Why Feet to the Fire Forum matters

Last week’s column about the two upcoming Feet to the Fire Forum dates at Orange Coast College’s Robert B. Moore Theater garnered lots of interesting emails.

Readers were excited the Daily Pilot was sponsoring this event once again, and no one, including me, was surprised that political consultant Dave Ellis’s Newport council candidates — Lee Lowery, Will O’Neill and Brad Avery — wouldn’t be there.

Readers may remember that in 2014 the “Team Newport” candidates, handled by the same consultant, didn’t show either. At the time, I cautioned voters about candidates unwilling to answer tough questions.

After all, the City Council affects what happens outside your door. These days, Newport residents can’t ignore the traffic and high-density development.

Times have changed since 2014.

It used to be only political insiders talked about Political Action Committees (PACs) and Independent Expenditure (I.E.) committees, and their funding sources. But not anymore.

The lingo has found its way into daily conversation. It took over $900,000 to get Team Newport elected in 2014 — a fact not lost on this year’s voters.

Social media and the ease of accessing information online has empowered voters. The tide is changing, with people scrutinizing candidates and paying closer attention to financial reporting forms.

And they’re asking questions.

One reader in Costa Mesa wrote asking me why some campaign contributor addresses listed on these campaign disclosure forms were redacted, while others were not. The reader also wondered why donors from cities outside hers were contributing. And why do candidates donate to each other?

Brenda Green, Costa Mesa city clerk, explained that home addresses of campaign contributors are redacted on the city’s website, but contributors with business addresses are listed. If someone comes into City Hall, they can view the versions without redactions.

And it’s common practice for like-minded candidates to contribute to each other as they push their particular political agendas.

I can tell you from running for Newport council in 2006 that raising money is the toughest part. When “dialing for dollars,” everyone you know is fair game, regardless where they live.

But that doesn’t mean that folks with agendas aren’t contributing.

When examining forms, spot trends that raise questions for you. Don’t be shy. Email candidates with those questions. How they respond could be telling.

My sense in Newport is that this campaign season citizens are not only paying attention to the length of candidate residency here, but who’s backing them, and whether they rent or own. The mindset being homeowners have more of a vested financial stake in the city than renters.

The voter of 2016 is more discerning.

I believe the days are waning when voters will accept candidates who prefer one-sided conversations with them through campaign mailers, or answering softball questions at some of the forums.

Feet to the Fire set a new standard in questioning candidates and then airing forums on TV and online.

It’s a trend that’s spreading.

Newport resident and Line in the Sand PAC member Nancy Skinner told me her organization is offering to tape any Newport candidate forum for free.

In an age when everybody has cell phones and social media accounts, candidates can’t escape the added dimension of video.

That’s good news for residents, but bad news for candidates who aren’t so self-assured, don’t grasp the issues, or lack the “likability factor” on camera.

Video is online forever and a misstep can sink a candidacy.

Video is problematic for political consultants trying to mold clients’ images and control campaign messaging.

As voters become more sophisticated, I doubt candidate forums slanted in favor of the candidates, rather than the citizens, will draw audiences.

A panel where every candidate is asked the same question — which they were given prior to arriving — isn’t going to cut it anymore.

The campaign game is evolving. Candidates should as well. This offers some hope for our local political scene, as those choosing to run for office become more accountable for what they say.

I’m looking forward to both Feet to the Fire shows. We have candidates unafraid to face the music.

Those who fear scrutiny won’t be missed. But I’m sure they will be discussed.

The meet-and-greet with the candidates is from 6 to 7 p.m. Aug. 17 (Newport Beach) and 18 (Costa Mesa). The forums start 7:15 p.m. both nights

For more information go to feet2thefireforum.com.

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BARBARA VENEZIA lives in Newport Beach. She can be reached at bvontv1@gmail.com.