At tonight’s debate in Copper a promise was kept, to let the people speak. From the beginning of our campaign we have promised to listen and to take action and tonight was about keeping that promise to the people.
One of the people who attended tonight’s debate said
” I heard that he was a history teacher, he certainly made history tonight.”
During the campaign we have heard people say they are “Jaded” or “Disappointed” in the political system at all levels, local, state and federal. One of the recurring themes that is evident when speaking about local politics is that people feel like they should be able ask questions directly from the audience and have them answered instead of the regular “canned questions” pitched by a sleepy moderator.
Tonight we asked that the moderator facilitate people in the audience, to allow them to ask the questions directly to the candidates without any filtering, similar to public comment time at the Board of Supervisors meetings. A person approaches the microphone, states their name, where they are from and proceeds with their question.
This is the very format we asked for tonight, however the moderator and the current supervisor stated they were in control and there would be no questions taken directly from the audience at all. They quickly closed the meeting and announced it was over.
If the intent of the meeting was for citizens of Copperopolis to have an opportunity to ask the candidates questions so they could get to know them better, why would there be opposition to letting people from the audience ask questions directly?
The offer was made several times to take questions directly, but neither the moderator or my opponent was willing to compromise. Once again we have a true example of people in positions of power that want to maintain the status quo.
One of the reasons our country is so great, exists in our ability as common people, to affect a change in the powers that be through our votes. Please make sure that you and those you know, vote on November 2nd and exercise your power.
I have listened, I continue to listen and if elected will remain available to receive your input about our community, because it is “OUR” community and you deserve a voice.
“I’m listening Calaveras”…………….Darren
Calaveras West Blog 