Mayoral Debates
* To the politicians who wonder why voters are increasingly cynical and apathetic, take the recent mayoral debate held at the Gene Autry Museum of Western Heritage, where 400 voters awaited the evening’s start. Of six announced candidates, only two showed, Joel Wachs and Xavier Becerra. Jim Hahn, Kathleen Connell, Antonio Villaraigosa and Steve Soboroff dropped out. Perhaps in the future the candidates can issue their personal guidebook to dodging debates to help the public determine which event has the highest probability for attendance.
In-person debates are a key tool in helping voters filter through the polished rhetoric. To play fast and loose with a promised appearance is an insult to all who strive to make informed choices.
ANN REINHART
Los Angeles
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