That's my question after three out of the four leading candidates running for Arlington County board failed to respond to my emails this week asking for their positions on global warming. I ask not out of personal frustration but out of civic disappointment. While the internet has revolutionized the way activists communicate, many politicians have failed to come along.
National candidates have well-funded internet machines, but that doesn't mean local candidates can't get into the game. Some of the best ways to directly reach voters are free. Just look at State Senate candidate Chap Peterson's Ox Road South blog or State Senate candidate Janet Oleszak's chat here at RK.
I emailed Mary Hynes, Mike McMenamin, Josh Ruebner, and Walter Tejada on Sunday asking for details about their positions on global warming. Only Josh responded (see below). I even followed up at different emails for Hynes, McMenamin, and Tejada on Wednesday afternoon. Still no response.
I don't expect every candidate to sit down and craft an extensive reply as Josh did. But here's the thing -- if you don't want have the time or desire to reply to emails, don't post your email address on your website.