Editorial
By:
Let’s debate.
This November, voters in Washington Township will have the opportunity to do something they don’t always have the chance to do – make a choice.
Diane Tanner, a Democrat, will face Republican Dave Fried in the battle to complete the unexpired term of the late Township Committeeman Richard Folsom. Republicans Jack Mozloom and Cathy St. John are running unopposed for the two full-term open seats on the committee.
Recently, there has been discussion regarding a debate between Mr. Fried and Ms. Tanner. It is questionable what impact such a forum would have on the election; at the municipal level, debates or candidates’ nights generally are attended poorly. Those who do attend usually are friends (or enemies) of one of the candidates.
Nonetheless, a debate can be useful to those voters who are seeking to learn more about the candidates. It also provides a chance to see how well the candidates react to various questions and situations.
Hopefully, the candidates would offer well-thought-out answers to questions in a debate, or any type of candidate forum. Most candidates, regardless of party affiliation, put forth the same list of goals: preserve open space, increase "clean" ratables, stabilize taxes, improve communication with residents (or seniors, or the school board).
These all are worthy aspirations. The question rarely answered, however, is how best to accomplish them. For example, when asked how to keep the municipal budget from too greatly impacting taxpayers, candidates often provide answers such as "I don’t know now. I’d have to study it. But I would study it as closely as my own business. I’d make sure there’s no fat."
But is there fat now? Is the township overspending? Are there programs or services they think could be eliminated? These are the questions most candidates either cannot, or would rather not, answer. Of course, failure to provide an answer often can be as telling as an answer itself.
We encourage the candidates to debate, and to put forth their agendas in clear fashion. It is not enough for a candidate to say he or she is different simply because he or she represents a different political party. Voters should be given reasons to support and select a candidate.