At what point do we discard the party promises?

MoonHowler

There has been an on-going discussion on this blog about political parties, who belongs to which, and what our respective obligations are to a political party.  It is  safe to say that there are a fair number of Republicans on here.  Some people are tea party Republicans, some folks are fiscal conservative Reagan-type Republicans, and some are generic Republicans. 

There don’t seem to be card-carrying Democrats here but there are quite a few people who tend to be democratic supporters and voters.  I was once an informal Republican and later became a card-carrying Democrat.  Occasionally there were people chosen locally, state, or on the national evel who were just bad actors.  I ran in to some folks I simply couldn’t vote for.   So what do you do?   I am an Independent now and have been for probably 20 years.  I have no party localities. 

Steve feels it is a matter of principle to vote for a Republican, since he is also an officer in the City organization.  Is there a point where you shouldn’t just vote for party and should follow your conscience?  What earmarks should we look for?  It almost seems like we could end up electing the next Hitler if we don’t have some mental stops in place. 

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Committee of 100 Debate…Ann Wheeler Has Stellar Performance!

Elena

When Republicans who attended the debate last night agree that Peter Candland presents as an empty suit, you know you are in trouble.

One of the most memorable moments of the evening, for me, was when the two candidates were discussing bringing new jobs to Prince William County. The broader question became–why AREN’T businesses relocating here?

Peter Candland, talked about how he has the business savvy to bring new economic investment to the County. He touted  his experience serving on a corporate relocation task force, but then failed to  verbalize  why he was unable  to bring these business to Prince William County.  Candland freely admitted  that “quality of life” issues are what will bring high-end retail and corporate investment, but  he lost traction informing his listeners how to upgrade the quality of life issues.  He lacked specifics and upbraided his opponent over stimulus money but failed to reveal how he would finance these issue that both candidates feel are important. 

Ann Wheeler was confident and articulate in her answers during the debate.  Wheeler has a moderate and realistic grasp of the needs of Prince William County. She understands that PWC must invest in those quality of life resources like  schools, libraries,  parks and recreation, walkable communities, superior fire, rescue and police services  and decent roads.  These are the issues that attract quality economic investment. 

While both candidates addressed county concerns directed at the Gainesville District, Ann Wheeler clearly demonstrated substance over ideological talking points.  She backed up her remarks with specific examples whereas Candland spoke in sweeping generalities.  She simply appeared to have her thumb directly on the pulse of the community.