Political debates can be very revealing at times, not so much in subjects discussed, but in the demeanor reflected in the participants. Such was the case last Friday in the debate between District 4 City Council Runoff Candidates Jack Benson and Larry Grohn.
Mr. Grohn came across smiling, well prepared and presenting facts and figures gleaned from three years of attending and monitoring City Commission meetings. Mr Benson came across as a very angry and confused participant, not reflecting the temperament of a man who had once chaired those same sessions and done much through the years for the community.
During their initial presentation and the question and answer segment following, each time Mr. Grohn was recognized to present or respond Mr. Benson would repeatedly speak out to the crowd from his seat by the podium, "He is lying!" That is not true!" "He doesn't know what he is talking about!" Mr. Grohn would continue his remarks and answers undeterred. Not one time was Mr. Benson called down for not observing the professional courtesy expected to be shown a speaker. It was a very disappointing display of debate demeanor and decorum.
Bobby Wood
Harrison