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Politics
Politics Sunday
27Jul
Joseph calls for public Council debate
Sunday, July 27, 2008 at 08:39PM 
Wayne JosephWayne "Big Dog" Joseph introduced some vigor into his campaign in a post today asking why everyone seems to be focusing on former Councilman Gary Safarik and incumbent Emily Naeole in the Fifth District County Council race:
"Why are people limiting their thinking to the past and the present?" he asked. "There are three other candidates running for the Puna Makai council seat and I am one of them.
"We all agree that there were
problems with the former elected official and now problems with the
present one, so why not look at a viable alternative person which could
actually be better than anything we have previously encountered," he wrote.
A good debate could certainly liven things up.
However the Hawaiian Paradise Park forum currently is the only gathering of candidates I know being planned for the 5th District Council race. And unfortunately most forums let the candidates make speeches and answer questions from a moderator with little, if any, real examination of what they say. I hope the HPP forum is still on and if there are any others being planned I'll be happy to help publicize them. (Put the info in comments or e-mail me at hunterbishop.rr.com).
Not all candidates may be comfortable with a debate format in which they can respond to each other's remarks, ask questions, and have cross-discussion of their views on the issues and solutions to problems.
The Friends of Puna's Future and and Pahoa Main Street Association (I pay dues to both groups) recently attempted to do just that with a debate format planned for mayoral candidates in August. But only Angel Pilago expressed an interest in participating. Two others, Jasper Moore and Lorraine Inouye, said they had schedule conflicts, but those three among the eight candidates now running were the only ones who bothered to respond.
To be fair the format may not have been the only reason most candidates did not respond. It also could have been the unusual invitation that was extended. Since the proposed format would have been cumbersome with all the candidates, we asked each to "apply "in writing to be invited. That's how we intended to limit the number of candidates participating. (I guess we did too good a job at that.) Essentially we wanted to know why we should consider them seriously for the Office of Hawaii County Mayor and we also included a description of our broad concerns for the Puna District for them to respond to.
It's safe to say we won't be having a debate with one candidate, unfortunately. But that doesn't mean we can't make a similar attempt at getting the County Council candidates together for a discussion of the issues and reasons why they think we should vote for them. We could manage it with all five candidates, I think, and have an enlightening time. That is, of course, if they'll participate. I'll work on that.
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Reader Comments (18)
Wayne's simple notation that the choices are broader than the past and the present is accurate. I, for one, would like to hear much from Mr. Joesph and Mr. Gumapac particularly.
It is unfortunate that we have been diverted by the mess with the Puna Community Development Plan.... though it is certainly enlightening regarding Councilwoman Naeole.
Most will admit that the current council is no better than a curcus sideshow with clowns and too much of the people's money. Wayne Joseph is a serious, smart and informed candidate. The whole island would benefit from his leadership.
Rene
Yes let's have a debate. At the very least, I hope Public Access TV covers the HPP forum, so a wider audience can see our candidates speak.
I support Wayne Joseph for County Council, district 5. We all know we need a fresh start. I may not agree with Wayne on every issue, but I agree we need to move forward, not backward, to achieve effective Council representation for lower Puna. We have not had an effective Council person from our district in over 15 years, since Helene Hale.
Wayne is a reasonable, honest, intelligent, and co-operative person. Surely these are qualities we need in a representative on any level. We certainly have not had these qualities in recent years, and our district is much the worse as a result.
As for a debate in deciding who to vote for, it can be hit or miss for the candidate. I attended one in HPP last election, where Emily did poorly, and put little thought into the consequences of her answers, yet she still won the election. Go figure.
You're right (of course).
Debate for two finalists (let's get that organized for October!)
Forum for more than two, the sooner the better.
Hugh, can you help? Call me.
I've volunteered to have a Meet and Greet Coffee at my home on August 17 between 11 and noon. Please join others in the community to meet and speak with Wayne Joseph. My phone is, and I live in HPP, on Kaloli, between 28th and 29th. Call or email for more info if you like.
I would also love to see a debate with the candidates!!
Those of us who educate ourselves about the candidates don't seem to make much difference. Others figure all members of a 'party other than their own' have nothing worth listening too.
And yet, we still hope. We still believe.
Kim
email: bryn_berg@yahoo.com
The expressions of dismay at the Puna CDP talk story by some of Ms. Naeole's (former?) supporters are hopefully a sign of things to come in this regard. The old, closed-off way of doing things may be unravelling. Only time will tell.
for all council districts, 1-9. 1. dominic don't have a strong opponent. 2. uncontested. 3. mad smokers are gotta say something to j. 4. "fresh", what a cheese ball? 5. the big dog is the underdog, maybe he's got something good to say. 6. this debate will be the rise and the fall for robert. 7. brenda may run out of breathe during the debate. 8. kelly is going to save the family coffee biz. 9. pete will tell you that he just ran a marathon.
state district 1-7. 1. ask kim about the drug testing issue for doe teachers. 2. uncontested. 3. go gmo. 4. ask the republican about the Puna CDP. 5. no contender. 6. smith, is he related to linda smith? 7. hey cindy, what's DU?
senate 1&3. 1. ted, who's your high ranking supporter. 3. aunty virgina wants to start a 4th career.
mayoral people no need to debate cuz together we can can talk better than everyone else.
sun-tech
powering the future for puna!