TheWatcher (anonymous) says...

And this guy thinks he can win a primary election when he won't even participate in a debate? Who is he anyway? Why is being a highway patrolman for only seven years and only until 1992 qualify him in the first place? Why does he contact the media by fax of all things and not even have the courage to contact the organizers of the event? I wonder if he will have the gumption to show up in Allen Saturday night.

July 18, 2008 at 3:45 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

jayhawker (anonymous) says...

This is, indeed, strange behavior from a candidate for public office. Just about every group that invites candidates have an agenda. Most candidates attend anyway - in fact, it is a way of winning over voters that might be disposed against the candidate. An obvious example is John McCain appearing before the NAACP this week. Even the League of Women Voters, which historically moderates candidate forums, takes positions on issues and has members who are active in supporting and opposing candidates before it. If Mr. Trimble is afraid of meeting people whom he believes have views contrary to his own, he will find the Legislature to be a tough place to participate.

July 18, 2008 at 4:11 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

alfalfa (anonymous) says...

I am afraid I have to agree, and I was giving serious thought to voting for Trimble. If you are going to be in politics, you have to get out there and take the heat.

July 18, 2008 at 5:18 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

create (anonymous) says...

I don't think this Mr. Trimble is ready for the big game. Good example, jayhawker.

July 18, 2008 at 5:30 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

JohnDoe (anonymous) says...

Newsflash for Mr Trimble: There is always an opposing side in an election. Typically tougher odds when running against an incumbent. Either he's just not cut out for politics our he ignorantly thinks opposition will cease to exist after the election. Suck it up or don't bother, life isn't always as fair as we want it to be.

July 18, 2008 at 9:42 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

TheWatcher (anonymous) says...

Is it true that Trimble did not even register to vote until 2006?

As far as being reluctant to meet his opponent in a forum or a debate (and I understand that he refused to in Madison also), it's not as if Mast is a very good debater...she isn't.

July 18, 2008 at 10:15 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

GTennant (anonymous) says...

I could not disagree with all of the respondents more. In fact it demonstrates Mr. Trimble's good judgment and a respect for election law. The organization that hastily put this together, with only a couple of days notice to Mr. Trimble, only solicited questions from Peggy Mast and is not affiliated with any of the institutions it claimed to be with, and is not registered with the State of Kansas, county or any other legitimate body. This was nothing but a political stunt, a hoax and a sham. To participate would be foolish and possibly against our state election laws. So, quite frankly I applaud Mr. Trimble's judgment, ethics, and fortitude in being smart enough not to participate in a sham that does nothing but undermine the integrity of our electoral process. He said he would participate in a valid and fair forum. I would think the Emporia Gazette could serve this role well, rather than just running headlines that negatively shape people’s perspectives about a candidate. The real story is - why is the Emporia Gazette not questioning the validity of the group hosting the forum, its ties to Peggy Mast, and why would they announce the forum before both candidates had even agreed to participate - hmmmm?

July 19, 2008 at 4:45 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

MarvinFranklin (anonymous) says...

I agree with GTennant. Why does the Emporia Gazette not play a role in this process? Why leave forums up to shady organizations that could just be fronts fro incumbent candidates? Seems to me like its hard for anyone to challenge an incumbent, so they should be given a fair shot. I also agree with TheWatcher, in that Peggy Mast does not seem that smart. Given a fair chance to debate I bet anyone could put her to shame. I mean what has she really done for this county? She has not even succeeded in outlawing rap music, which is the only thing she focused on in all her years in office. I want a better choice, and a fair shot for a better to choice to be evaluated, not a sham forum stacked for the incumbent.

July 19, 2008 at 4:58 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

wirewatt (Ken Bazil) says...

Mrs Mast is a very classy person, who has worked hard to keep her job with the voters of the district. A person who will not answer questions and tell groups where they stand isn't fit to be elected. When you run for office you are asked to meet with quite a few different groups whom all have different agenda's. Be a man and step up to the plate.

