Thank-you, Ben Meisner, for performing this valuable public service.

I have listened to almost all of the radio interviews thus far and it’s really helping to formulate opinions about candidates that I otherwise probably wouldn’t get an opportunity to. I look forward to reviewing them all as time permits. There are a couple surprisingly solid candidates running that sincerely hope supplant some of the old guard.

It’s funny that we don’t make candidates take some sort of critical thinking or aptitude test as a part of their demonstration of interest in leading our community. You can’t apply for a professional job these days without having some human resources person trying to ascertain your personality, intellect and problems solving abilities. Why don’t we demand this of people seeking such important positions? Lots of people have friends in the business community, or can deliver rousing speeches, but that may not be a clear indication of their leadership ability. Now one on one interviews with someone who is willing to ask tough questions helps, but it’s only a piece of the puzzle.

So, thanks again Ben, for doing your part.

LOL Sine Nomine, if such tests were a prerequisite for political candidates, George Bush would never have become president of the USA. Come to think of it, that would have been a good thing!

Agreed, Sine. It’s great to hear Ben back on the air. Thanks Ben!

The system is fine the way it is. Anyone can run, and its up to the individual to determine who they want to vote for. If we have specific requirements for those running for office, then the next step would be a intelligence test, to ensure that those voting passed certain criteria.

Not unprecedented for you Palopu, but your argument isn’t logical. I don’t mind contrary ideas, when they have merit and aren’t contrary just to be contrary.

What I suggested wouldn’t change the system in any material way other than to give people more information on which to base their selection on. Who wouldn’t want that? My point, which you seem to have missed which is also not unprecedented for you, is that these are important jobs and maybe we should avail ourselves of the same tools that almost every organization on the face of the Earth uses to select the best candidates for the job. A personality inventory could be very useful to the voting public. I’d be very interested to see one for all the candidates and then use that in conjunction with all the other information to make an “informed” choice.