On Tuesday, Rev. Mmoja Ajabu of Light of the World Church hosted a Mayoral Candidate Forum that allowed the community to hear from candidates Councillor Jose Evans and Ron Gibson.
Ajabu’s reason for having the initial forum focus on Evans and Gibson was because of the duo’s amazing similarities: both are Democrats, both have served on the City-County Council, and both are Black males.
The concept of having the two men participate in a forum so far in advance of the 2011 primary was a great way to jump start the community’s interest and participation in the city’s political landscape. I was pleased to be part of the panel consisting of five journalists, who were invited to ask the candidates questions on a variety of topics. While my counterparts and I did a great job, I was especially pleased with the audience’s participation and questions. Throughout the course of the evening, audience members weren’t only involved and asking relevant questions, but nearly all stayed until the end of the forum… something that doesn’t happen very often.
Overall, Evans and Gibson did a fairly good job of representing themselves; however, they both need to be a bit more polished in their delivery. I’m not sure if it is because it’s so early in the game, the two are just getting their campaign feet wet, or if they were so comfortable being amongst “brothers and sisters” that they were a bit too relaxed. Nonetheless, both need some refining before they participate in any other forum or debate.
Evans, who has displayed a sense of passion (or aggression) since his days with the Commission on the Social Status of Black Males, said a lot of remarks that garnered applause from the audience, which is certainly a good thing, but can also be perceived as political rhetoric if done too often. He needs to find a balance between being too campaign-ish sounding and offering solid comments full of substance.
One thing that Evans pointed out and should certainly be proud of was his ability to beat the powerful Democratic slate during his initial run for City-County Council in 2007.
After serving eight years on the Council, Gibson’s comments showed his knowledge of politics in general, and this city’s government specifically. Since being out of the political arena for three years, Gibson seems different; more focused and humble.
When an audience member asked Gibson about the 2006 altercation he had with police at a downtown nightclub, he quickly responded “That was a lie. None of that stuff ever happened…”
Whether the situation was a fabrication or not, Gibson is going to have to work hard to combat the perception of entitlement some in this community feel he has. That will probably be the largest obstacle he has to overcome during this campaign.
Among the varied remarks each candidate gave, both felt the need to “represent” the neighborhoods in which they were raised. I’m tired of hearing that. It frustrates me when I hear candidates continually say the area of town they’re from – as if the neighborhood automatically gives them some level of respect or credibility. More often than not, the same neighborhood candidates openly “represent,” is a world different and miles away from their current residence. Politicians need to stop taking the public’s intellect for granted, as few people are impressed by such an affiliation.
Evans and Gibson have a long way to go before the end of this mayoral race so strategy is key. Part of that strategy is proving to the public that if elected, things won’t be business as usual. People are tired of the business as usual mentality. Although they have many similarities, they aren’t each other’s toughest competition. Former Deputy Mayor Melina Kennedy is.
Kennedy is a seasoned politician with great crossover appeal. She’s also raised a considerable amount of money for her campaign and has been highly visible at various community events – large and small. Evans and Gibson definitely have to bring their A-game if they want to make it to the finish line.
By the way, Ajabu held a “mock” election during Tuesday night’s forum to see who the audience favorite was. Evans won 42 – 39.