July 19, 2008 at 9:27 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

RalphHayes (anonymous) says...

First of all, anyone who calls themselves TheWatcher, jayhawker, alfalfa, wirewatt and John Doe cannot be taken seriously. If you have something legitimate to say that you really believe in, your should not be afraid to use your name, otherwise you are either a coward or a liar. Secondly, how can anyone be expected to walk into a trap? If you are asked at the last minute to participate in an event that you do not know who exactly is hosting ("a small group of people that organized here to bring in speakers on topics of interest in this area. The KCCC formerly was known as The Society of Emporians Exploring Key Issues") why would anyone attend? Who is a small group of people that change their name all the time? Sounds shady to me. Thirdly, I question "wirewatt". What exactly has Mrs. Mast done for us? I cannot think of a single issue about our economy, health care, jobs or farming that she has championed. Where is she on the use of ethiopians on taking our jobs? Where is she on farm bills? She may have worked hard to keep her job. But she has not worked hard on keeping our jobs!!!!

July 19, 2008 at 10:24 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

ctennant (anonymous) says...

My family has been part of this rural community for multiple generations. Many of us have returned after college to raise our families and to be involved in the family farm and agribusinesses. That being said, I as an adult appreciate the values and traditions that my wonderful family ingrained in me and recognize poor character when I see it. Poor character is a woman who has been married multiple times, leaves her young children behind from her first marriage for someone else to raise. Poor character is someone who uses others for their own self-gain. Poor character is someone who misrepresents the truth. So Wirewatt's assessment that Mrs. Mast is a very classy person is quite astounding and humorous.
I only hope more constituents will objectively compare the candidates and the issues because do we really need 2 more years of spending tax payers money on research about Rap music? Do we not already understand the negative qualities of rap music? If I don't think a specific music or program on TV is appropriate for my children I do want any other reasonable parent does, I turn it off, I tell my children no. Yes, it takes more work to be a good and active parent but that is the way I was raised. I trust most of my fellow constituents would practice the same solid common sense and committed ethic. Let's elect someone who will represent our families and our farms and not chase some wild issue that is not even applicable to us.

July 19, 2008 at 10:35 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

raymasonite (anonymous) says...

Personally I am tired of politicians that get into office and do nothing. I say vote all incumbents out just to keep the process honest. They get into office and think they have a lifetime job and focus on doing what is best for themselves and there cronies. I agree with Marvin, the only thing I can remember Peggy Mast doing is focusing on how bad rappers are. Who gives a @#!* about rappers. Do they really have anything to do with Lyon County? I mean seriously, we have meth labs, immigrants, Ethiopians, sky high oil prices and interest rates sinking farm loans. These are the real issues we need addressed. And I hear NOTHING about them from our current representative. We work hard for what we have. Why doesn't she work hard for what we need?

July 19, 2008 at 10:46 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

MarvinFranklin (anonymous) says...

Wow, looks like we really touched a subject here! It appears that there are those who want to remain anonymous that are for Peggy Mast, and those that want to be known that they wonder what she has really done for us. It seems kind of funny that those who want to remain anonymous are kind of like the group that changes its name all the time that want to host a sham forum. I think it is clear we need more than hoaxes to address real issues. We need leadership. Leadership I have not seen in our current elected representative.

July 19, 2008 at 10:59 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

create (anonymous) says...

Anonymity relates not only to freedom of expression, but to the right not to be defamed or harassed either.

There are many examples of the value of anonymity. To name a few, in academic communities, anonymous peer reviews are commonplace. We all know the story of "Deep Throat," and police investigations often use anonymous sources of information. Of course we all know that the Federalist Papers were published under a pseudonym. Aside from providing your name at the polls in order to receive a ballot, voting itself is still an anonymous activity.

Anonymity gives people a sounding board for their opinions, even controversial ones. It allows people to see honest reactions in others, not guarded responses. Unfortunately, anonymity is a two edged sword as we have seen from some of the attacks that take place on this forum from time to time.

