The Mercer Island unit of the League of Women Voters sponsored a public candidate forum with the Mercer Island Reporter on Oct. 21 at Islander Middle School.
The League invited candidates running for the 8th Congressional District and the 41st Legislative District, and has received acceptances from every candidate except Rep. Reichert, who has declined.
FEC rules for federal level races and League policies for “empty chair debates,” in which one candidate does not appear, require the debate for that race to be canceled. In this case, the 8th Congressional race between Rep. Reichert and Ms. Burner will not be presented at the forum.
This omission is regrettable, as it not only deprives Rep. Reichert’s opponent of a chance to debate him on issues and even to appear, but also deprives the voters of his district a chance to meet with him and hear his views in an educational format.
The goal of the forum is to educate citizens on candidates’ views on issues, to inform on initiatives and to stimulate voter interest and participation in the upcoming election. Of paramount importance to the League is that the forum be nonpartisan, impartial and fair to all candidates, and that it abide by Federal Election Commission (FEC) rules as well as League of Women Voters principles.
The League is a strong believer in an informed electorate and accessibility of public officials. We are disappointed that a representative who has his offices on Mercer Island will not be a part of this free public forum.
LWV Committee for Mercer Island Candidate Forum
Cynthia Howe, Harriett Morton, Martha Jordan
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