No Fair Candidates’ Forum Told
A political candidates’ forum planned for the Whitman County Fair next week has gotten the boot, after fair officials decided stumping politicians aren’t “in keeping with the agricultural nature of the fair.”
“It’s a family atmosphere, and we just didn’t feel it was the place for that sort of thing,” said fair manager Debbie Wells.
“We hated to do it,” she said. “But the board just felt we want to focus on the kids, family and fun aspect.”
Organizers of the forum said they were surprised by Monday’s decision to prohibit the gathering, which had been scheduled for Sept. 7. The fair runs from Sept. 5-8.
“I think everyone is disappointed and has some frustration,” said Karen Kiessling, president of the Pullman League of Woman Voters. “It’s just sad that at the last minute it was a zapper.”
Wells said the fair also prohibits solicitation by people who haven’t rented a booth. The local Democratic and Republican central committees rent booths to pitch their platforms to passers-by, she said, and candidates are welcome to greet voters there as well.
George Sharp, executive director of the Pullman Chamber of Commerce, was responsible for arranging the forum with the fair. He blamed a “miscommunication” between Wells and himself.
“It reinforces my belief that we need to do everything in writing,” he said.
Crowded local primary races led the league, chamber and the American Association of University Women to organize the unusual summer forum. The fair, Kiessling said, seemed like a natural place for it.
“It’s balloons and flags and a rural setting. This is Americana, Democracy in action,” she said. “It’s judging of pigs and cows - and politicians.”
The fair is also near Colfax, which, despite being the county seat, is politically overshadowed by much-larger Pullman. Organizers had hoped to give people outside Pullman a chance to meet the candidates, Kiessling said.
The league has been hosting candidates’ forums in Whitman County for more than 30 years, she said.
“Our bible on this subject is absolute fairness and proper behavior by everyone. What we want is voter education.”
Kiessling said a second candidates’ forum will still take place. It’s slated for 7 p.m. Sept. 9 at Schweitzer Engineering Labs, in the Port of Whitman Industrial Park.
, DataTimes