The Event:
The Spearfish Chamber of Commerce’s Governmental Affairs Committee, (GAC) presided over the 2010 District 31 Candidate Forum on October 5, 2010 at 6:00 p.m. Eric Strawn, Vice President of the Chamber of Commerce, moderated the Forum. There were a good number of people in attendance who were not associated with the candidates; but, like many, we at the Chamber would have hoped that the room would be so full that we would have needed extra seats. Nevertheless, it is a midterm election and our attendance reflected that reality.
Attendance:
As moderator for the event I was glad to see many familiar faces as well as several BHSU students and other young people in attendance. Attendance at these events reflects on our Republic as a whole. That the youth of our county have taken in interest speaks volumes; but, we need to do more in getting as many of them to these events as possible.
The Candidates:
The Candidates did very well in responding to the questions. The questions were well thought out and the responses corresponded in kind. The Forum allowed for some cross debate and rebuttal as the Candidates each had an opportunity to respond to challenges by their opponents. The great virtue of Western South Dakota politics is that although the Forum was lively with some banter back and forth, it never elevated to impassioned responses nor resulting in ad hominem attacks.
Moderating:
Some of the candidates stated they were glad the moderator did not interject his position into the questions and responses by the candidates. The Chamber tries to take a neutral position when presiding over these and other events of this nature. Bryan Walker, Governmental Affairs Committee and the current Chamber president, Josh Horak, have taken this position and as the incoming president I will also take their lead. The Chamber is here for our membership and there were topics I would like to have interjected in during the discussion, but it was not my place at that time. If you want to hear my thoughts on what we hope for our membership, please contact me and I will find time to discuss this over a cup of coffee or lunch.
Things we can take from this event:
As I explained to the crowd at the Forum, if you feel you haven’t had all your questions answered, please take it upon yourself and call up the candidates and ask them for their position. The candidates are running for a public office which means they are running to serve Lawrence County’s best interest. As a servant of the people of Lawrence County, they will take time to answer your questions as best they can. Our Republic is dependent upon your ability to walk up to a candidate and get a straight answer.
Thank you,
Eric J. Strawn,
Spearfish Chamber of Commerce, VP
