Many voters are disappointed that the democratic and republican candidates for governor of Rhode Island decided on limiting their debates to four -- three on the major TV channels and one at the Chamber of Commerce breakfast at the end of October. Their reasons were summarized in a front-page article in Tuesday's Providence Journal for declining invitations to debates sponsored by the Providence Rotary Club, Newport County Chamber of Commerce, South Elmwood Neighborhood Association, RI Kids Count, Environment Council of RI, and the RI League of Cities and Towns.
These canceled debates are missed opportunities for these and perhaps other groups to delve into important aspects of public policy that will be peripheral in the general TV debates. The next governor needs to demonstrate a deep knowledge of the full range of issues that face Rhode Island.
The article quotes an editor of the Cook Political Report: "Four debates is probably slightly above average for gubernatorial races, especially given that the primary was so late." But this is Rhode Island! The state is so small that the candidates could easily do 2 or 3 debates in different corners of the state in one day and still have time for lots of other campaigning on the same day! It strikes me that the large number and varied candidate forums and debates during the primary run-up was a healthy, stimulating time when voters could see the candidates in person and hear in-depth discussions of focused topics that matter to them. This being Rhode Island, any voter (at least those with transportation) can get to ANY meeting ANYWHERE in the state in an hour or so if they wish. Personal connections were fostered in those forums and debates that TV debates simply cannot replicate.
Anyway, the debate that the Environment Council of RI had planned for next Tuesday is canceled. But I left it on the Featured list for those of you who are concernd about environmental issues. If you get a chance to meet the gubernatorial candidates -- or the Providence mayoral candidates, or those running for the General Assembly -- ask them something about Rhode Island's environment. They need to know that Rhode Islanders care about the environment.
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