by Michael Servantez –
Of all the years that I was in public office, I have never heard of never having debates. When I was running for Park Board, City Council, and Mayor, I even had a debate on KIMT TV when I was running for City Council. We had debates and I looked forward to having them to give the citizens of Mason City what my vision and what I stand for. I feel it is important that each candidate has the opportunity to tell all of us what their vision and ideas they have to make Mason City a good place to live. What kind of ideas do they have to bring good paying jobs to Mason City, and how to keep people to stay in Mason City. What do they feel how our tax money is to be spent. These are legitimate questions that each person running for office should answer to the citizens of Mason City. I have asked a couple of the candidates why there are no debates and its the incumbents that will not debate. I called the Globe Gazette today, October 6th, and they said there are no debates scheduled as of now.
Two years ago, when my wife was running for council, there was a questionnaire for each candidate, debate from the chamber, KIMT had a debate and the noon Rotary. How I look at it is, as voting citizen, either the incumbents are ashamed of what they have done, or lack of what they have done. If they have any character at all, and not afraid of what the public might really think of them, they would stand up and have a debate.
I would think the mayor and the council would want debates to defend themselves against the charges made by their opponents. If they have done such a good job, it shouldn’t be difficult to prove that. And, if both Max and Matt are as classless as Mayor Bookmeyer says they are, I would think he would welcome a debate just to show the public what he said is correct.
It’s upsetting that the media is not wanting to cover any debates. They always have in the past. It doesn’t seem fair to the people that are running against the current members of the council.
Goes to show that Skipper and Bob Fisher are kissing butt to the mayor.
You sure about that Quinn? ALL of it?
Better check everything before you write.
Simple. They would be BLOWN away if Matt Max anyone of them got in the ring with them.
Cowards. They are doing every thing they can do to stay away from talks of any kind.
Like we can’t see this.
That’s ok, this move speaks louder then sitting there face to face yelling at the candidates.
I love how easily forgotten I am. When I ran for city council 6 years ago I did as well as I did because of the debates. I was 25 going against a veteran 8 year incumbent. I’m the only candidate running a clean campaign on the issues only, and I’m the only mayoral candidate that has asked for debates. Bring on the debates!
You were not the Only one to ask for a debate if you are going to be running for office you better be careful what you say!
Did I miss the part where Weaver or Bookmeyer challenged anyone to a debate? Because if either did, I’m sure I would know.
Debates would be great. However, it seems that other media do not want to give free coverage to the candidates in this economic environment. They want each one to take out an ad to express his or her views. You’re going to have to find a blue collar organization to sponsor a debate somewhere and then hope all the candidates show up and that the media will cover it. If the incumbent candidates won’t show up, have a meeting anyway and express your ideas, views, and answer questions from the public instead of debating. It won’t make the incumbents look good if they refuse to participate.
I love this idea!!!!
There are no debates because the incumbents can not stand on their past record and are scared to death to debate. When you have no answers you certainly do not want any discussion. The incumbents, Drunkmeyers trained monkey’s can not debate with Marquardt, Draper or Weaver and they know it. Tornquist is hiding of course and hoping people forget what he is like.
Thank you Peter, My wife and I think these debates or lack of are very important to the citizens of Mason City and also Clear Lake, since we are so close to your City. Both cities have a great impact on each other and North Iowa. Again thank you for our support.