I am the executive director of Newport Community Television in Newport NH. NCTV has been interviewing candidates of both parties running for state office. Almost 100% of candidates have participated. The exception has been Sen. Ruth Ward. She has flatly refused our request after being a no-show at several candidate forums. This is important. When opponents challenge each other it strengthens the candidates and allows voters to better assess differences and abilities. What does it say about her ability to deal with difficult issues in Concord if she can’t face an opponent during the campaign? Healthy political debate is an important American tradition that goes back further than the famous Lincoln-Douglas debates in 1858.
Democracy only succeeds with open discussion, no matter what different positions candidates may have. We can’t hold a politician accountable for positions they won’t define. It gives them a free pass to do as they please in Concord. With only 24 senators in NH, that puts a lot of power in the hands of someone who won’t speak up. As a television producer and voter, I ask that Ruth Ward join her opponent, Charlene Lovett, to discuss the problems and solutions facing our state in the coming two years. Ms. Lovett is willing to meet with Ward on camera. Everyone in Senate District 8 (from Claremont to Dunbarton) should contact Sen. Ward requesting she debate on camera. If she won’t define what she stands for, is she the best choice for this district?
John Lunn
Newport