STRONG TOWNS BACK PEDALS AFTER PUBLIC SCRUTINY
Updated: Sep 29
Two candidate forums, two very different approaches.
The North Plains Chamber of Commerce candidate forum took an open and inclusive approach.
The event was open to the public.
The discussion had an impartial moderator: Lauren Bishop, editor of The Times.
Every candidate was invited by the Chamber.
In fact, the certified postage was shared with TRFNP confirming each candidate was in fact invited.
Hoping to hear from every candidate, the Chamber left seats at the dais with name placards for all candidates, just in case they changed their mind and decided to participate.
The forum was filmed, allowing voters who couldn't attend to hear directly from the candidates and the recording will be on Tualatin Valley Community Television YouTube shortly for all to review.
That's what an open candidate forum should look like: invite everyone, let the candidates answer for themselves, and let voters listen and decide.
Compare that with the upcoming Strong Towns North Plains Candidate Forum
Scheduled for Sunday, October 11, their forum is at Eagle's Nest Winery, a venue with a Hillsboro address. Their event is organized by a private political organization, is being held on private property outside North Plains, and requires attendees to register in advance. This screen shot below is from a charming post by Linda Galas Merten, Strong Towns North Plains Chair and Washington County resident, is from September 29th at 2:15pm
Linda claims: "ALL candidates are invited and welcome. " Turns out that wasn't quite true.
This screen shot is from September 29th at 2:15pm
This screen shot is from September 27 at 06:56pm
If all candidates were invited and all candidates were welcome from the outset, why does the registration form only highlight the three of their candidates hand selected by Strong Towns?
The time line is undeniable.
Strong Towns Back Pedals After Public Scrutiny
Strong Towns attempted to cut voters out of a legitimate discussion, having only their preferred candidates attend.
The Real Friends of North Plains disagrees with this approach and called them out. That is when Strong Towns North Plains back pedaled.
North Plains residents deserve opportunities to hear all candidates, in settings where they can compare their answers, question their ideas and judge for themselves.
Don't just look at what candidates say.
Look at who is organizing around them, who is giving them a platform, and how transparent that process is.
What does this tell us about how these candidates and their supporters intend to approach transparency and accountability if elected?
And voters should ask an even bigger question:
Will the people seeking office ultimately answer to the residents of North Plains—or will outside political networks have a significant influence over City Hall?
Those are questions worth asking before Election Day.
North Plains voters deserve to know.
We encourage all Residents of North Plains to show up to the Strong Towns candidate forum, come prepared with tough questions, and weigh each candidates answers.
The event is Sunday, October 11th 4:00 – 6:00 p.m. at Eagle's Nest Reserve Winery, 12995 NW Bishop Rd, Hillsboro, OR 97124. Sponsored by Strong Towns North Plains.
