Do you consider meth and heroin the single biggest problem facing the county? If so, what do you intend to do to stop this problem? (ASKED OF ARNIE KLEIN)
◼ link◼ YOUR BAR RECORD: The California State Bar website states that you were sanctioned and suspended from the practice of law after stipulating to 16 counts of misconduct including lying to clients, stealing clients’ money, forging court documents, and other acts of moral turpitude.
Why do you think that you can be the chief law enforcement officer in the county when you have such a record of dishonesty, if not criminal behavior?
Also, the State Bar record notes that you are under the care of a psychiatrist. Is that still true? (ASKED OF ALLAN DOLLISON)
◼ link◼ PLEA BARGAINS: The daily arrest logs indicate there are some names that appear over and over again. Understanding that plea bargains are often a way of avoiding jury trials but still a “victory” for both sides, will you, if elected, avoid that trap and take the felony cases of habitual offenders to trial to add to their strike list? In other words, will rap sheets mean anything to you as the DA? (ASKED OF ÉLAN FIRPO)
◼ link◼ METH: What will you do to combat meth abuse in the county? (ASKED OF MAGGIE FLEMING)
◼ link◼ EXPERIENCED DEPUTIES: When Terry Farmer was district attorney, the DA’s office had numerous experienced and dedicated deputy district attorneys. One of these attorneys, Allison Jackson, challenged our current DA in the last election and nearly won. Clearly she still desires to serve. If elected, will you actively try to rehire Allison Jackson? (ASKED OF MAGGIE FLEMING)
◼ link◼ LEADERSHIP: Under Paul Gallegos, the assistant district attorney (ADA) was responsible for the nuts and bolts, day-to-day operation of the DA’s office. The ADA supervised the deputies, fielded countless questions and, perhaps most importantly, actively mentored the many new and inexperienced deputies.
On your campaign website you state, “I did not plan to seek a political office, but I am running because I know I have the qualifications, experience, work ethic, professionalism and managerial training to best serve Humboldt County.”
For many years, Wes Keat served valiantly as ADA. When he retired, did you apply for the ADA position? If not, why not? (ASKED OF MAGGIE FLEMING)
◼ link
You are so right about the time constraints on the candidates. All we can hope for is that the candidates do their best and if an answer is not immediately forthcoming, people don't immediately jump on them for not answering. Between work, campaigning, and a little thing called family, their days are already filled.
ReplyDeleteYes, it is a very difficult thing to do, maybe the hardest thing they've ever done. When it's over we'll have to ask Allan how it compares to boot camp!
ReplyDeleteBut it is a good thing in the end, because it hones them, makes them stronger, and prepares them for the difficult job they are taking on.
I find great value in the idea of candidates answering questions directly from community members. However, with trolling experience I must say that LOCO is the place where a large amount of seasoned troll's go to play here in Humboldt. It is my hope that all of the candidates know what that looks like and how to deal with it. Facts like statistics, and wit will get them far in a trolling war of questions. Furthermore a trolls greatest accomplishment in trolling can be as simple as getting someone to stumble or retract a statement in a previous response. I am not real certain that some of candidates will even know how to recognize a troll unless pointed out, and certainly some of them will not have the skill to combat that. So be careful everything can be a land mine out there.
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