03-03-2012, 05:10 AM
I applaud Rene and Malama O Puna for providing this valuable opportunity to get to know the candidates. I frequently attend these sorts of events to better inform myself, and they have made a difference in my vote in the past.
As far as the mostly absent Fred Blas is concerned, I don't think he worries much about these matters. After eleven years of observation, seven of which I have been a registered voter here, I have come to the conclusion that most Puna voters make their decision based on things other than candidate forums and blogs. Family and ethnic considerations, coconut wireless reports, observable and concrete action in the community, and direct one to one outreach from the candidates seem to be more important.
I'm not saying Fred shouldn't attend these events or shouldn't care about them. The relatively small number of us who emphasize them could make a difference in a close race. It's just that his lack of participation last time didn't seem to hurt him that much. I suppose this time could be different, but this is a culturally conservative community that doesn't change its social habits quickly.
As far as the mostly absent Fred Blas is concerned, I don't think he worries much about these matters. After eleven years of observation, seven of which I have been a registered voter here, I have come to the conclusion that most Puna voters make their decision based on things other than candidate forums and blogs. Family and ethnic considerations, coconut wireless reports, observable and concrete action in the community, and direct one to one outreach from the candidates seem to be more important.
I'm not saying Fred shouldn't attend these events or shouldn't care about them. The relatively small number of us who emphasize them could make a difference in a close race. It's just that his lack of participation last time didn't seem to hurt him that much. I suppose this time could be different, but this is a culturally conservative community that doesn't change its social habits quickly.