No headline

This is a simple request to all current and potential candidates for public office. If you have put, or will put, your name on a ballot for any position of public representation, put your body in front of the public so you may be questioned about your positions on issues affecting the people in your voting district. To put it more bluntly, show up or shut up.

If you want to represent me, the least you can do is have the courage and class to answer questions in an open public forum. If you do not, you will not receive my vote. Stonewalling, hiding behind a website, blog, letter to the editor, social media post and video/telephonic “town halls” do not allow voters to assess your fitness to occupy a position of responsibility. Your ability to answer direct questions with direct answers is a great indicator of your ability to hold public office.

Specifically, this request is made to U.S. Sens. Mike Crapo and James Risch, U.S. Rep. Raul Labrador, Idaho Rep. Heather Scott, candidates for the Lake Pend Oreille School Board Victoria Zeischegg and Anita Perry and candidate for the Pend Oreille Hospital District Board Dan Rose. If you want the support of your current or future constituents, please respect them by holding public appearance at which you will answer questions.

CONNIE TAYLOR

Sandpoint