An article in a local newspaper recently ran a story criticizing 25th District Assemblyman Paul Tittl for not wanting to attend a forum that was planned by the League of Women Voters. Tittl sent us a release explaining his decision.
“A recent article in the paper has criticized me for not attending an upcoming forum hosted by the League of Women Voters at City Hall. I would like to take some time to explain my decision and detail my history with the League of Women Voters, including the past forums I have participated in.
When I was first elected in 2012, I participated in a candidate forum. Unfortunately, the current political climate for League forums is nothing like it used to be. Back in 2012, questions were submitted by local newspapers, two radio stations (WOMT and WCUB), and audience members. If you fast forward to 2016, questions were only submitted by the audience, with little or no media engagement. I believe balanced questions should come from a variety of sources.
Additionally, at the 2016 forum there were many of my supporters present, though I would argue only one of the questions asked could be considered “conservative”. Many individuals who submitted questions then approached me wondering why their questions were not asked by the moderator. I would argue this can perhaps be explained by the fact that and the League of Women Voters as an organization, is not non-partisan.
To support this point, you can look to Key people and their political donations only to Democrats and liberals, including three times to Mark Harris (D) and then to Tom Barrett (D), Kerry Trask (D) and arguably the leading liberal on the Wisconsin State Supreme Court, Justice Shirley Abrahamson.
I would like to now set the record straight. I have challenged my opponent to a radio debate at Seehafer Radio, and she has declined that invitation. I was very disappointed when notified of her refusal to debate because I believe SeehaferBroadcasting did a wonderful job when it hosted a debate for the most recent Manitowoc mayor’s race and I think candidate forums are very helpful for voters.
Also to note, Seehafer Broadcasting employs a variety of people from different sides of the political spectrum, including former Wisconsin State Representative Ted Zigmunt (D), who has interviewed me many times over the last eight years. In that time, I have never felt slighted or attacked by him because he is a good, honest man.
It is my hope that we will return to a point where fair, open and honest political debate is not the exception, but the norm. Only then can constituents truly engage in the political process and receive balanced coverage to come to educated decisions regarding who they should vote for. I respect those I work with and try to reach across the aisle whenever possible. I expect the same respect in return and would love to have the opportunity to debate my opponent in an environment that is welcoming to both of us.”
25th District Assemblyman Paul Tittl