However, while it is true that some people have abused this forum, for the most part, we enjoy a rather safe environment here and most people seem to respect it. It has become a vital part of our community, especially around election time or when particularly controversial situations arise.

People who participate in forums like this should choose for themselves what they consider to be valid or not. Why not allow opinions to be judged purely on their merit and not by the name that posted it?

July 20, 2008 at 2:12 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

neighbor (anonymous) says...

Attacking the incumbent's character and those that support her rather than stating the merits of the challenger to me is sign of a weak campaign that has little to offer. Along those same lines, refusing to appear at a forum, even if it is not set up to your guarded standards, is a sign of a paranoid unprepared candidate who just snubbed citizens he claims to want to represent. Having personal experience with the Legislative process, I can tell you that Representative Mast is by far and away the most accessible politician of the three that represent this area. I have often stepped into her Legislative Office without making an appointment, she has never turned me away. She is glad to hear from her constituents. She has spoke on the House Floor in favor of legislation that I promoted to her, as well as speaking against measures that I opposed. She also told me openly when she did not agree with my view of a bill and why, I respected her for that. As for what she was involved with in this last session, which was much more involved than what made the media has reported on, one can read all about it on-line or request the information from the Capital. It's public information that everyone can access, unlike Mr Trimble it appears.

July 20, 2008 at 7:50 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

Mypoint (anonymous) says...

I don’t have a comment about the article as much as a comment about the comments. What are the comments about the Ethiopians taking our jobs? I have lived in Emporia for the last decade and I have seen Asian groups come and go, I have seen the Hispanic population grow, I have seen the Somalis come and go, I will even include the Philippines workers at the peak power plant, but I can not think of any Ethiopians. Could someone please tell me what they are referring to. Ralphhayes & raymasonite both refer to them and I am lost.

Oh as far as the election… ask me in November.

July 20, 2008 at 9:18 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

RalphHayes (anonymous) says...

Exuse me no name Mypoint, you are correct in that it is the Mexicans, Asians, Somalis and Phillipines that are stealing our jobs. The point remains the same...where is the representation concerned for our jobs? It appears our representative is mainly concerned for her job. I am sure the press would have covered any protest made against local companies importing labor at the cost of local residents. But we have seen no such protest. Not even a peep.

July 20, 2008 at 10:34 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

GTennant (anonymous) says...

"Neighbor" - Attacking an opponents character is OK (as in the posts by The Watcher, jayhawker and JohnDoe), but attacking an incumbents is not? That is quite a double standard. I am sure as she is your friend she is more than happy to give you access, but that does not justify a double standard.

Still, in any of these posts, no one has defended the legitimacy of the forums of the chameleon organization that is announcing them before all candidates have even agreed to attend. We still have not heard from Bobbi Mlynar as to why such a one sided headline was run, when the headline should have read "Emporia Gazette Falsely Announces Forum". We still have not heard any leadership from our incumbent Peggy Mast to step up and call on an independent organization to host a fair and balanced forum for the best interests of our constituents (not her job). If I were the Gazette I would be embarrassed that I printed a planned forum without all candidates having accepted to attend. Further I would be ashamed that I printed a headline that cast a challenger in a negative light, when it was my mistake in printing the wrong information in the first place. But I am not the Gazette and thus I can only look upon the situation with wonderment and concern.

July 20, 2008 at 11:08 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

TheWatcher (anonymous) says...

To be fair about it neighbor, why shouldn't Mast's character be scrutinized considering the fact that she and her supporters sell her as the defender of values and virtue? Seems to me that that puts her character on the table just like questioning Trimble's refusal to participate in any forum so far.

July 20, 2008 at 1:17 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

neighbor (anonymous) says...

GTennant, they appeared to me to be offering a personal opinion about Trimbles qualifications as a candidate. They did not attack his personal life as was done against Rep Mast.

