Dear Editor,
As a current candidate for Mohave County Board of Supervisors, District 3, I’d like to know why our local Democratic candidates for county Board of Supervisors were excluded from participating in the Election Forum at Lake Havasu High Wednesday night that was sponsored by Today’s News-Herald, Radio Central, and the Lake Havasu Area Chamber of Commerce.
Brian McMahan is another BOS candidate for District 5, that was excluded from the forum.
Excluding candidates from a public forum can undermine the democratic process by limiting voter access to a full spectrum of viewpoints and information. Public forums serve as vital platforms for candidates to present their policies, debate issues, and engage directly with the electorate.
When certain candidates are excluded, voters are deprived of the opportunity to hear diverse perspectives and make fully informed decisions. This exclusion can perpetuate biases, reinforce the dominance of established political entities, and marginalize alternative voices that might offer innovative solutions to pressing problems. Ultimately, a healthy democracy thrives on robust debate and the free exchange of ideas, making the inclusion of all candidates in public forums essential for a transparent and representative electoral process.
Moreover, excluding candidates can erode public trust in the fairness and integrity of the electoral system. Ensuring that all qualified candidates have equal access to public forums fosters a sense of fairness and inclusivity, reinforcing the principle that every candidate has an equal chance to present their vision and policies to the electorate. This inclusivity not only enhances the quality of democratic discourse but also strengthens the legitimacy of the electoral outcomes, promoting a more engaged and informed citizenry.
I believe that we are better than this and that the Mohave County voters deserve better.
Paul Smith
This is typical when those on the right control the forum. Speaking one word of truth that does not match the lies they tell are not allowed. Never have been never will be. As our city gets further into debt with control of the good old boys preventing truth, at some point it will be too late to save our city. This same thing happened in quartzsite az till stare and feds went in.
It’s important to point out that was also submitted to the Lake Havasu newspaper and they have refused to print this Letter to the Editor. Thank you to The Standard Newspaper for your unbiased journalism and informing the public.