forum should not be partisan

[Bill London <london@moscow.com>]

    The Palouse Economic Forum, an economic development coalition
comprised of local governmental and private agencies, is sponsoring a
public meeting on Wednesday featuring the presidents of both Palouse
universities.
    I have no problem with that kind of public discussion, but what I
find both surprising and improper is that a local politician, Gary
Schroeder, will be sharing that podium as a featured speaker.
    Schroeder is involved now in a tough re-election campaign, and this
forum provides him with an unfair advantage in that race.  He will have
a chance to advance his own political perspective and rhetoric without
having to share the stage with his political opponent, Duncan
Palmatier.  The forum provides an unwarranted and unethical boost to
Schroeder's campaign.
    All this in a well-publicized event taking place two weeks before
the election.
    The sponsoring groups are supposed to be non-partisan.  By law and
convention, they are not supposed to choose sides in political
campaigns.  Their decision to showcase a political candidate during the
campaign season at this forum is an example of either extreme naivete or
real impropriety.
    My suggestion: move the forum until after the election, or replace
Schroeder on stage with another local legislator who is not involved in
a political campaign, like Tom Trail.
    BL