Frankly, I'm tired of talking about Dan Corbin, but I don't have any choice. He's just about the only one saying anything.
The only candidate events I know about in the coming week are at-large candidate Jared Foster's meet-and-greet at Fuddrucker's tomorrow (April 23 at 1800) and mayoral candidate Eric Nellis's on Wednesday the 25th at the Community Center.
I hope candidates will believe me when I say that silence will not win the election. Saying you're an upright citizen and unencumbered by private interests does not constitute a campaign position. The city needs public discussion of issues like
- the city charter
- how the city should grow
- how we're going to finance our growth
- how to react to the inevitable upcoming armed forces reduction
- how to get enough water into town
I'm especially disappointed in Billy Workman, who at least started off talking about some of these things; and Eric Nellis, whom I expected to apply a young man's enthusiasm to them.
But even more disappointing than the mayoral candidates have been the candidates for at-large council seats. I've seen 10 comments by Ralph Cossey and Daniel Kott for every one by the other 14 candidates combined. And I can't characterize Ralph's as substantive. Most of the candidates for at-large seats don't even have web pages.
It's three weeks until the election, candidates. You need to make some noise.
Not sure I agree with all that you stated. Voters have a responsibility to know their candidates. Some candidates just don't have large amounts of money pouring in to fund catfish frys and the sort. Attending forums and watching clips on-line at eyes of killeen website or local newspaper site is excellent way to get to know candidates. Biggest change that needs to happen in Killeen is a shift away from old network mentality to a more citizen inclusive government. Voters need to take time to research candidates and their connections. Vote for those that aren't affiliated with past regimes that have tried to control the way city business is conducted. If Killeen can get more candidates that vote for the people's needs over big business agendas then real change can start to happen. Great plans amount to nothing without the right people in office that will move Killeen in a different direction away from the cronyism. Workman's voting record in favor of the people cannot be denied. Unfortunate that he was voted down far too many times. Imagine if there were 4 like him on the future council that voted in favor of what was best for Killeen. Not what was best for developers or a handful of people but what was right for the masses.
ReplyDeleteGood comment. I like Billy Workman. I think the main drawback to his mayoral candidacy is that he's not a good public speaker. His heart is in the right place. His head (when you talk to him one-on-one) is on straight. His tongue does not follow along.
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