It is obvious that with your above comment you are trying discredit my post by stating that I am a close friend of Rep Mast's and that's why she listens to me. You couldn't be further from the truth. Yes, I would consider her a friend, but not a close personal friend like you are implying. I ran into Rep. Mast in Lebo two weeks ago Saturday. She was participating in their fun walk/run. She approached me to say hello. I did not recognize her in her running attire, that and she had changed her hairstyle since I had last spoke with her. Does that sound like we're close friends? She listens to me because I take the time to get involved in Topeka(as she will with anyone who takes the time). I choose to participate in the process instead of sitting on the sidelines and whining about what takes place up there. I vote for the MOST qualified candidate, even if the person I help vote out is someone that has done good work. I still haven't learned enough about Trimble to know whether or not I would vote for him. Being a State Trooper for a few years is honorable, but it hardly qualifies him for State Representative.

Watcher-because that type of political campaign is ugly and serves no good.

July 20, 2008 at 2:33 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

TheWatcher (anonymous) says...

Neighbor, if she and her supporters make values an issue as they have, then the values of her character will be an issue.

July 20, 2008 at 3:03 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

jayhawker (anonymous) says...

Some of Mr. Trimble's supporters' are very poor ambassadors for their candidate. I hope that if he knew what they were saying that he would repudiate the personal and vicious attacks on the opposing candidate, her supporters and people who merely made reasonable observations about Mr. Trimble's decision. Although requiring some maturity to understand, it is a basic principle of public discussion that disagreement and debate are helpful in making us informed voters, especially if they explain a candidate's position; however, hateful attacks add nothing to the discussion. In fact, hatefulness does nothing more than reflect poorly on the writer and his cause.

July 20, 2008 at 11:06 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

TheWatcher (anonymous) says...

If you choose to go into public life, you should be a role model, and you should expect to be scrutinized. Voters have the right to use their perceptions and make truthful/factual statements as they see fit. Is a factual statement really a hateful attack?

July 21, 2008 at 12:57 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

MarvinFranklin (anonymous) says...

I have not seen any hateful comments. It is well known that Mrs. Mast has been married multiple times, and after her first marriage left her kids in Madison. This is just fact not lies. So is the issue about rap music and representation on other issues. These are valid concerns that any resident of Lyon county ought to be expressing.

I do not know Mr. Trimble. What I have heard of him has been he is a family man and a pretty good guy. Beyond that I cannot comment, but I would like to find out more. My point was to what some of the others were saying, in that I would like to see a fair debate. It really does seem troubling that the Gazette publishes a forum before candidates agree to attend and then position the candidate as backing out. I am no politician but it does not seem like someone should be forced to attend a forum if they feel it is set up to be one sided.

Any opposing candidate running against an incumbent is fighting an uphill battle, so I want to see them given a fair shot. Mr. Trimble needs to make his positions known, and as long as they are broader and more pertinent to the county than rap music and moral posturing I am sure people will be interested in hearing his positions. I applaud his effort. And I do not think Peggy Mast supporters have any justification for crying foul on anything that has been said here. If she is running on morality than she needs to defend her past.

July 21, 2008 at 8:07 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

jayhawker (anonymous) says...

Personal and hateful attacks reflect poorly on the speaker and his cause.

July 21, 2008 at 11:09 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

TheWatcher (anonymous) says...

Gee Jayhawker that is really a direct intellectual answer to Franklin's argument...WHY IS A FACTUAL STATEMENT a poor reflection? And it's not Trimble making the statement.

July 21, 2008 at 11:14 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

create (anonymous) says...

MarvinFranklin, THIS is a hateful comment made by RalphHayes:

"If you have something legitimate to say that you really believe in, your should not be afraid to use your name, otherwise you are either a coward or a liar."

It's a free country, people can use their names if they so choose; however, I find it odd that they only seem to be posting on this particular subject.

July 21, 2008 at 11:53 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

jayhawker (anonymous) says...

