No Debate on Election in 29th Senate District

The League of Women Voters of Claremont, along with several other organizations, will be sponsoring a Candidates Forum on Oct. 29, at 7 p.m. at El Roble Junior High School Auditorium, Harrison and Mountain avenues, in Claremont.

This forum will feature the four candidates for the 28th Congressional District and the two candidates for the 59th Assembly District.

Although we have attempted to have the candidates for the 29th Senate District, the incumbent, Sen. Frank Hill, has declined to attend. This is particularly distressing because although Sen. Hill is an incumbent, he is new to most of the voters in this area due to redistricting.

As a consequence of Sen. Hill’s non-attendance, the League of Women Voters is unable to allow Sen. Hill’s challenger, Sandy Hester, the opportunity to speak to the voters at this Candidates Forum.

This position of the league is an outgrowth of our nonpartisan policy which has been steadfast since our founding in 1920. We are required to abide by IRS and FCC regulations which prohibit us from having only one candidate for any public office participate in a forum or debate. We want to ensure the credibility, trust and acceptance the voters have in the league while we are providing to them unbiased information both on issues and candidates.

Debates or forums are an obligation that candidates for public office owe to the voters. League provides the location and opportunity for the candidates to meet that obligation in a fair and impartial environment. Unfortunately, when a candidate fails to meet that obligation, he or she is manipulating the voters.

ELLEN S. TAYLOR, president

VICTORIA V. SHEA

Vice President

League of Women Voters

of Claremont