Dear Legislator Roberts,
I write to you in my capacity not as your opponent in the current race for the seat in the Ulster County Legislature for District 12, but, rather, in my capacity as a constituent of yours.
As you likely recall, in my capacity as your opponent in the race, on August 24 I sent you a certified letter asking you to agree to join me in a public debate. This event would provide an opportunity for the voters in District 12 to get to know our different backgrounds, ideologies, visions, etc. I'd asked that you respond to me prior to 9/1 via email. I was disappointed to have not received any response from you on this, in spite of the fact that I received a receipt indicating that it was received.
As a constituent, I think it is essential that candidates for elected office are willing to engage in public dialog with their opponents. Further, as a constituent, it concerns me that a candidate in any race for office refuses to engage in a public debate with his or her opponent. Honestly, such a situation is a red flag. It makes a person wonder the following:
* Is this candidate not willing to stand in support of his or her record?
* Does this candidate lack a clear vision that he or she could articulate relevant to the office under consideration?
* Does this candidate have something to hide?
As a constituent, I want my elected officials to be fully willing and able to effectively engage in a public debate regarding the issues at hand.
Note that I'd be more than glad to engage in such a debate if you'd be willing to consider it between now and the general election on November 7. I think the public would benefit from hearing us discuss our thoughts on such issues as:
* How to best revitalize Plattekill's distressed economy.
* The primary needs of the people of Plattekill and how to best address these needs.
* The most effective approaches to lobby for County, State, or Federal monies to initiate programs that would benefit the people of our district.
* The recent Green Party controversy
* and more.
As your constituent, I truly believe that you should reconsider my offer to engage in a debate. To my mind, we are at a time in our nation's history when we must have the absolute highest of expectations for all of our elected officials - and a public debate would be precisely the kind of forum that would allow constituents like myself to learn about your background and your vision for our shared future. Don't hesitate to contact me - I'll be glad to do the legwork to set this up.
Genuinely, Glenn Geher - Modena
