Some random thoughts on tonights Meet the Candidates Night. It was the first and only such forum before the Primary Election set for September 15. Some of this feedback is from audience members, organizers, the candidates themselves and ME >>>
- Most apprecitated the opportunity to present, listen and visit. Thanks to Barratt Elementary Staff.
- Most appreciated the format, and the moderator Rob Shelton, Public Relations Chair for the American Fork Rotary Club.
- There was a very good turnout, approx 100 people total. Apathy seemed to take an early Labor Day weekend.
- All had literature to peruse.
- The 5 minutes alloted seemed ample time to briefly introduce themselves and a few things about their candidacy.
- I respect greatly and appreciate anyone who "puts themselves out there", i.e. puts their name on a ballot and campaigns. It is not an easy undertaking, esp. municipal elections.
- Not to be too critical, however, I was somewhat disappointed in the lack of preparedness of some but not all candidates. With 5 minutes; a short, powerful, compact, themed presentation could have been memorized and delivered with passion. Some read too much, others were loose with facts. Still others rambled and others were unsure of what they were saying.
- I am not a baseball fan, but here are my unofficial "stats":
- Mayor Candidates:
- JH Hadfield - good message, but why read it? A double (stayed til end)
- Heber Thompson - highlighted successes well, seemed a bit defensive? Stand up double (stayed til the end)
- Ed Cameron - seemed at ease, but tense, some resonating issues with youth. Solid single (stayed til the end, one of last to leave)
- Council Candidates:
- Andy Dobman- no show (no reasons given) > struck out
- Marc Ellison - sincere, has run before, gave good reasons for running, total debt of city was erroneous > Single, rounded for 2nd but kept to single. (stayed long)
- Dale Gunther (Philip represented his father Dale, who had a family commitment): relayed good info from data source and good message. > sliding double.. (stayed briefly)
- Robert Godfrey - good background intitally, spent too much time with vocation honors etc, not much substance> reached first on a walk, passed ball. (didnt stay long)
- Darren Cooper- presents well, too much intro, not much specifics> flied out to deep center. (stayed briefly after)
- Heidi Rodeback - passioned, themed, walked toward the audience, did not read, little over the top? nah, articulated well her reasons for running and identified her areas of priority> round trip dinger (was one of the last to leave)
- Larry Webb - got to give him credit for throwing hat in, well intentioned but lacking in substance and style >ground out to first (didnt stay long)
- Gretchen Wiltbank - excused last minute for family matter, could have sent some literature or a sub (perhaps, didnt have time), her bio is sincere and good reasons for running. A witty, knowledgeable lady > Time out called by umpire
- Jess Green - soft spoken, good personal background, significant service albeit controversial, clueless as to why he is running and the police suit comments were visibly from peoples reaction inappropriate > tagged out trying to stretch a single into a double. (stayed after).
There you have it, a brief synopsis from my "cheap, nosebleed seats" only. Please, comments from the slightly salted peanut gallery welcome . . .
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