At Civil Beat, we love to promote discussion of topics you care about. We welcome a wide range of views, as long as the debate remains civil. This week fueled a number of lively conversations. And although at times we may disagree, it doesn’t mean that we cannot learn from one another as we discuss the important topics that constantly surface here in Hawaii.
But before we get to the week’s hottest issues, we’d like to show that Civil Beat can poke a little fun every once in a while. Even if it’s of ourselves.
Gridiron
- Civil Beat member David Briscoe painted a very colorful picture of what this year’s annual Gridiron show was all about. At no expense of Civil Beat that is…
“Civil Beat took a pretty good ribbing at the annual Gridiron show during the weekend, where journalists parodied the newsmakers they cover … and themselves. This year’s show: “There’s No Business Like No Business.” Despite the tough times reflected in the theme and the high ticket price, the show sold out three performances and the dress rehearsal. It’s put on by the Society of Professional Journalists (of which, in the interest in full disclosure, I’m a board member) to support media internships (i.e. to lure young people into a profession we’re desperate to keep alive.)”
Read the complete comment.
Mufi vs. Neil
-
This week many Hawaii residents received a campaign brochure from Mufi Hannemann asking voters to, “Compare and Decide” while showcasing differences between himself and his opponent, Neil Abercrombie. In the article Mufi vs. Neil: The Second Bloody Round, Reporter-Host Chad Blair breaks-down the brochure to see how voters really reacted.
-
Lesa Griffith didn’t respond well to this type of campaigning, and it would seem that she has made up her mind about who to vote for.
“Both candidates are cutthroat glad-handers, but Mr Hannemann’s unsavory campaign tactics, and that ridiculous, clumsy rack card specifically, sealed the deal for me.”
Read her complete comment.
- Here is what Chris Daida thought of Mufi’s campaign tactics, his reply was:
“Thanks for the honest evaluation, but I’m undecided and my disgust comes not from my support for Neil but from Mufi’s mud game. (And that Washington Post rating is nearly pointless when it’s buried in slime.) If I were to vote on the campaign tactics of the two alone, your man would certainly lose my vote. So what’s with the “only in Hawaii” snipe?”
The discussion on the Hawaii Governor’s Race continues here.
14,000 Salaries Made Public
-
Early this week, Civil Beat Editor John Temple published his announcement that Civil Beat would be posting the salaries of more than 14,000 state employees. Naturally, we expected some reaction. We enjoyed following the discussion as it developed.
-
Matt Winter felt like the post was an invasion of people’s privacy.
“…I have to say, I think this is a bad idea. I can understand a searchable name/salary database for elected officials and department heads — it goes with the territory for those positions. But for the average State worker, this is an unneeded invasion into their privacy.”
Matt’s comment continues here.
- Russell Castagnaro described his surprise in some of his findings of the salary package.
“Wow! This is powerful stuff. I really feel for the State Employees who probably never expected this kind of disclosure. At the same time, I think there is value to publishing it. State employees have had to deal with a lot over the past year-and-a-half. Most of them work hard and don’t get the respect or pay they deserve. There is a perception out there that a large minority (yes large minority) of state workers are paid too much with too many benefits. Perhaps this list will go a long way to dispel that belief.”
Read the complete comment.
- Some folks, like Mary Brogan, voiced their opinion more simply.
“Public funding=accountability.”
You can read and participate in the rest of the discussions revolving around the public postings of state employee salaries here.
I hope you enjoy reading these comments as much as I do. I invite you to participate and share your opinions with us and your community. Who knows, maybe next week I’ll be quoting your brilliant thoughts — as long as they are civil.