As I said above, it requires maturity and reasoning to understand the difference between honest debate and mudslinging. Other than personal and hateful attacks made upon the opposing candidate, her supporters and people who simply made observations about Mr. Trimble's decision to not debate, there was no information about Mr. Trimble put forth. How does that help in making us informed voters? Where is a shred of information about his position on anything? We (hopefully) are not voting for candidates on personalities, but rather on what is best for the district. Where is the information that would tell us how Mr. Trimble would be any different than Mrs. Mast? I submit that comments about how many times that she has been married is no more relevant to this race than how many times Mr. Trimble may have been married. There is an old saying that applies here - when you sling mud, you are likely to get it on yourself. No one wants to hear hateful comments, but we do want to know where a candidate stands. Not participating in debates does not help with that, and having your supporters reflect poorly on you is even worse. Maybe Mr. Trimble or a spokesman (which I hope, for his sake, is not one of the posters on this thread) can make a substantive contribution to this discussion and tell us something about him.

July 21, 2008 at 11:57 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

jayhawker (anonymous) says...

By the way, TheWatcher, I noticed from some of your earlier posts that you are a supporter of the Democratic candidate for this office. There certainly is nothing wrong with that, but I wonder about your motivations in encouraging Mr. Trimble's supporters to sling mud. Perhaps it would benefit all to keep this conversation helpful, informative and civil.

July 21, 2008 at 12:12 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

netloafer (anonymous) says...

Since I live within Emporia's city limits I don't have a pony in this race. Our rep is Don Hill.

I don't know Mr. Trimble, but I do know Peggy Mast.

I don't know anything about the organization sponsoring the debate. I have run for elective office and took part in all the forums possible. In fact, I argued for more of them in the race I was in, believing it was one of the best possible ways for the public to learn what the respective candidates' positions were. Some of the forums were tilted toward the incumbents, but I didn't mind. I would have taken part in a forum conducted in a phone booth if one had been offered. I didn't concern myself with the sponsor's agenda. I believed I had something to say and also believed that the public could sort out agendas, as could the media present.

As to Peggy's Mast's past, I don't know how checkered it is and frankly I'm not that interested. If the past or our indiscetions and sins are to be the electoral measure, I'd have to say we're all doomed.

Peggy attends the same church my wife and I do. While our political views diverge, we've broken the bread of communion together, recognizing that it's all about forgiveness and absolution. It's the place where the weight of the past can be stripped of its power to destroy us. There are all sorts of people I know under these same circumstances. Some were drug users, some were dealers and paid a heavy price for their crimes. Some were alcoholics who lost the gift of family. Some had endured the pain of divorce. Some weren't model parents. They came to lay their burdens down, as did my wife and I, as did Peggy. I've not met Mr. Trimble, but I suspect he also has found a place to lay his burdens down.

If life, or politics, is only for the "good and decent," we are in a lot of trouble. There are enough skeletons and enough closets to go around. Given that, those casting the first stones should proceed with caution.

If folks disagree with Peggy's position on rap music, then by all means attack her position vigorously. If they believe she hasn't represented her district well, then by all means expose the gaps. But, in the name of God, lay off the past. Leave that stuff in far more capable hands. These candidate forums aren't about whether Mr. Trimble or Representative Mast are deserving of absolution. They are, or should be, about their political positions.

July 21, 2008 at 1:24 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

create (anonymous) says...

Right on, netloafer!!!

July 21, 2008 at 5:47 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

create (anonymous) says...

I heard on KVOE just this morning that on Friday, August 1 at 10:06 a.m., Mast and Trimble will participate in a candidate forum. Listen in. Perhaps there will be call in questions.

July 22, 2008 at 9:51 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

jayhawker (anonymous) says...

