Jasper Chamber reports that all the political candidates have signed the Political Civility Challenge
This is to inform the citizens of Jasper that all of the candidates running for office in the General Election in November of 2011 – have signed the Political Civility Challenge issued by the Jasper Chamber of Commerce. We encourage the media and the public to monitor adherence of this statement by all of the candidates and their supporters. Thank you.
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.
Signatures indicate acceptance of the challenge:
