Here’s an interesting website I learned about from the Smoky Mountain News – it’s called WNCDebate.org. More from the newspaper:
Shane Burrell’s idea was simple: create a Web site where political candidates can talk to directly to voters about issues.
“I knew that a lot of the candidates just weren’t able to get out there and online is an easy way to do it,” Burrell said. “I wanted to know for myself what the candidates were about before I voted.”
The co-owner of Metrostat, a Sylva broadband provider, Burrell had the technical know-how to build the site. His challenge has been getting the candidates to participate.
Burrell launched WNCDebate.org at the beginning of the primary season with the hopes of creating a lively forum for candidates in county races throughout Jackson, Swain, and Macon counties.
With primary elections a few short weeks away, the site still doesn’t have enough candidates to create the exchange Burrell was hoping for.
“A lot of them haven’t even responded,” Burrell said. “I don’t know if they are afraid of participating or they’re not technically savvy or what.”
As the story says, the site is looking to contributors. It sounds like a worthwhile endeavor. I hope more candidates, and more voters, will give it a try.