Mrs. Mast may be on to something with the rap music after all. Here is a story from this morning's Topeka Capital-Journal:

RAP MUSIC ARTIST CONVICTED OF MURDER IN RAP WAR

LAS VEGAS — A jury found a 37-year-old San Francisco rap music figure guilty in the slaying of a Kansas City rival in what authorities called a West Coast versus Midwest rap war.

Andre “Mac Minister” Dow faces life in prison after being convicted Monday of first-degree murder in the May 2005 killings of 24-year-old Anthony “Fat Tone” Watkins of Kansas City, Mo., and Watkins’ friend, 22-year-old Jermaine Akins.

Dow is a promoter who has appeared on rap albums, made headlines several years ago when he brawled with another rapper at a nationally televised Source Awards show.

Police called the Las Vegas slayings revenge for the November 2004 drive-by slaying in Kansas City of 34-year-old California rapper Andre “Mac Dre” Hicks.

Another aspiring rap promoter, 29-year-old Jason Mathis, also has been charged with murder and is awaiting trial.

July 22, 2008 at 11:44 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

EsqEB (anonymous) says...

I keep waiting for one of the Gazette editors to come in and apologize for this headline and article. If Mr. Trimble had never agreed to participate in the forum, then he hardly "backed out", and this is yellow journalism at it's finest. Something the Gazette is becoming known for more and more. Seems to me the Gazette wagged the dog and announced the debate, before checking with Mr Trimble to see if he would be attending...you know...doing things a real journalist/article writer/high school yearbook teacher/etc, would do before putting things into print.

July 22, 2008 at 12:26 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

TheWatcher (anonymous) says...

Oh Jaystalker what a great defense of her attacks on rap. Gosh, I just read that movie star Christian Bail was arrested today for assaulting his mother and sister. Maybe, Peggy can introduce a resolution condemning action movie stars too...

LONDON - Batman star Christian Bale was arrested Tuesday over allegations of assaulting his mother and sister, police and British media said.

British media had reported that Bale's mother and sister complained they were assaulted by the 34-year-old actor at the Dorchester Hotel in London on Sunday night, a day before the European premiere of his latest film, "The Dark Knight."

The women made the allegation at a local police station in southern England on Monday, Britain's Press Association news agency said.

Asked whether Bale had been arrested, a police spokesman did not refer to him by name but said: "A 34-year-old man attended a central London police station this morning by appointment and was arrested in connection with an allegation of assault." He said the man was still in custody but gave no further details.

July 22, 2008 at 12:29 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

jayhawker (anonymous) says...

Mrs. Strickland can certainly run on a platform that defends rap music if she wishes.

July 22, 2008 at 12:35 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

neighbor (anonymous) says...

I see that Mr Trimble resigned from the KHP to operate businesses he owns. What are these businesses?

July 23, 2008 at 3:50 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

EsqEB (anonymous) says...

2 days go by and still no response from Ms. Mlynar or a Gazette editor as to the poor and slanderous choice of words for this headline. I guess I will pretend that they have accepted that their poor journalism was noticed by more than a few people and have called Mr. Trimble himself to apologize.

Ms. Mlynar and the Editors of this rag were apparently sick the day they taught journalism at journalism school.

July 24, 2008 at 7 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

nuclearnow (anonymous) says...

The KCCC started out with the intent of informing Lyon County residents about issues. The intention was to invite both sides. Incidentally, the group was started by two very nice ladies. Speakers were invited, such as Rep. Mast, Dr. Barnett, Rep. Hill, certainly no conservative, etc.. I believe the first meetings were held a couple of years ago, thus the group was not a creation to blindside Tony. Events were advertised, but it did not take too long to figure out that the folks of Lyon County cared little about being informed on issues that cost them millions, be they gambling, medical issues, taxes, or immigration, all of which have been the subject of KCCC meetings. Incidentally, illegal immigration has been the issue of the meetings and out of state speakers have found their way to Emporia to speak.

