Letter: Republican candidates not “seen on the campaign trail” by Robert Wojnowski
Editor:
This is in response to letters in the Oct. 2 River News by Charlie Gullan, Tom Tiffany and Rob Swearingen. I’m an independent voter. I closely review the statements spouted by politicians and pundits. You know…things like more taxes, no taxes, less taxes, death squads, where is the next country we should invade and why, etc. I’m very skeptical and take a very hard look at “facts” and context.
So Mr. Gullan is under the impression that the League of Women Voters is “very liberal,” whatever that means. My first impression was that there was nothing to suggest some kind of “liberal” conspiracy. This is the second forum, open to the public, that I attended. My questions, along with those of others in attendance, were answered by candidates including Democrats, Libertarians and Independents…but no Republicans. Apparently, the candidates in attendance weren’t fearful of any conspiracy.
My second thought with respect to Mr. Gullan’s belief/letter is, “So what.” Does this mean that Mr. Tiffany and Mr. Swearingen should attend no events, forums or meetings where there may be others having different ideas? Even Mr. Romney stated he was looking forward to his debate with President Obama in hopes that it would allow the voters to understand him better. Mr. Ryan spoke at an AARP meeting in hopes of clarifying his position, even though not everyone in attendance was in agreement.
My understanding is that the LWV’s forum was open to the public with all the candidates being invited. The Oneida-Vilas School Board forum was closed to the public and scheduled after the LWV forum date was established. Speaking of “commitment to education” as Mr. Tiffany stated, at least three of the candidates at the LWV’s forum are or have been teachers.
Local political outcomes can be extremely important and influential. Politics and politicians seem to be lacking transparency these days. Personally, I need to hear from the candidates. I had hoped to hear from Mr. Tiffany and Mr. Swearingen in an open forum. I received answers to my questions that suggested clear and sound strategies for solutions to local challenges to the community from Susan Sommer and Merlin Van Buren. The LWV’s forum gave me the opportunity to hear them. Well, Mr. Tiffany, I guess we won’t be seeing you “on the campaign trail.”
Robert Wojnowski, Rhinelander
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