Haymarket Forum Held

I too was there for the candidates forum. I found it very interesting. Not so much the questions…they were rather tame (translated lame) and the answers from all candidates were equally. What was most fascinating was the dynamic of the room and the language and body language of some of the candidates. It was interesting that all but one of the candidates on the current council sat in the front row. Mr. Tobias and (outgoing council )Mr. Garcia and the new candidates stood at the rear of the room often whispering amongst themselves. The battle lines were clearly drawn. The body language of some of the candidates was fascinating. Some were open and welcoming. Others seemed to stand at the podium with the proverbial arms crossed. The “theys” and “thems” were prevalent in some of the candidate’s oratory. It was all very enlightening. The answers, as stated in the newspaper article were all cookie cutter. Everyone has the same vision for the town. What I had hoped to see was a new plan of how to achieve that vision. Unfortunately I did not get that result.

I’ve been on the fence like others on this forum. I have been voraciously reading anything and everything I can to try and formulate an informed decision. Unfortunately I have not seen anything but propaganda and hear-say. No hard evidence to support or impugn anybody. At this point my vote would be: (Please note this is MY OPINION, I realize it will be considered blasphemy on this site) Pam Stutz..yes, Tim Benjamin..no, (Only because she has the prior experience) John Cole..yes, Bob Wier..yes, Shiela Jarboe..maybe, (Same reasons, Cole was impressive) Jay Tobias..no, (not a team player, confrontational) Natasha Sikorsky..yes, (every group needs a cheerleader) Ozzie Vasquez..yes, Susan Shurynn..yes, (their corporate experience would bring some order to the confusion) Robert Hoffman..no, (he is just a puppet in this) Vicki Benjamin…..no idea since she chose not to speak, Nicky Tessitore….no idea she was not there, Johnson…no idea he was not there. Maybe my opinions will change in the coming days if someone shows me something revolutionary. My invitation to step up on my porch and let’s talk is still open. No one has come by yet.

CF

All in all, I found the forum enlightening.Too bad there weren't more Haymarket voters there.

I applaud all of the incumbents and candidates who participated.I wonder why some of the candidates weren't present, and if they are actually serious about running or about what the voters think.

I've got to say that my opinions of the candidates changed several times throughout.
The only thing I observed that was somewhat disturbing was the lack of consideration and respect shown by the on duty police officers and the chief , for talking and laughing loudly right outside the door during what was supposed to be a forum with citizens trying to hear and listen to all of the candidates without distraction(in fairness to all)

I get the feeling that the chief doesnt take the council seriously. He should.

Don't know who I am voting for yet-I see many resons to retain the current council and Mayor,yet the need to do something about the PD is painfully evident, and I don't know if any of them will address that.