Why did the KCCC want to hold a forum, which, incidentally, had a set of rules that favored the candidate, since questions were to be screened? Why didn't the Lyon County Republican Party hold the forum? Ask Chuck Hanna. He is your Republican County Chairman? Why didn't the Gazette hold a forum? The ladies that head the KCCC are just idealistic enough to think that perhaps someone in the area still cares and would come and listen. Around 20 did come, but Tony was not one of those, because someone told him, and he apparently agreed, that you do not have to communicate with people you think disagree with you, even if the same people have in the past allowed people of different viewpoints to speak. Tony, wait till you get to Topeka and decide that you do not have to speak to those who might disagree with you. Many of us would like to know what you really believe, but I guess you will be so selective about who you talk to that we may not get to hear you.
Incidentally, Rep. Mast, unlike Rep. Hill, was one of those who supported the original legislation in the last session that would have tightened up on immigration laws in KS to keep out your Ethiopians.

July 24, 2008 at 10:22 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

CraigBarbee (anonymous) says...

I would like to clear up a couple of issues presented in the previous comments. I was asked to moderate the forum sponsored by the Kansas Coalition of Concerned Citizens. The KCCC is a simple small group of citizens that has joined together to find answers to complex questions that face voters. I have attended a couple of the meetings sponsored by the KCCC and found them to be well done and the speakers were very knowledgeable on the subjects. I also know that the KCCC is information oriented, no agenda was ever demonstrated at any of the meetings I attended.

For the comment about being registered with the State or County or other governmental agency. There is no such requirement for any group to get together and try to get information or to express their opinions. It is a Constitutional guarantee that you and I have that right and there are no requirements for the government to approve you and I desiring to know more about the men and women that seek public service.

I would like to clear the air on some apparent misinformation about the forum. First of all the KCCC began contacting Mr. Trimble at the end of June. Several calls were made with promises of returning the calls when schedules could be verified. I know that campaigning can be a very busy time and it is difficult to remember whom you have called and whom you have not so this is not an indictment of Mr. Trimble. After the KCCC representative contacted me to tell me that they could not get an answer, I offered to call to see if I could clear up any questions about the forum format. The KCCC offered to email the format and initial questions to Mr. Trimble’s wife and she politely declined. I called Mr. Trimble at 9:20 in the evening and he asked me to call him the next day at a different phone number. I called that number the next day 5 times and left messages for him to explain why the group needed a yes or no on the forum. After work that day I tried one more time to call his home number and reached his wife. 15 min. later Mr. Trimble called back and told me that his schedule would not allow him to attend the forum. I still have the voice mail. He did not challenge the forum, the group or the venue only that he did not have time to attend. The KCCC press releases were sent out the day before, due to press times and those press releases only stated that the KCCC was holding a forum and had invited the two candidates, nothing more nothing less. The next day Mr. Trimble sadly submitted a press release that stated somewhat sad comments about the group, the format of the forum and the fine Emporia Christian School. The simple reason the school was used is I am the Chairman of the Board and knew the auditorium was available and offered it to the group because it is a nice facility, seats 99 people with great visibility and sound. It was that simple.
Due to Gazett’s format I will continue my comments to meet the 3000 character limit.

July 25, 2008 at 2:36 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

CraigBarbee (anonymous) says...

As for the forum format and questions. I made the questions, I put together the format and set the rules according to national political debate standards with minor modifications to allow the speakers to complete thoughts or rebut a comment but within time limits.

KCCC Candidate Forum and Questions as prepared in June:

Welcome statement and KCCC Introduction:

We will thank ECS for allowing the forum to use their facility.

Rules for the Forum:
Each Candidate will be given 3 minutes to respond to each question. Candidates will alternate as the first responder to questions. Coin Toss will determine order.

Each Candidate will be allowed 2-2 minute continuation or rebuttal tokens for use in the forum. These continuation or rebuttal tokens may be used at anytime; however, once the two tokens have been used they will not be allowed to respond unless the Moderator deems the initial responder was personal or derogatory in nature.

