Congratulations to the newly elected City officials. The elections have come and gone. The democratic process has taken place, and we should all be very thankful that we have the right to vote and do not be fooled, every vote counts....I think some of the elections were decided by 10-15 votes or less....
Whether or not you like the results, we can all agree that the votes were counted and the people who won, won fair and square.
I will be the first to admit. I put something out that was easy to take out of context and I should be beaten senseless for it. Make sure you get me on the shoulder for that the next time you see me. That was just dumb. I know WAY TOO WELL that all of you guys at the P&R have VERY STRONG PERSONAL OPINIONS to make an implication like that. So, yes, out of context for sure.
Perhaps though, this can be used as a teaching tool not only for me, but also as a means of developing very strict rules for the debate. Heck, perhaps you, Jeremy, and I sit down together when this thing happens, filter the questions as they come through, and allow only appropriate questions that can be answered by the individuals involved. This is a potential way that this CAN happen. A possible solution. An optimistic outlook. Positive, "yes I can" way of approaching this.
You had me a little frustrated, admittedly, by bringing reasons this CAN'T happen. They are your opinions, and I should have viewed them as things to look out for when the debate takes place. So I thank you for bringing them up. Now, how about we address those issues and find ways to prevent them from happening? You game?
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Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others. – Philippians 2:3-4
Jeremy, you sound earily similar to someone else I've heard from recently.
Right here is a perfect example of why I do not like the online debate. I do not like your "earily similar statement" I do not know what you are talking about. Are you implying that i can not think for myself? Are you implying that i am somebodies puppet? Things can be misunderstood too easily when typed.
Can you say for sure that Larry, Kim, Darcy, Dave, or Ricky are really the ones answering the questions? (By the way why is the park board the hot election on this web site?) I would think the school board would be the hot topic with two long time staples (Schmitz and Peterson) not running.
Whos to say one of them does not pull in a ringer to answer their questions for them.
Plus a lot of statements can be misunderstood when put in written form. A live debate is the fairest way to get the most honest statements from all people involved.
Just my ten cents (which is worth about a nickle)
Well...those are valid questions....guess it just boils down to honesty and integrity on the part of the candidates.
I think, as Steve mentioned, it is an opportunity to try new ways and ideas....I think it is outstanding.
While I agree, a live debate is good, I think that the many of the ones we have seen in the past are not really debates as much as they are simple question and answer sessions. I think there is plenty of room for both as educational forums.
If this on-line debate is successful, I see lots of doors opening in the future...such as towards the School Board Elections and/or City Commission....but you gotta start somewhere.
The fact is, that it is a new world. The youngsters of today, who are the ones who will be running the world soon, are very very savvy when it comes to computers and the internet. Us fossils need to get on board or forever be left behind. This is such an original idea for Williston, I would think that every young person in the community would appreciate the concept. Might get em involved even more, in the process.....
Jeremy, you sound earily similar to someone else I've heard from recently. How about helping me find answers to those potential problems. There's going to be a live debate this month...right? So why not see if we can make something work here too?
If you read my previous post, I already answered your question as to why the park board and not anyone else. The people running for park board are all already here. And because this is unchartered territory I don't want to complicate things.
People work too hard to find reasons why things won't work rather than working on ways to make them work.
It's an attitude thing people. C'mon! Let's be progressive. I'm tired of being the few in this town at trying new things.
So what say you? Bring me ideas and answers to make this work.
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Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others. – Philippians 2:3-4
Can you say for sure that Larry, Kim, Darcy, Dave, or Ricky are really the ones answering the questions? (By the way why is the park board the hot election on this web site?) I would think the school board would be the hot topic with two long time staples (Schmitz and Peterson) not running.
Whos to say one of them does not pull in a ringer to answer their questions for them.
Plus a lot of statements can be misunderstood when put in written form. A live debate is the fairest way to get the most honest statements from all people involved.
There will be a specific set of rules to follow for this debate. The people who ask the questions will be held accountable for them. One rule I will set that is a perfect example will be you can not post anonymously. I and one other person will be moderating the debate and will be able to delete posts and will be able to ban those asking questions if they break the rules. I'm putting together something for the candidates and will ask for their ok and their suggestions for changes.
Stay tuned.
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Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others. – Philippians 2:3-4
I think an on line forum discussion will be a very good complement to the one scheduled for the end of May.
SKM makes a good point, but I think a reasonably intelligent person can get a really good feel for someone by how they handle themselves with the written word and usage of the English language.
As a bonus, a candidate will have time to think about an his response rather than deliver an off-the-cuff reply of the sort we will see at the Library Forum.
I think there are some good questions out there to be asked. AND some good answers...
Kudos to Steve....and to the candidates who are willing to go out on a limb.
I have asked the members on this site that are candidates for the June park board elections if they'd be willing to have a message board debate sometime this month. They've all agreed. I have assured them all that I would run this in a format that was fair to all of them. I will be in contact with each of them with some ideas I have for this event and will post a time and date here on the board as to when this will take place.
If you have any thoughts on a good format for this event please send me a private message.
I have been told that I should consider having debates for the other elected officials but I would rather keep it simple this time so we can make sure the results are fair.
Stay tuned for further information.
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Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others. – Philippians 2:3-4
