An Open Letter From Weber County Republican Party Chairman Matt Bell
My Friends from the Weber County Republican Executive Committee and Weber County elected officials,
In the recent past I made a decision to have a debate among candidates who are running for office. The only contested race in Weber County is Legislative District 7. I had decided to have a debate in Legislative District 7 where Representative Donnelson lost to the challenger Ryan Wilcox by one vote in the Weber County convention. WOW, did this push some folks over the edge. I was in the process of setting up this debate when I received a call from the Utah Republican Party. They said I should not be holding this debate because it is a NO-NO to have an incumbent participate in a debate and this has not been done anywhere in the state of Utah; and if I did I could be censured by my Weber County Central Committee. My response to the state party was, “BRING IT ON”. The state party also told me that it was irresponsible to hold a debate with a sitting elected official. You can look in the Salt Lake Tribune and read more of the articles on this subject. There are about 5 articles in the last week. There was also a story on this topic in this morning's Standard-Examiner.
This is my response: IT IS A ONE HOUR DEBATE!!!!! Hello, we are a party with a wide tent and we welcome differing views. I have been accused of being biased, and that I would not sponsor a debate with other CERTAIN elected officials, which is ABSOLUTELY NOT true. We will have debates among our Republicans that are elected and their challengers. I want to say this one more time IT IS A ONE HOUR DEBATE. Rep. Donnelson has called me and told me he will not attend. The debate WILL go on without him.
Regarding debate rules, this was another point of contention. I made the decision that I will make the rules fair for both involved. We will have 6-7 topics and we will take questions from the floor.
As of now we, the Weber County Republican Party, DOES NOT have a nominee in Leg. 7. We will have a nominee at the primary election on June 24th and at that time the Republican Party will put 100% support behind this nominee. I would appreciate any feedback and support regarding this decision.
Thanks
Matthew
725-8771
I will be out of town until Wednesday late afternoon.
Labels: Weber County Politics
posted by TL Feeny @ 9:42 AM
7 comments
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7 Comments:
I think this whole thing has been blown out of proportion. From what I understand, Mr. Dubois only called because other party members were calling on him to ensure that the moderator of the debate forum would be someone who would be neutral and fair to both candidates. Is that really such a bad thing?
Edit CommentThats a crock the detail of matts description would tell anyone with half a brain that there is more to it than that.
Edit CommentThere is no reason any candidate should step up tp the plate. simple put Glenn doesnt want to debate because he "doesnt have anything to gain" listen to him tell you as much in his own word
http://www.kcpw.org/article/6122
Sorry, what I meant to say is
Edit Comment'there is no reason any candidate "shouldn't" step up to the plate.'
Glenn does not deserve to serve if he isnt going to be accountable to his peeps.
I applaud Matt for having the courage to stand up for the Republican Value of openness! When people meet and discuss ideas, everyone comes away wealthier.
Edit CommentThis is a great idea and I hope it continues. If a Republican challenger to an incumbent makes it out of Convention (I.E. securing more than 40% of the vote), of course we should be as open and honest about letting those residents choose who they want to best represent them! We are the party that is responsive to the people, not the party that is responsive only to those within leadership. The Republican Party is the party of grass roots and it's embarassing to see some of our leadership so out of touch on this issue.
Way to go Chairman! Keep up the good work!
If your boss came up to you and advised you your contact was about to expire, and that you along with another applicant were being considered for the new contact and you were being invited to a job interview......why would you pass up an interview to keep your job???? Being the incumbent does not mean thats your job for life.
Edit CommentTribune has a story already posted at 9:40 somthing "candidate's a no-show".
Edit CommentAnyway it was uneventful. All particapants behaved themselves listened patiently as MAtt Bell roled through dozens of quests submitted by the audience.
I was surprised at how many opportunities wilcox had to attack Glenn for not being there. I gotta give it to Wilcox, he was a complete statesman and took the high ground While still answering the questions about what he will do when elected.
I am convinced that part of being effective is showing up. Glenn didnt do it. I think we have nothing to lose by voting for Wilcox he is conservative and willing to take on tough issues unflinchingly answered tough questions. He is committed to his core beleifs, which any conservative would expect their elected official to be, and willing to discuss them openly and honestly.
Bottomline Wilcox has my vote.
Kudos to Matt Bell for promoting open government.
Edit CommentMr. Donnelson missed a great opportunity to discuss a wide variety of issues with the people is supposed to be representing.
How does he think he can represent if he doesn't know what our concerns are?
Just one more example of his failure to be responsive and responsible toward his constituency.
Mr. Wilcox has done his homework on the issues before us. He responded to all questions with poise and thoughtfulness.
While there may be a handful of issues where he may not share my views exactly, I am assured that he will listen to concerns and actively consider suggestions for better solutions. We will at least be able to have a good discussion.
That will be nice for a change.
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