Don't try to avoid debates

The front page of the Daily Inter Lake stated (Sept. 9) that Phil Mitchell, Republican candidate for the county commission, declined to debate his opponent, Stacey Schnebel.  

Mitchell does not “see a valid reason… to debate my Democratic opponent… because I have clearly stated what I stand for. I stand for individual freedom, protecting private property rights, supporting all businesses, utilizing our natural resources, protecting our water rights and... our right to keep and bear arms.” From this we might infer that he also supports the Stars and Stripes and apple pie.

I assume that Schnebel, a businesswoman, also fervently supports these things. Indeed we all support freedom, property rights, business, et cetera.

Most citizens, however, never heard of Mr. Mitchell before he became the Republican candidate.  These statements by Mitchell are completely vague and undefined, so we still know little about his positions. In fact, none of these values is absolute. All of them must be qualified, and that’s where a debate could be interesting. 

And what about the interests of people who don’t own businesses or property? Should we conclude that Mitchell would not speak for them?  

As a voter I want to hear Mitchell’s and Schnebel’s views on the boundaries between property rights and business interests on one hand and other public concerns such as the environment, county revenues and budgets for public services and other issues.  

Let’s schedule a debate! —Judy Cox, Kalispell