Some Candidates Need More Cowbell
After each answer at Monday night's UPCCA candidate forum, the time keeper would have them wrap it up…with the loudest and most impatient cowbell I’ve ever head. It kept the discussion moving, provided a bit of comic relief, and kept the candidates humble.
Here’s who “won” and “needs more cowbell.” (You can take that to mean “please stop talking” or Walken style encouragement.)
Board of Education
Winner: Jen Falk (http://votejenfalk.com)
- Squarely focused on the budget, spending priorities, and quality of education issues.
- Wide background in advocacy for students, parents, and managing fiscal priorities.
Needs More Cowbell: Mary Kay Murphy (http://marykayworks.com)
- Not engaged in much outreach on her positions.
- Took ownership of the decision to fund Chamber of Commerce positions with education dollars
- Highlighted the need for funding from state and federal levels
House District 95
Winner: Tom Rice (http://tomrice.qualitycampus4.com)
- Answered most questions genuinely.
- Lack of ownership for some of his less popular votes is a turnoff.
Needs More Cowbell: Brooke Siskin (http://www.voteforbrooke.com/)
- Seemed a bit green for this level of leadership.
- Great Platform and call to action.
GA-7 Congressional District
Winner: Rob Woodall (http://robwoodall.com/)
- Message of temperance, collaboration, and willingness to work resonated with the crowd.
- Promised more FairTax progress
Needs More Cowbell: Steve Reilly (http://www.stevereillyforcongress.com/)
- Needs to focus more on social issues
- Mentioned but did not push the NoLabels platform. (Needs to Push it)
Events like this present a group of people who are seeking just that; which is to say those elected or re-elected must heed these themes as tools in order to stay relevant, demonstrate accountability, and include their constituents.
Scott Checkoway
1:49 pm on Wednesday, October 24, 2012
A great post! Cowbells shouldn't just be used at the local level. Would have made the national debates fun and kept folks awake (and amused) at home too!
Annette Rogers
5:10 pm on Wednesday, October 24, 2012
Loved the article and think that the cowbell was great! I agree with all your picks in that order. I thought Jen Falk was a clear winner against Murphy. Rice was not as convincing, but Sisken did not seem ready for the job quite yet. Finally, Woodall and Reilly were charismatic and more evenly matched as speakers, but I'm voting for Woodall. I wish everyone in District III had the opportunity to talk to Jen Falk in person. and experience her knowledge, compassion, and responsiveness.
Taxpaying Mom
6:27 pm on Wednesday, October 24, 2012
I love the cowbell angle - wouldn't it have been great during the Presidential debates?? ANYWAY..I was at the debate and it is OBVIOUS that Jen Falk has the experience we need in District 3. She had concise, truthful answers with no 'political spin'- can not BELIEVE that not only did MKM say she supported giving 900-thousand to Gwinnett Chamber of Commerce - but it helps our tax bills??!! Though she didn't seem to know when residents get their bills... "December..October" ...and PLEASE MKM release how you measured now 6 million to the good from these two positions??? As a taxpayer...I've been waiting!!!
Amanda Helmstetter
6:53 pm on Wednesday, October 24, 2012
I'm very encouraged that our system of politics is working at the local level. The ability to let each candidate respond in an unscripted manner and provide their plans and speak to their record goes a long way in helping voters make important decisions. I've been impressed with Jen Falk for a long time -- and really glad others got to see the value that she will undoubtedly bring to the office.
Michael k
7:10 am on Thursday, October 25, 2012
Rob Woodall = temperance, collaboration, and willingness to work? Please.....
What sort of snake oil is he peddling?
Congressman Woodall is a career DC insider who has never held a job in the private sector, was born with a silver spoon in his mouth, and has no credibility when it comes to his opposition to the "government takeover of healthcare" while at the same time benefiting from the government supplying his own healthcare.
He is far right on his positions and wouldn't collaborate with anyone left of Genghis Khan if you held a gun to his head.
Jack McClure
7:34 am on Thursday, October 25, 2012
Michael - these are my observations from the forum, as well as what I've observed of Woodall thus far.
Are these objections because he's a republican?
Michael k
11:59 am on Thursday, October 25, 2012
I don't object to Congressman Woodall because he is a republican. Party affiliation is not relevant to me.
What is relevant is when a candidate positions himself as someone who would consider collaboration with those not in his/her own party while his/her voting record and political positions prove that such a consideration does not exist.
What moderate positions does Rep. Woodall have?
He is a unapologetic, conservative, Republican. Which is fine but he should own it.
Jack McClure
12:43 pm on Thursday, October 25, 2012
So you're saying that because his positions are conservative, that there is no room for comprimise on ANY issue?
Michael k
1:48 pm on Thursday, October 25, 2012
There is room to compromise on any issue.
For example, President Reagan raised taxes about a dozen times during his presidency. While he was one of, if not the greatest tax reformer in our history he also presided over tax increases.
In the recent Presidential debates Governor Romney has indicated that he is willing to compromise. He wants to repeal Obamacare but has indicated that there are pieces of the legislation that he supports.
What similar examples can you provide for Congressman Woodall? I don't know of any.