Is Common Courtesy Too Much To Ask

Is everyone getting tired of all the television and radio ads of all the candidates for political office? The election season is simply way too long now days. And the way all these ads are run, all these candidates must want these offices really bad. Or do they?

I was not in attendance for this forum. This story was told to me by one of the organizers of this event, so technically, it's hearsay. But it comes from a very good source.

The Peoria Jaycees, along with the Biltmore Heights Neighborhood Association and the North Florence Neighborhood Association held a Local Candidates Forum on September 30th at Unity Church. In organizing the event, they invited all candidates for the 18th Congressional District, the 92nd Illinois Representative District, Peoria County Board for that area of the city, the Peoria County Coroner and the Peoria County States Attorney. Colleen Callahan, running for Congress, was the first to respond to the invitation. She unfortunately had other commitments, but offered to send someone to represent her. On the night of the event, Johanna Ingersoll was the first to arrive. Her opponent, Steve Schmidt was one of the last to arrive. The most headed exchange that night was between candidates for States Attorney, Kevin Lyons and Darin LaHood.

As for Aaron Schock, the organizers did not hear one way or another from him or his campaign if he could attend. Granted, there was not a lot of people there, Schock should have at least offered the common courtesy to respond to the invite. I guess these constituents didn't matter enough for him... not even for him to take the time to RSVP.

This is not the only time he has snubbed the Jaycees. In 2004 we tried to give him an award at the annual Distinguished Service Awards. He claimed he was unable to attend the banquet, and these things have happened with other award recipients. But usually these award winners get someone they work with or a family member to accept on their behalf. Not Aaron Schock. Despite how connected he is or appears to be, he claimed he could not find one person to accept his award. You can read more here.

I look at the slate of all candidates for office this year and I'm greatly disappointed as I am every 2 years. Again, we are getting more the same. We need leadership, not more politicians. I'll take an honest "average Joe" over a typical politician any day.