To the Editor:
It is unfortunate that the Great Falls Citizens Association was forced
to postpone the scheduled Wednesday, Oct. 8 debate between
incumbent Delegate Barbara Comstock and challenger Kathleen
Murphy. But, it was the appropriate call in keeping with the civilized
debate process the GFCA has always followed.
At the last minute it was learned that four gun control groups had an
“October surprise” for our community and planned to demonstrate
both “before and during” the debate and essentially planned on
hijacking our local community effort. The GFCA ground rules
stipulated that each campaign was limited to three representatives
outside the Grange. Both campaigns had agreed to these rules, but
the large number of demonstrators obviously did not think they had to
abide by any rules of our community. The gun control demonstrators
from out of the area also happen to be working closely with the
Murphy campaign, who apparently also have little regard for our
Great Falls practices.
I appreciate that the GFCA made the right decision for Great Falls
to postpone the debate for safety reasons. The Great Falls Citizens
Association has prided itself on civilized debates and they are right
not to let their event be hijacked by single-issue groups.
Tim Christy,
Great Falls