This acknowledges receipt of Democratic Party Chairman Mark Owens’s email of September 20, 2010 at 5:13 p.m. on your behalf. In this email, you accept a single debate from the three I challenged.
Further, you dictated the date, time, and place of this single debate for October 8, 2010 at 6:00 p.m. at the CK Newsome Center, 100 E Walnut St # 1, Evansville, Indiana. You have reserved a room. It is my understanding that non-profit groups are not charged for the use of this room and that neither campaign will incur a cost.
It is curious that you have chosen a day and time likely to be of great inconvenience to many voters and I once again express my objections on behalf of the voters of the district, who deserve better service than this. You say your schedule is too “tight†for more than one debate; my position is that public servants are here to serve the best interests of the people of the district, and not the other way around.
However, as this appears to be the only debate to which you will agree, despite your earlier acceptance of three debates, including one in Newburgh, I have reserved this time on my calendar. I will hold the October 13 date previously announced for the Newburgh American Legion, in case your “very tight schedule†clears up to provide the voters in Newburgh an opportunity to attend a debate in their hometown.
In addition, you accept the moderator and the terms of the moderator for the debate. The moderator is Randy Wheeler, News Director for WIKY and a member of the Executive Board of the Indiana Debate Commission; Mr. Wheeler is acting independently in this instance and not on behalf of the Commission.
Mr. Wheeler has submitted a detailed format for the debate. I have signed and returned this document and accept its provisions. I ask that Mr. Wheeler make known the email address to which voters may submit questions a week before the event.
Ms. Musgrave. It appears from your words that you had planned to set the date, time and location of all debates. Representative Riecken selected a very good location and time for many of the voters in district 77. The blatant hostility of this “open letter” will not serve anyone’s interest. I suggest you learn the art of discussion, compromise and diplomacy if you wish to serve as representative for the people of district 77.
Cheryl –
This letter is laughable. From what I hear you tried to dictate every single debate time, location etc. Just like always.. if you can’t control everything you’re quick to put out a negative press release, ha!
I’m sure Gail’s schedule comes from her knocking on doors and calling constituents daily. She actually cares and she actually does work besides throwing out negativety. Maybe you should take that same time and consideration into mind. The only thing I ever see from you is a NEGATIVE press releases. I’m looking forward to a debate. Maybe then you will actually talk about something worth while instead of dragging your opponent through mud.
Jerry
Open letter to Ms. Musgrave
STOP the mudslinging and focus on the issues! No one wants to hear it. I agree with the need for open debate between candidates, but why do you feel so entitled to be the one to set the time, place, and date for three debates with the election a little over a month away. I am sure Ms. Riecken does have a “very tight” schedule, as I have witnessed first hand her and her campaign staff out knocking doors and talking about real issues with the people of this district for several months know.
Stop playing politics and start focusing on real issues…
Public servants discuss the issues with the residents and then work on those issues. They are more concerned with the real issues instead of grandstanding for publicity.
Ms Musgrave. Your graciousness of accepting the debate date that Representative Riecken selected has been overshadowed by the seemingly looming motive of wanting to be in the “spotlight”. In part, you stated that “public servants are here to serve the best interests of the people of the district”. Have you forgotten, (or did you know) that (as Rep. Riecken has decided to do)focusing on the responsibilities of being a State Representative and addressing issues that affect our area and State is serving the People! Also, I would like to state that a lot of Warrick voters are in the Evansville area constantly (i.e) working, shopping, relaxing; I do not feel you make a valid point that they are being denied of a debate. Ms Musgrave, it is up to you to prove your worthiness to be elected…don’t expect Rep. Riecken to neglect her duties for you to do so.
I don’t understand these comments. Musgrave’s letter is professional and polite, unlike Riecken, who couldn’t even bother to answer Musgrave’s first letter, but had to hide behind someone like Mark Owen.
And anyone who has read the local papers–including this one–knows that Riecken did agree to three debates, specifically including one in Newburgh. Then she got scared and backed out and set out the take-it-or-leave-it October 8 date.
And a ‘convenient date’? Ha! That is a joke. Demanding the debate be on the Friday of Fall Festival is obviously a flimsey attempt to hide from voters and media by setting the debate be on the worst possible day in the Evansville year.
Let’s not forget that Riecken is the same person who demanded at her first joint appearance with Musgrave that all cameras be banned, and that no media be allowed. We need to begin asking what she is trying to hide, and why?
Riecken is obviouslby scared to death of Musgrave, and scared to death that people will actually hear what she has to say. That by itself tells us a lot about her, doesn’t it?
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