| About 80 citizens, a handful of local officials, and two state legislators came out to discuss environmental issues with Gubernatorial candidates (or their representatives) last night in Westfield, in a forum sponsored by Environment NJ, the Highlands Coalition, and Clean Ocean Action.
There were no corporate flacks or lobbyists in sight. No one shouted or called anyone a Nazi. Citizens passionately but rationally asked informed and important questions. The candidates didn't attack each other, pander or appeal to hate or fear, but instead discussed their ideas about public policy.
Given the political context and the in the gutter conduct of the Gubernatorial campaign thus far, the event was a huge success. Thank you Environment NJ for taking the high road, not doing the traditional shallow endorsement rag, and instead forcing the candidates to discuss issues and to be accountable to voters.
Let's see if the press can follow your lead, rise to the occasion, and focus on the issues instead of the horse race.
[continued: read the complete linked version with pictures here:
http://wolfenotes.com/2009/09/... |
