First, thanks to the Bitterroot Star et al for hosting last Thursday’s Candidates Forum. You provided a terrific opportunity for Stevensville residents to hear from those running for Mayor and Council. Unfortunately, not everyone showed up – more on that in a minute.
Second and along the lines of not everyone showing up, I thought it unfortunate that the reason for Laura Miller’s absence remained unspoken, making it appear she wasn’t respectful enough of the process to attend. In her defense, I’ll say only that a medical issue prevented her from attending.
Third, I was shocked that Robin Holcomb, who self stated that this was her third (I believe) term as Councilperson for the Town and yet in answer to every single question posed could only (a) look like deer in headlights because she was first to answer or (b) say “I agree with _____ “ (a candidate who spoke before her) rather than offer one single idea of her own. The Town of Stevensville needs leaders who have thoughtful ideas – based on her answers Thursday night she is not that leader.
Lastly to the point about not all candidates showing up for the forum: Jim Crews was the first to confirm he would attend and yet he backed out at the last minute with no explanation, written or verbal. Several adjectives come to mind as to why he didn’t show up but I’ll leave it to your imagination to fill in the blanks.
Being Mayor of the Town of Stevensville takes a huge commitment. What does it say about your level of commitment if you don’t even show up so the people can hear your answers to pressing questions about our community?
We need a leader who leads by seeing the whole picture while attending to the day to day chores of daily municipal government.
Since he wasn’t there Thursday, none of us know what his answers to the questions are, so the voters can only go by what was said by those who did attend. From what I heard, Brandon Dewey is the right choice for Stevensville Mayor. He brought forth concrete ideas about moving our community forward, I believe he will lead with respect and thoughtfulness.
Stephanie Mapelli
Stevensville