The initial list of questions has been developed by the Moderator. The last 15-30 minutes will be open for questions from the floor and each Candidate will be given 2 minutes for those answers. Questions will be submitted on 3x5 cards and read by the Moderator to ensure everyone hears the questions. Each Candidate will be given a 5-minute summary statement. The length of time for open questions from the floor will be up to the candidate’s availability.

Please answer the questions asked. If either Candidate’s answer diverges from the question asked, the Moderator will stop them. One chance will be given to get back on topic, after that the Candidate will not be allowed to continue with that question.

The timer will be seated directly in front of the Candidates and will hold up a card to inform you of 1 minute remaining, and then a stop card after 3 minutes. Use the 1-minute card as a note to complete your answer. If you wish to continue beyond the stop notice, you may use one of your challenge rebuttal tokens to continue an additional 2 minutes. The timer will stand up 30 seconds after the stop card has been displayed. At that time you must stop.

July 25, 2008 at 2:40 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

CraigBarbee (anonymous) says...

The following are the questions I developed for the KCCC forum. These questions were developed to give history, background information and basic positions of current issues.
Opening Questions:
1) Can you give us a brief work history and residence history covering the last 10 years? (Follow-up may be necessary)

2) What is your history of involvement in public service (i.e. how long have you been a voter, how long have you been active in gov. service, how long have you been working in the Rep. Party etc. etc?)

3) Do you believe that you have the experience necessary to serve the district you want to represent and why?

4) What are the top three issues for your campaign?
(Follow-up may be necessary)

5) What have you done in the past to support or oppose any of these issues?

6) In recent polling, Kansans have listed the following as some of their top issues:

a. Immigration issues
b. Property taxes
c. Quality of Education
What do you have to offer as an answer to any of these issues? (Follow-up may be necessary)

7) Do you have any specific reason that we should vote for you and not your opponent? (Please keep your answer positive)

8) How can the voters of Lyon County, Coffey County and Greenwood County expect you to represent them if you are elected? (Follow-up may be necessary)

Open the floor for questions from the audience.

Allow each Candidate to offer a 5-minute summary. Coin Toss will determine order.

As you can see it is not sinister nor is it aimed at anyone unfairly. The forum questions were developed to help voters get to know the candidates and understand a little about them. To get a general understanding of their very basic positions and also to get a feel for their positions on a few of Kansans top issues. This gives the people that would attend the forum a chance to formulate their own questions and submit them.

July 25, 2008 at 2:46 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

CraigBarbee (anonymous) says...

I know that several of the commenters above want to think that there was something bad in all of this but the sad truth is we sometimes spend too much time looking for something bad instead of just trying to help make our community a better place to live. There was nothing wrong with Mr. Trimble not attending the forum if his schedule was already full. That would have been a perfectly acceptable answer and that is what he told me. The sad part is when the press release stated all of these negative reasons when Mr. Trimble had not had a chance to meet the ladies from the KCCC, had not taken the time to find out why the school was being used and would not accept the email with the forum format and initial questions. I am sure Mr. Trimble received some well-intentioned advice when he submitted his press release. I was saddened when I read it, however, as it served no purpose if his real reason was simply that he was too busy. I hope all of the commenters above can try to be reasonable about all of this and realize we are all neighbors and would probably all be friends if we dropped our negative defenses and tried to understand each other before we made assumptions that are without any basis in fact. I applaud "netloafer's" comments and remind everyone that we have all made mistakes in our past and I am sure we all hope to be better tomorrow than we are today. To Mr. Trimble, I hope this can all be put behind us, as I am sure you are a fine individual, husband and father. I work with people that know you and they were surprised when they read the press release since they know me also and couldn’t understand how you would get the idea that this was somehow slanted against you. This is all a very sad incident when two people that are trying to be public servants and a group of very nice people are trying to provide some information all become entangled in such a silly situation all because we jump to conclusions before we get facts to back them up.

Sincerely, Craig Barbee

July 25, 2008 at 2:49 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )