The Star's decision to endorse Tyler Vogt, a Republican, over the incumbent Democrat Shirley Scott in the Ward 4 Tucson City Council race caused consternation among at least a few readers. They wrote to ask why we support a candidate who wouldn't even speak with us.
Some background is in order. Before we make an endorsement, we gather information in several ways. We read news coverage and candidates' position papers, and sometimes attend public forums. Most candidates accept our invitation to meet as well. (Ward 1 Green Party candidate Beryl Baker was the only other person who turned us down this election cycle.)
Our plan for Ward 4 was to talk with Vogt and Scott at the same time, and he proposed Oct. 4 at 2 p.m.
Nine days later, Vogt issued a press release saying he'd decided against meeting with us. We'd endorsed Scott four years ago and, according to his statement, "While I believe that an informed public is the highest aspiration of the election process, I have very little confidence that our meeting will result in an unbiased presentation of my platform, qualifications and opinions."
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He went on, stating that it had become apparent that the Star's previous endorsement "in hindsight was the wrong choice."
Vogt wrapped up his press release with this: "I trust that the Star has the ability to present facts in an unbiased manner and bring those facts to the public. In that vein, I am anxious to answer any and all of your questions in writing to truly achieve our mutual goal of an informed electorate."
It didn't quite make sense to us, but it was Vogt's decision to make. We asked him to reconsider. He stuck to his position but said he would answer questions in writing.
We do not believe answering questions in writing substitutes for face-to-face discussion, but it's our job to get information even when there are obstacles. So we emailed Vogt a long list of questions and he replied.
After finishing our research, we ultimately decided that the Star could not support the status quo in Ward 4. We stated, "On paper, Vogt's use of phrases such as "focus on the common goals' and 'a cooperative environment' between business and government indicate that he has the right perspective to solve the many challenges facing the city."
We point this out only because Vogt is using the Star's endorsement in advertisements - and because of a lovely handwritten note we received in the post.
"AZ Daily Star: I wanted to thank you again for your endorsement. I am struggling to find the words that will correctly express my humble gratitude. I look forward to our open and honest conversations. Very Best Regards, Tyler Vogt."
Say what you will about Vogt, he has impeccable manners in the thank-you note department.
And if he is elected, we, too, look forward to those "open and honest conversations" - with emphasis on the actual conversation.
Arizona Daily Star
