Candidate Forum: Deliberate Void in West SFV Congressional Race

Sunday, between 3:00 p.m. and 4:30p.m., an energetic crowd assembled at Birmingham High School, at the invitation of long-term incumbent (9 terms) Brad Sherman. This is the only scheduled PUBLIC town hall, so far, before the Nov 4th election.

The question asked by Mark Reed, the other Elected Candidate running to represent residents in the 30th Congressional District, dealt with the absence of any forum through which residents may evaluate the candidates.

Brad Sherman declined an invitation by community groups, which were trying to coordinate an event coinciding with dates Sherman is present in the district. This would occur during September/October. Sherman’s detailed explanation for the decline addressed only one organization – a church with facilities ample enough to accommodate a large audience. http://www.postperiodical.com/challenger-confronts-sherman-town-hall-meeting/

“I have run for Congress many times. I have always debated my opponents. I have always done so under the auspices of the League of Women voters,” Sherman said. “I don’t think Shepherd of the Hills is now anxious to do the debate. Houses of worship have some special concerns.” However, in 2012, he did participate in a debate at a religious facility: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GBIh7ThrUrM#t=51 .

Meanwhile, ironically, most temples or synagogues in the 30th Congressional District are accepting the Congressman’s request to address the Congregants in his official capacity, supposedly “updating” them on the situation in Israel.

The IRS guidelines for 501(c) 3 involvement in politics is best explained in ”Non Profits Guide To Hosting A Candidate Forum” via this website: http://www.nonprofitvote.org/documents/2011/11/a-nonprofits-guide-to-hosting-a-candidate-forum.pdf

It is this little clause “If it is a two-candidate race and only one agrees to attend, you should not go forward with your forum. In a multi-candidate race at least two must confirm,” which gives the incumbent (or candidate with the most to lose) the edge.

The incumbent has the ability to host multiple Town Halls and therefore, declining a forum with the opponent is strategy. When the incumbent declines the invite, it also shuts down the event before it is even publicized; the public is unaware, and therefore, never given an opportunity to compare the candidates on issues in a public setting.

Mark Reed:   My core belief is Country before Party, People before Politics

It is time to change our representation in the 30th Congressional district to a life-long resident, business owner, and American who will:

Respect Veterans

Restore our respect for immigrants

Restore our dignity

Restore Jobs