LWV president wants full debates

Dear Editor:
A fundamental pillar of our democratic process is the expectation that those in office and those seeking public office must answer directly to the people they represent or wish to represent. Unfortunately, a concerning trend has emerged where candidates are increasingly refusing to schedule debates or face their constituents in open, unscripted forums. Avoiding these forums reduces transparency and limits voters’ ability to directly hear from opposing candidates.
(All) voters deserve to hear candidates from all political parties defend their records and explain their platform in real time. Avoiding these public forums deprives citizens of the necessary information to make fully educated choices at the ballot box.
True public service requires a willingness to face scrutiny, engage with opposing viewpoints, and answer to the entire community – not just a base of supporters. It is time for voters to insist on transparency and demand that all candidates show up, answer the hard questions and respect the democratic process. Candidate participation in debates is crucial for democratic accountability.
I hope you will take the opportunity to attend the forums currently scheduled. They are all open to the public.
The Greater Burlington Partnership 610 N. 4th St. Winegard Room:
October 13th 5:15pm - 6:15pm Des Moines County Board of Supervisor Candidates Brian Thie and Bob Bartles
October 13th 6:30pm - 7:30pm District 99 House of Representative Candidates Jennifer Kirkman and Matt Rinker
The League of Women Voters in partnership with The Hawkeye will host a forum at the Burlington Public Library:

October 22nd 5:30pm - 7:00pm Des Moines County Board of Supervisor Candidates Bob Bartles and Brian Thie.
The Keokuk Chamber of Commerce, Ft. Madison Chamber of Commerce, AAUW chapter in Keokuk and the LWV of Southeast Iowa, in partnership, attempted to arrange a forum for the District 100 House of Representative Candidates Matt Mohrfeld and Blaine Watkins. Representative Watkins was not available for any of the numerous dates presented.
The League of Women Voters also attempted to set up a forum for the District 99 House of Representative Candidates Matt Rinker and Jennifer Kirkman. Though numerous dates and times were presented, some at Representative Rinker’s suggestion, he was unable to find a time to participate.
The Greater Burlington Partnership and the League of Women Voters attempted to schedule separate forums for District 95 House of Representative candidates Carrie Trevino and Taylor Collins. Unfortunately, a mutual date could not be arranged.
Because the League maintains a strict policy against hosting one-sided events, a single candidate's refusal to show up effectively silences the entire forum, depriving voters of their best tool for making informed choices. We should not abdicate our responsibility to educate ourselves demanding instead that if one wants their name on the ballot, it is with the understanding that one answers to all the constituents in your district.

Respectfully submitted,
Martha Wolf, President
League of Women Voters of Southeast Iowa