Published: July 16, 2008 11:04 am         

C’mon candidates, let’s talk it out — debate style

Commentary by Adam Smith

The North Jefferson News



You’d have to have some pretty serious vision impairment issues to not notice the flurry of political signs that have been springing up across north Jefferson County.

‘Tis the season, so they say.

It’s the season of politics and freedom of choice to elect leaders for your cities and towns. In actuality, it’s a season I’ve been somewhat dreading.

On one hand, I love politics and politicians. I’m equally fascinated by those who can retain every ounce of their sense of self while campaigning and serving and by the Jekyll and Hyde candidates. Those are the ones who are the down-to-earth, slap ‘em on the back, kiss some babies, shake some hands kind of folks who will tell you whatever you want to hear and then manage to screw it up once they get into power.

There are very few of the former, while the latter are a dime a dozen.

So what do I dread? It’s not so much the hard work of tracking down candidates, interviewing them and writing stories to inform you just where they stand on a variety of topics. That’s the kind of work I’m used to, and frankly, gives us plenty of material to write about for the next three or four weeks.

I do dread the calls from various members of the community who want to know why we’re not writing stories about some candidate who has been seen stealing his or her opponent’s campaign signs.

I dread calls from people who want to know why we’re not going to write stories about what he or she heard a candidate say about another candidate in private.

The North Jefferson News is not in the business of publishing dirt, lies or other half-truths about any candidate. This is the season of political tricks and mudslinging, but we’re not in the business of publishing it.

There is one thing missing from this political season that I’ve had several people ask me about — debates.

You’d be surprised how many residents in north Jefferson County would like to see a good, spirited debate between candidates. I know I would. Heck, I’d even be willing to moderate and ask a series of random ridiculous and serious questions.

“How do you plan to lure more economic growth to your city or town?”

“If you were a tree, what kind would you be?”

“What do you feel is the biggest challenge facing residents in your community?”

“Can you name all the members of the 1970s rock group Molly Hatchet?”

“Do you feel a property tax would be the best way to help fund public safety?”

“Name the state capitals in less than three minutes. Annnnnd Go!”

It’s this back-and-forth line of questioning that will keep candidates on their toes. It’s also a means of psychological warfare meant to elicit an honest response.

If the debates cannot be arranged, I would suggest one of the three following competitions to help a true front-runner emerge:

• Pie-eating contest

• Sack race

• Knife throwing

If those three are not an option, I would like to see a debate of some kind, between the region’s mayoral candidates at the very least.

There are a lot of good men and women running for office. I think north Jefferson County voters have a right to hear the issues they are most concerned about debated in a civilized manner between civilized adults.