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David Ige's Excuses for His Last-Minute Cancellation of Forum Appearance

David Ige/photo:HPI

Opinion

With my reactions

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DavidIge2014

FYI to Ige Supporters

August 21, 2014

Dear Supporters,

We wanted to share with you our decision to withdraw from an Oahu forum tomorrow, Friday, August 22, featuring all of the gubernatorial candidates. David contacted the other candidates this morning to explain his decision. The organization is holding the forum for its members and guests of members. We apologize to any member of that organization that had planned to attend, and for any inconvenience our withdrawal may create.

As we read the guidelines, we saw that the hosting organization stated that our participation gave them the approval to videotape the event and “distribute as it sees fit.” [Jason: This is standard. No videographer worth his salt recording for the public is going to let a candidate tell him what to do with the recorded video.] David felt that any candidate — or individual for that matter – should be concerned with this type of agreement, as we all know how statements can be taken out of context, and especially during campaign season! [Jason: Ridiculous! Grassroot Institute of Hawaii is hardly the type of organization that's going to risk its reputation by misleading the public with quotes "taken out of context." Especially when it's playing the host. If it does, good luck with putting together another forum.] When we initially agreed to the event, we were not aware we would also be consenting to use of any recording until yesterday. [What!!?? He's running for office! Isn't the object of the forum to inform the public?!]

Since then, leaders from the hosting organization have clarified their intent with all of the gubernatorial candidates. [Any candidate wishing to be considered qualified for the responsible office of governor should have had a talk with Grassroot before canceling a gubernatorial forum he had confirmed a week before, upon which a public announcement was made throughout the islands that all four gubernatorial candidates would be there, prompting a large group of people to make lunch reservations to attend the forum and news reporters from various outlets to be at the highly important event.] However, David had already accepted another off-island invitation and therefore, will not be able to participate in tomorrow’s forum. [And just what was this off-island invitation confirmed by Ige within hours or perhaps minutes of canceling his appearance at the forum?]

There will be many more public and televised opportunities open to the general public. David looks forward to allowing voters these opportunities to listen to each candidate’s views and responses to questions.

We appreciate your support and understanding. [Certainly. I understand that if David doesn't know that his actions in this case are unacceptable and irresponsible, then he is not qualified to be governor — or any other elected office holder.]

Lynn Kenton
Campaign Spokesperson