One of our candidates seeking one of the highest offices in our state - that of United States senator - has refused Maui, Kailua and Hawaii Island Chamber of Commerce invitations to a forum debate with former Gov. Linda Lingle.
The Chamber of Commerces represent primarily mom-and-pop and small-business operators. What does her refusal to address myself and other small-business people, who would be respectful, tell me? She will not represent the interests of the backbone of our economy in Washington, D.C.
Her campaign reported she would not participate because of a hostile environment. If our candidate cannot with confidence address a few business people in a mildly hostile environment, how effective will she be in Washington?
It is said she has accomplished nothing and has been absent a lot in Congress. Why should we send a career politician with no confidence and no accomplishments into the lion's den of the Senate?
Her opponent is a former mayor of Maui County and governor of Hawaii and a member of another party. An underdog her entire political career, she has proved to be an articulate communicator, smart and great on her feet. She was elected to high offices because of her abilities and her courage to successfully hold Hawaii's dominant political party at bay. Isn't someone with these qualities the one you would want to represent Hawaii's interests in Washington?
Thomas Fairbanks
Wailuku
