Laying out my criteria . . .

Sorting Out Candidate Throught Debates & Forums

Posted  9/11/2007 7:17 AM
I believe it's a privilege to sort out candidates as they showcase themselves and their ideas through forums and debates.  Choice is everything! How privileged we are to have a good field of citizens who care so much about Palm Springs.   


First of all, it isn't easy put oneself out there to be scrutinized by the public.  We know in general, that bad news is showcased on the front pages and good news comes in smaller details tucked on other pages.   Then there's individuals (like myself) that push the candidates to go beyond their brochures and lay out a clear action plans for the issues.  

All in all, I am looking forward to Tuesday night, September 11th, Chamber of Commerce forum at City Hall, 6 p.m.  It will be televised on Channel 17, TWC.  If like previous years, it will be repeated many times before you cast your vote.  So I ask all of you to help me sort out what they say.

1.  Do they appear updated on the issues and do they have a plan of action on how to correct the problems?

2.  Do they speak about themselves more or about us, the consensus of the public?  

3.  When talking about representation . . . are they more driven toward representing the visitors, new businesses, and creating a global image?  Or are they in touch and committed to the TAX PAYER'S needs and ideas?

4.  Are they a candidate for change, that is, will they seek to understand us and work on behalf of the public?

 5.  How many times do they talk about themselves, saying 'I' did this, 'I' did that, 'I' believe this, 'I' feel strongly about this . . . as oppose to talking about what they have learnt from the residents of Palm Springs?

6.  Are they fault finders, shamers, and blamers?  Do they  negatively showcase the other candidates?

7.  Are they able to compliment the other candidates, be open to their ideas?  Do they exhibit respect for each other? 

8.  The strongest candidates will be secure enough to show some vulnerability when posed with an unanticipated question?  (I go crazy when someone is making stuff up and it doesn't make sense)   Who is willing to be human in front of the public and own the fact that they haven't a answer to a question?

9.  Who will respects the process by not violating time guidelines with over answering questions in an attempt to control the format.  (I get upset with candidates that are disrespectful to the process ... it leads me to believe, should they get in office, that they will disrespect the consensus of those they represent.)

10.  Who satisfied you and will make Palm Springs a wonderful place to live?  Who exuded a love, passion and warmth for our community and it's citizens?  (Be careful not to fall for humor, surely it is fun to listen to, but it often covers up deficits and the shortcomings in individuals.  Humor should never replace intellect and genuine passion.)

Those are some of the aspects of what I will be looking at and I will share my reflections in this blog.  I am excited about tomorrow night, surely it will help in my pursuit to sort it all out . . .    STILL SORTING . . .