Editorial: So That’s What A Forum is For!

— by Lin McNulty, Managing Editor —

“All Politics is Local,” Washington AP bureau chief Byron Price first wrote in 1932. The quote later became associated with former House Speaker Tip O’Neill who first used the term in 1935.

I could have plagiarized, but Wikipedia sums it up beautifully:

The phrase…encapsulates the principle that a politician’s success is directly tied to the person’s ability to understand and influence the issues of their constituents. Politicians must appeal to the simple, mundane and everyday concerns of those who elect them into office. Those personal issues, rather than big and intangible ideas, are often what voters care most about, according to this principle…. The concept is contrary to the notion that most people, somehow, in local elections are casting votes to “send a message” to the highest levels…. The prediction is that most people who vote, or debate issues, are focused on resolving their local issues.

As one who is concerned but not involved in politics, I had never been to a candidates’ forum before Wednesday evening. I’ve watched Presidential debates on TV and found them of value, but never really applied that knowledge to my local community. I was “assigned” to cover the forum for Orcas Issues.

Well, guess what!? Watching a local candidates’ forum is just as, if not more, valuable than watching Presidential candidates debate the issues. I did not expect to walk away with a feeling of enlightened elation. Seeing the candidates up close and personal, listening to their statements, and noting the way in which they interact with questions from the audience in attendance is certainly of more value than merely reading the Voters Pamphlet.

I took copious notes, noting who said what, but turned them over to Margie to actually write that summation. I was more interested in writing about the emotional effect of attending a forum.

I now feel armed with clear, informed, first-hand knowledge about who I will vote for. Sadly, in the past I have all too often voted just by party, or gone with the incumbent because I figure things are generally going pretty well, so why change. I am now, however, a part of the informed electorate/citizenry, which as Thomas Jefferson said, “is indispensable for the proper functioning of a republic.”

The League of Women Voters understands this dynamic, which is why they host these forums and bring candidates and issues to the people. Yes, it all comes down to local. And we should all have been there.