Got Detail?
by John Weckerle
Just a few days ago, we posted an article on Jon Stewart’s upcoming Rally to Restore Sanity, to be held on October 30 in Washington, D.C. We found the CNN opinion article on this quite enjoyable, and thought we’d pass on the link.
We’ve been decrying the combativeness of this year’s political silly season, and are calling for candidates to drop some of the rhetoric and give us specifics on their proposals. In short, we’d like to hear about their proposals, and we’d like to hear specifics. We don’t mean vague statements about jobs, corruption, and so on, but the actual approach candidates intend to implement. These are important jobs, and many voters would like to know not just where candidates stand on issues, but how they intend to be effective in performing the duties to which they are elected.
We’ll use the gubernatorial campaign as an example. We took a look at both candidates’ web sites. Both sites have “issues” sections, and both could use some more specifics. We were surprised to find that both candidates do have some proposals to talk about. Both Ms. Martinez and Ms. Denish provides a detailed view of each of the issues, with a position paper on each of the major categories in addition to the summaries. A quick look through those reveals a combination of plans, outlines of past accomplishments, and value statements. While we’re not reviewing the actual positions today, we did find it encouraging to see some actual proposals on the table with respect to Jobs/Economy and Government Reform, although we’ll note that there was little detail as to how the programs in question would be funded (admittedly, that’s not the sort of thing that usually shows up in campaigns). Some of the position papers were lacking in detail and in actual proposed approaches, focusing perhaps too heavily on past accomplishments and values statements. We’d like to see a little more “going forward” type of information, especially in the education, energy and environment areas, and more specifics as to how the approaches in these areas will affect accomplishments in the others.
And, from this time forward, we’d like to see this type of information, from all candidates in all races, in the advertisements. We know why each of you thinks your opponent is a horrible person, and now we’d like to hear more about what your detailed plans are for getting to work when you’re elected. Let’s get more into the education and less into the vilification, as it were; it will be more useful to voters who are not making up their minds solely on the basis of ideology, and it would be far less embarrassing.
4 Responses “Got Detail?”
Yes, John! Let’s get into some meaningful discussion.
But first, let me give you the unfortunate nature of campaigns. I attended a number of forums where candidates were asked to give a 2 minute speech explaining why they were the most qualified. Try it! Stand in front of a mirror and explain how you are going to fix education, come up with a better energy policy, and clean up the environment…all in 120 seconds. And in the meantime, try to make it sound different from everyone else. Oh yeah, and don’t forget about the economy, jobs, pro-life vs. pro-choice, border security, ethics, and any other issue du jour.
I realize that you were speaking more to the websites of candidates that give them a greater opportunity to outline what they plan to accomplish. So, with that in mind, I changed my website…www.jimsmithnm.com.
Okay, it’s basically a blank page. Let’s get your readers to write about their thoughts. I don’t know if you followed my race very closely, but education was a consistent theme. As you know, I’ve been a teacher in the East (West?) Mountains for a long time and I have many ideas of how we can serve our children better (maybe start by using better grammar). I’ll be the first to admit that, even though I will represent District 22 in the House, I don’t have all of the answers. Let’s get a dialog started.
Also, I plan to begin a regular opportunity for more people to get in on the conversation. It would be nice to have an informal meeting somewhere, say coffee and pastries on a Saturday morning, when anyone could share the floor and speak about whatever is on their mind. I’ve been attending a similar meeting in Albuquerque for the past several years and all topics are fair game. I am certain that frequent feedback from constituents will make me a better legislator. Let’s shoot for October 16th for the first one. I’ll look for a place.
I understand that it can be difficult. It’s just that I think it might be less so without all the vitriol. I’m glad you’ve had the opportunity to actually address issues and avoid the street fighting, but unfortunately that’s not typical. The gubernatorial race in this state has gotten to the point where it’s embarrassing. Both candidates’ messages have gotten lost in the constant barrage of accusations and counter-accusations. Similar trends are happening in a lot of the other races, and people end up voting based on emotion rather than knowledge and understanding.
Your idea for periodic get-togethers within the district is a good one. Readers: keep an eye out for an announcement with time and place!
Just found out; that’s the day of the Pumpkin Chunkin’ event down in Estancia. I’m not sure whether the two would compete, but figured I’d better make note of it.