Political debates are intended to define the platform and political prowess of electable candidates. Each and every viable runner vying for an elected position has an opportunity and obligation to present their objectives and goals. The viewing public is most often looking to develop an understanding of the candidates political agenda, personal attributes, and points that demonstrate quality of character.
Monday's political debate between sitting Councilor Janet Swain Joakim and challenger Joe Pino leaves the viewer confounded. The debate aired on local cable on October 19, 2009 lacked the intensity of argument of more publicized political races, however the showing between these two candidates indicates the poor quality and low standard of Barnstable's current municipal leaders.
Joe Pino, challenger for the precinct councilor seat in the sixth remained succinct and at times terse, but remained relaxed, direct and remarkably informed. Apprised of accurate current figures, armed with statistics and reliable numbers, Pino provided a comprehensive plan for municipal improvement.
Unfortunately, Janet Swain Joakim resorted to her usual prevarication and typical deception by blatantly denying her concerns over $150,000 in betterment fees exacted in the current effort to sewer the Stewart's Creek area under consideration. Joakim proceeded to claim credit for increased consideration of Barnstable's Public Schools and funding initiatives for charter schools. Funding for such charter school initiatives were secured by her rival, who formerly held her seat. Pino achieved these initiatives prior to her challenge for his seat in 2001.
Janet Joakim then reaches below the bar by introducing the efforts of the blogosphere expecting "guilt by association". Joakim expects guilt for "vitriolic blogging" to be assumed by her rival candadate, a gentleman of vintage and wisdom who hardly understands the crucial difference beteween a cursor, a mouse, and a rodent.
A number of qualified and accomplished candidates are challenging sitting members of the Barnstable Town Council. No municipal leader ignites the mercurial personalities of her critics. Joakim is not only the thermometer for the preverbial "heat in the kitchen" but the barometer of all that is wrong with Barnstable. Accountablility, responsibility, and direction should not be determined by the whimsical weather of "Ole Cape Cod", politically or otherwise.
Navigation through the rough and murky waters has been less than smooth sailing for far to long. Barnstable has a lot to loose in difficult economic times, and Centerville has a lot to gain by considering a venerable, experienced candidate like Joe Pino for Councilor in Precinct Six.
It's time for a more seasoned captain to take the helm.
