Hannah-Beth Jackson Dodges Santa Barbara County Taxpayers Association Forum – YET….

Liberal Democrat Hannah-Beth Jackson dodged a Santa Barbara County Taxpayer Association forum and yet the Ventura County Star editorializes that Tony Strickland should be ashamed of himself for avoiding one with an organization that is dedicated to trash him.

From the press release:

On Thursday, September 11, the Board of Directors of the Santa Barbara County Taxpayers Association (SBCTA) hosted State Senate Candidate Tony Strickland. Both candidates in the high-profile race to replace Senator Tom McClintock were invited to attend and participate in a forum. But only Tony Strickland chose to accept the invitation. Strickland used the opportunity to discuss his vision and ideas and take questions.

“With an ongoing state budget crisis and energy crisis as well as the slowing economy being the key issue facing California today, the SBCTA planned to use this important opportunity to ask some tough questions of both candidates”, said Executive Director Joe Armendariz. “I was both surprised and disappointed that Hannah-Beth wasn’t willing to set aside an hour to address these important issues with the members of the Association.”

“There are families here in Santa Barbara that are finding it hard to make ends meet with the high price of gas, groceries and other basic necessities,” says SBCTA Past President Jan Evans. “Needless to say, we were disappointed that Hanna-Beth Jackson decided not to participate in the forum.”

The SBCTA was founded in 1956 and represents the interests of families, individuals and small, medium and large businesses throughout Santa Barbara County. For over fifty years, SBCTA has been a steady voice of reason in the public policy arena and brings reason based on expertise and impartial analysis to public policy issues. The Association has consistently represented taxpayers by examining important community concerns and urging lawmakers to responsibly manage the fiscal affairs of local government.

Let’s face it. Campaigns pick and choose debates, forums, talks to BENEFIT their candidate’s chances of being elected.

Political organizations and newspapers have their own agendas to promote and make/raise money.

An independent organization (s), mutually agreed upon, by both campaigns with a moderator or panel of questioners which is fair and balanced could be selected.

The forum/debate could be televised if audience details could be worked out so that one campaign would not be able to “stack” the audience. Or, televised without an audience.

The banter by the Ventura County Star is naive and unproductive.  They should know better.