At a September 9, 2011, Bart Hansen incumbent Vancouver City Council member and his challenger, Josephine Wentzel were both asked by the Columbian’s Andrea Damewood, “what do you think of your opponent?” Such questions might seem irrelevant, but they are not. Simple questions as this gives voters insight into the candidates and how they view those within the community that disagree with their actions on council. It also lets us see how council members will interact with citizens.
See the full interview and other city council interviews at CVTV
While I am still not endorsing any city council races, I am struck by Bart not answering the question and instead diverting his reply to all about him. Is there a particular reason Bart doesn’t want to state what he thinks of Ms. Wentzel who has appeared before city council spoke several times in the past?
Does he admire Josephine for standing on her values in opposition to his stand? Or, does he hold her in disdain for opposing his stands taken?
Does he look poorly upon citizens who disagree with him? A lot could be read into this diversion to himself and not answering a direct question.
Living outside the city limits, I don’t get a voice in who is chosen to sit on city council, but when I see a politician slyly not answering such a simple , direct question, I am left wondering, “why?”
