Politicians or wannabe politicians aren’t always eager to talk to the media. In fact, some of them will go to extreme measures to avoid interviews or situations where they might face questions.
This is not a new phenomenon. We’ve been snubbed by city politicians, provincial politicians and even folks who are just running for their local parents’ group’s executive.
It’s understandable that some candidates might want to avoid the media. Candidates who have troubled pasts, or who have no idea what their party platforms or party positions are on a number of subjects, tend to shy away from publicity. Who wants to expose the fact that he or she is really just hoping to slip in to a high-paying position with little or no understanding of what the job is or what their party has promised?
This is not new, nor does any one party or level of government hold the patent on such behaviour. We’ve had NDPers, Liberals and Conservatives play this game.
If they can stall long enough and hide behind campaign managers, play telephone tag and redirect media attention to their leaders – well, it’s actually proven to be a pretty good tactic. Candidates who decide that they’re better off not risking talking to the media or attending all-candidates’ meetings where the media will likely be present, are playing the odds – and the odds are, unfortunately, in their favour.
But it is wrong on so many counts.
Candidates owe – yes, owe – their constituents answers and appearances. Hiding behind national advertising campaigns and leaders who are also avoiding questions is the height of arrogance and/or indifference.
Is this what elections have become? Hide and seek games designed to avoid real conversations? Any candidate who will not openly debate or answer questions from voters or media does not, in our opinion, deserve a voter’s consideration.
The New Westminster Chamber of Commerce is holding an all-candidates’ forum on Oct. 14 from 7 to 9 p.m. at the Inn at the Quay.
We urge voters to attend, and we also urge all of the candidates to attend.
If candidates think so little of voters now that they will not attend such events, then what on earth will they do if elected?
