Candidates change minds, refuse to attend TEA PARTY debate in Lynden.
First opportunity for debate in North County in several years turned down by candidates.
Jack Louws, Steve Oliver and Christina Maginnis had accepted an invitation to attend a Tea Party debate scheduled to be held in Bellingham October 18th. But when the venue was changed to Lynden they changed their minds and said they wouldn’t be there.
Former Lynden Resident Jack Louws is running against Doug Ericksen for County Executive. Maginnis is running for County Council against the popular Sam Crawford. Steve Oliver is running against Lynden native Brian Smith for Treasurer.
I have trouble understanding the refusal to debate. All of these candidates would represent and are elected by all voters in Whatcom County. There have been debates in other parts of the County--but not Lynden.
Charges have been made that when he was Lynden Mayor, Jack Louws had increased spending, taxes and fees and built a public restroom for $510.00 per square foot. One would think he would want to defend his record.
But Louws has spent time wooing voters in Bellingham instead of the North County. Louws has also gratefully accepted David Stalheim’s endorsement (he was the liberal candidate in the race). Click Here to read the Endorsement. Louws also accepted a support vote from the Whatcom County Democratic Party.
People might have some questions even where Jack is known so well in Lynden.
I Understand the local Tea Party people felt it was important, at there next meeting, to have some one on one debates with local candidates to allow people to look at candidates after the primary. Initially the Tea Party set up the BIA in Bellingham as the venue and asked candidates to attend and sent out the following release on Oct 3rd.
CANDIDATES TO DEBATE AT TEA PARTY MEETING, OCT 18th IN LYNDEN
The following is the Press Release after Debate participants accepted invitations to attend debate.
CANDIDATES TO DEBATE AT TEA PARTY MEETING, OCT 18th IN LYNDEN
October 3, 2011 – Bellingham, Washington.
The Bellingham Tea Party announced today that three pairs of candidates will debate as a part of the October 18th “General Meeting” which will be held at the Lynden Middle School Auditorium, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. As always, the meeting is open to the public at no charge.
The candidates who will participate are
Sam Crawford & Christina Maginnis – for County Council District #2
Steve Oliver & Brian Smith – for County Treasurer
Doug Ericksen & Jack Louws – for County Executive
This will be a debate, not a “town hall.” Each pair of candidates will have the opportunity to answer a short list of questions presented by a moderator, and provide rebuttals. The audience will have a chance to hear what candidates really think on core issues. In addition to the debate, we will have a video presentation on current topics of interest. Refreshments will be provided in the foyer.
Lynden Middle School Auditorium is located at 516 Main Street, Lynden, and parking is ample. Doors will open at about 5:30 p.m.
The Bellingham Tea Party is a non-profit, non-partisan grassroots organization that does not endorse any political party or candidate. Its goal is education and dialogue on topics of great interest to the community. Tea Party activities can be verified at our official website: http://www.bhamteaparty.org