C.R. council candidates disappoint at forum

It was a disappointing at-large forum on Oct. 19 at the Museum of Art. It was a mix of misdirected rage and political question-dodging. It began with Robert Bates attempting to cut people off. He was successful, however, in engaging Donald Karr in a childish shouting match.

Aaron Saylor stumbled through questions no one had asked, seeming like a child lost in a store when someone asked him a question he did not have a scripted answer for. Chuck Swore seemed well-intentioned but out of touch.

Nick Duffy, with his youth against him, did seem to be the only genuine candidate, being honest with his answers, if not always perfect.

The final question, a test of their political fortitude, asked whom they would favor for mayor. Duffy, Karr and Swore said they supported Ron Corbett, while Bates was anti-Corbett but endorsed no one, and Saylor gave such a pandering answer as to cause one audience member to shout “typical politician,” which got a hearty, agreeing laugh from the crowd.

Duffy took by far the largest and bravest step forward. My biggest disappointment of the night is that one of these lesser candidates will, out of necessity, join him on the council after the election.

J. Jose Reyes

Cedar Rapids