Political Civility Challange

From local media and JCC sources

I would like to address the Political Civility Challenge which was issued by the Jasper Chamber of Commerce to the political candidates running in the November 2011 elections.  The JCC has challenged us candidates to sign a pledge committing to run a clean campaign.  As of June 29, 2011, ten of the fifteen candidates on the ballot had signed the  “political civility challenge“,   accepting its terms.

I am one of the five who have yet to sign the challenge.  Why?  I have been thinking long and hard about this pledge developed by the JCC.  It states candidates "“will conduct this campaign with the highest integrity and respect for our opponents and their supporters.“This pledge also asks candidates to promise to “speak directly to issues that affect the city“ and “clearly explain our goals and dreams for its future.“".

One unopposed candidate stated this morning that she was glad to sign the challenge saying  “You should promote yourself on your own merit and what knowledge you have to come into the position,“ she said, “and how you will represent the city. I believe the community wants to see the candidates run clean campaigns and run on their own merit, not bash the other candidate.“

A chamber board member said she hopes the trend of running clean campaigns continues past this election.  Does this mean to me that the primary election was not clean?  I believe so.  I saw the last minute attack on Raymie Eckerle in the primary.  I agree with the concept of promoting one's self on their own merit, and what knowledge one has to come into the position, and how the city would be represented.  I too, believe the people of Jasper want to see all candidates run clean campaigns and on their own merit.  The candidates should not bash the other candidates if unwarranted.

My problem with the pledge resides in the wording of conducting oneself with the highest integrity and respect for my opponents and their supporters, which I believe if their character does not enter into the issues and affect the governing of the City of Jasper.  A candidate can also talk a good talk towards the issues, but can still support and be part of the cronyism and nepotism that presently exists in our city government.

The citizens of Jasper deserve to know the character and intellect of their candidates for mayor and if I have to bring these into account for the betterment of Jasper, I am prepared to do so.  I,  am personally laying out all of my skeletons that I can recall collecting in my life.  The people will decide if I conduct myself with integrity and respect to all individuals.  The citizens, I am hopeful, will also realize that bad things happen to good people as most have at one time or another have experienced.
 
I have always been able to strongly disagree with an individual while continuing to respect the person.  People are who they, are and I will always accept this without judging them.

I have determined I will sign the challenge knowing (with the understanding) there will be statements I will make that are attacked as being a personal assault on my opposition's character.  Any statement may be construed by the opposition as my challenging the integrity and respect of the other candidates.  Knowing that I will, indeed, bring character and intellect into some of the issues facing Jasper.  The issues of all candidate's character and knowledge must not be hidden from the voting public.

Mack