The Jasper Chamber of Commerce has challenged the candidates in this year’s election. Local politicians were invited to sign the Political Civility Challenge. In signing the challenge they are agreeing to conduct their campaigns with integrity and respect for their opponents.

On hand to sign the challenge were Rick Stradtner (Democrat Council at Large), Jim Skillman (Republican district 2), Greg Schnarr (Democrat District 2), Tom Schmidt (Democrat District 4), Dave Spellmeyer (Democrate District 6) and John Burger (Democrat Candidate for Mayor).

Several others in running this Fall were unable to attend, of those Terry Seitz (Republican candidate for Mayor) , Kevin Manley (Republican District 6 ), Juanita Boehm (Democrat Treasurer), and Dave Prechtel (Republican District 3) have already signed the challenge.

According to Diane Schwenk the chamber was inspired by the contest ran between Sue Ellspermann (Republican challenger) and Russ Stilwell (Democrat incumbent) during the 2010 campaign for the Indiana House District 74 seat. A board member suggested the challenge and the chamber created the letter to invite the local politicians to sign.

“When the letter went out we received a very positive response from the candidates,” Schwenk said. “They were happy to make the public statement.”

John Burger (D) said he felt that the race should be run with respect between the candidates and this was a great challenge to promote civility between opponents.

Here is the challenge from the Jasper Chamber of Commerce.

Political Civility Challenge

(Supported by the Jasper Chamber of Commerce)

Political processes in the United States have become corrupted by a lack of civil discourse and respect for those who disagree with a policy position. We are constantly assaulted by negative arguments that seek to disparage the opponent rather than speak to the merits of a policy.

The Jasper Chamber of Commerce has noted the positive, issues-oriented tone maintained by     Sue Ellspermann (Republican challenger) and Russ Stilwell (Democrat incumbent) during the 2010 campaign for the Indiana House District 74 seat. The candidates jointly issued an agreement to conduct themselves in a civil, ethical manner. Furthermore, the candidates instructed their campaign staffs and the local and state party officials and PACs that they were expected to honor the agreement as well.

We salute Sue and Russ for setting a strong example of ethical leadership and we propose to encourage that same behavior in the 2011 Jasper municipal election.

Therefore: the Jasper Chamber invites the candidates for Mayor and City Council in 2011 to accept this challenge:

While striving to win, we will conduct this campaign with the highest integrity and respect for our opponents and their supporters. We will speak directly to issues that affect the City and will clearly explain our goals and dreams for its future.

Our positions will be based on honest research and will be presented in a manner that will educate the public about the issues and our capabilities. At the end of the campaign we will be proud of our journey.

The candidates who accept this challenge may refer to it in their campaign literature and presentations. We invite the public and news media to monitor adherence by the candidates and their supporters.