Years ago I went for a job interview and walked out. After introducing myself to the receptionist, I sat and sat, watching multiple chaotic episodes develop before my eyes. From working in this field, I knew that while unexpected events arise, there is always room to communicate with others — and there is no reason for things to get this out of control. After what should have been twenty minutes into the interview, I left.

Looking at several politically-motivated and half-baked attempts by some in the community to weave villain narratives, I was reminded of this little moment from decades ago when I had the sense to keep my dignity and not waste another minute in such an undeniably disorganized environment.

If someone hears only the shallow details, then it sure is easy to jump to conclusions — that our current mayor does not want to debate challengers, or if we go back to the previous mock scandal, our current mayor disrespects the community by leaving events early.

Those with humility and the willingness hear the full story can see that they misjudged or misrepresented those situations. More recently, someone with seemingly no experience at organizing events created a clusterfuck in which it was unclear if a debate was even happening. A few months ago, a forum started excessively later than its posted start time, creating a problem for those who had previous commitments and a tight schedule.

I have no interest in running for office, for numerous reasons. Nobody seems to understand what the role of any given position is, and I would be exhausted from trying to educate folks all day long. There is too much hugging and hand shaking for my comfort. Too much smiling required. But I still think about how I would manage a campaign, and in this instance, it’s fairly clear to me. I would harness the wisdom that I had for that brief moment in my twenties, and I would walk away from dumpster fires. Had there been other candidates in the lobby with me, I would have convinced them to come along because we can disagree with each other in many ways, but at the end of the day, we should want to preserve our self-respect.

I wonder, though, why we think multiple forums and debates are necessary.

Is it because all the little fiefdoms need to put their fingerprints onto the election? Is it because we demand that a sitting mayor attend all of these, and then like to complain that he’s shirking his duties in office when he does?

This is not 1919 or 1819, when multiple events might be needed for enough people in the community to get exposure to candidates. We have television, radio, and Internet. One well-organized, centrally located event that is recorded and distributed should be enough. Candidates already make appearances at various community events and go door-to-door as part of their campaigns. Hartford is a small place. There is no challenge in meeting political candidates who are putting any effort into reaching their goal.

In past election cycles, I’ve sat down with candidates and asked them a series of questions. I won’t be doing that this time. Instead, I’m giving you a list of questions that actually make sense to ask those aspiring for office or re-election. These are intended to be asked face-to-face, not in any nonsense social media forum:

For incumbents or those who have served previously:

  1. What ordinances and other policies — that have been adopted — can you point to as having had a major role in drafting? Did you do the legwork, or did you task residents with this unpaid labor? Why did you focus on this particular type of policy?
  2. How have those policies benefited Hartford residents directly? Quantify this with data.
  3. Have you resigned or been fired from this position previously? If so, describe the circumstances and why you believe you are qualified to hold the position again despite that history. Why not serve the community in another way?
  4. Have you employed any aides or assistants who have been investigated or reprimanded for sexual harassment (or an equally serious behavior)? How did you handle this situation? If they were allowed to maintain their position, what message do you think this sends to members of the community?
  5. Describe at least one decision you would make differently if you had a time machine and could have a do over. Do you learn from your mistakes?
  6. How do you currently (or previously) communicate with constituents? How long does it take for you to respond to emails?
  7. How do you handle criticism? Do you wildly change course when publicly critiqued? Do you completely ignore public feedback?
  8. How do we know you are not just a pawn for the political party that endorsed you?

For those without previous experience in this role:

  1. What has inspired you to run for office? Now, answer that question again more specifically and without soundbites or memes or referring to some eighty-point plan.
  2. What is your resume? What leadership positions have you held previously and for what duration? How have you worked with others?
  3. Describe in detail your understanding of this position you wish to fill. What would this job require of you day-to-day? How would you delegate to ensure that you meet your responsibilities?
  4. What experience do you have in creating and adhering to a budget?
  5. What unpopular-but-necessary cuts would you make to Hartford’s budget?
  6. Without consulting another person or the Internet, name at least two restaurants in three neighborhoods located on the other side of town from where you live. You may not include anything in Downtown in your list. We all love Scott’s, but you have to also know of several other establishments in that neighborhood.
  7. When was the last time you rode the city bus? If the answer is “never” or more than five years ago, explain how you think you can connect with the typical Hartford resident?

For those running for seats on City Council:

  1. Describe a time when someone with a higher rank was making a decision you disagreed with, and explain how you responded to this situation
  2. Do you think you warrant your very own aide, or can you share with one or two other councilpersons? Explain.
  3. When is it appropriate for a councilperson on the dais to have her/his phone out during an official meeting or public hearing?

For those who are running to be Mayor:

  1. Why isn’t your wife running for this position?¹

 

 

 

 

¹If you are tempted to respond that “so-and-so’s wife is ill” and that’s why she could not run, I will loudly remind you that had the candidate been female, she would be sharply criticized for daring to campaign instead of tending to her ailing spouse. Had any of the mayoral candidates been female, they would also be getting asked inane questions about work-life balance, all while getting told to smile more.