Jake Abel responds to the cancellation of the League of Women Voters candidate forum

Dear neighbor,

We are starting to see a pattern of mischaracterizing the facts and misleading neighbors by my opponent, which offers great insight into how my opponent would serve if she were elected. I have walked throughout the Ward these last four years and understand that neighbors want their elected officials to be straight forward, candid, and transparent. So, let me explain why I did not participate in the League of Women Voters candidate forum this year.

• I was notified on October 7th that the League of Women voters was hosting a candidate forum on October 17th.
  It is unclear to me why the League waited until 10 days before the event to inform candidates, which provides minimal time to prepare and to re-arrange our family schedule.
• Speaking of dates – my opponent was informed on Friday, October 15th, that all sides were not able to reach an agreement on the time, location, and format for an event. Waiting until the day of the event and feigning surprise is again misleading to the neighbors.
• My family has always treated Sunday as a family day, especially the evening where we have dinner together and talk about the week ahead. I value this time with family, especially as our boys are growing older. In fact, we will be traveling home with the boys from an away soccer match when the League scheduled the event, which is why I requested we look at alternative dates. Why are we holding a forum on the weekend, especially if it is a Zoom call? This forum could have been held any time to accommodate candidate schedules if they truly wanted participation.
• I have been vocal about my concerns with this “debate” format for a candidate forum. I have participated in the past and was underwhelmed by the discussion. The format allows candidates one minute to say whatever they like, and these comments go unchecked. There is no chance for rebuttal or a real discussion on important issues before the Township. Instead, I have proposed we do individual Ward townhall style debates, which would allow residents from each ward to attend and ask the questions. Candidates would be allowed to interact with their neighbors and there would be an opportunity for the opposing candidate to rebut and discuss the issue. This is a true debate of ideas and what we should strive to bring to our community.

I am going to leave the negative campaigning and attacks to my opponent – she has made it clear she believes Radnor is best divided. That is the antithesis of my campaign – I know Radnor thrives when neighbors are engaged and informed. We are strongest when we are united, not divided. And our community benefits when we come together to achieve shared goals. Ward 6 has demonstrated what is possible when we look for common ground and set the politics aside.

If you want division and believe misleading residents on the facts is good government, then I am not your candidate. If you want an elected official who is going to be transparent and work to bring neighbors together for the common good, then I am your choice.

On November 2nd, you will decide which direction Ward 6 goes in the future. I hope to earn your trust and vote. We are One Radnor.

Your friend,

Jake Abel
Ward 6, Commissioner