I am a Belfast resident working hard to get Jonathan Fulford elected as the next state senator for Waldo County. I heard him speak at the Waldo County Candidates Forum held on Sept. 28 at the Hutchinson Center. While there, I also heard Kathleen Meil for the first time. I was impressed with her ability to answer questions directly and clearly. Ms. Meil is running for state representative from Camden and Rockport in Knox County and Islesboro in Waldo County. She spoke eloquently about education, health care, taxes and other critical issues facing our state.

Unfortunately, I didn't have an opportunity to hear from her opponent, Owen Casas. Mr. Casas chose not to attend, citing a conflict with his duties as a member of the Rockport Select Board. At the very last minute he sent an email to the moderator, saying: "My apologies for not getting this to you until now. I've got too many things going on and there aren't enough hours in the day. I won't be able to make it to the forum tonight because of a commitment in my role as a Rockport Select Board."

I believe that public forums and debates such as the one held at the Hutchinson Center are important events. Voters have few chances to see candidates "up close and personal," to watch them think on their feet, and observe how they interact with their opponents. If Mr. Casas can't find a way to juggle his responsibilities on the Rockport Select Board while not dropping the ball when he has an opportunity to meet voters, how will he handle the even greater demands of representing Islesboro, Camden, and Rockport in the Maine House of Representatives?

Andrew Stevenson lives in Belfast