By Tom Henderson • Staff Writer • 

Chenoweth runs on conservative platform

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Comments

Trafik

Can Chris Chenoweth or anyone from his campaign confirm or deny rumors that Chenoweth observes a self-imposed ban on entering premises where alcoholic beverages are served? If true, does this restriction extend to advocacy for such products?

I am not trying to bait the Chenoweth campaign and I support accommodation of deeply held religious beliefs — I have my own convictions. But I believe these are legitimate questions: If a candidate is morally averse to alcoholic drink, can he effectively serve a city whose signature industry is wine? Would such a restriction present a conflict-of-interest dilemma to a candidate, where his personal beliefs would prevent him from supporting or appearing to support the advancement of such an industry?

I would love for the Chenoweth campaign to debunk this rumor if it’s untrue or to perhaps explain it if it’s correct — or something in between. In a notable wine region, I believe voters have a right to know whether a candidate is morally opposed to the city’s prime industry.

Trafik

The silence is deafening.

Either Chris Chenoweth is not following his local newspaper’s reporting on his campaign for city council (yeah, right, I don’t believe that either) or he’s ignoring this valid question.

I do not believe a teetotaling candidate is incapable of dealing with matters related to the fruit of the vine — I know non-drinkers who work in the wine industry. But I believe voters have a right to know if a candidate’s personal morals will cause him to work against — even passively — the signature industry of the community he wishes to lead.

It seems a very simple matter to answer.

Trafik

I’ll bet money Chris Chenoweth reads these remarks and, as part of the same wager, I’ll bet at least one prayer has been said about this matter — although I’d be dismayed to learn it mentioned powers of darkness and people like Trafik who work to see a conservative Christian doesn’t get elected.

I hate to burst a bubble of piety but I, too, am a Christian and I would be delighted to see an evangelical on our city council.

Christians and alcohol have co-existed for centuries — since before Jesus turned water into not-grape-juice and offered the fruit of the vine as his blood (we’ll not debate transubstantiation here). Some Christians enjoy a glass of wine or two with dinner, some eschew it but allow others to partake and still others abstain from alcohol entirely. Some sects go so far as to paint alcohol as solely the province of the devil, sternly labeling any use at all sinful. This is my concern.

I want to know Chris Chenoweth’s position on alcoholic drink, specifically wine and brew. I have no problem with a teetotaler sitting on the council. But I will have a problem with a teetotaler who views my city’s signature industry as sinful and who cannot support a wine-positive resolution so as to avoid an appearance of evil.

C’mon, Chris, this is a challenge. Tell us where you stand — if strictures of your faith might affect this community, I want to know in advance. If you say you can serve on the council without prejudice, I will accept you at your word.

Lulu

Honi soit qui mal y pense.

Trafik

Earlier today, Chris Chenoweth posted an answer to my question on his campaign’s Facebook page. He has stated to my satisfaction that his personal beliefs will in no way affect his votes on the city council.

In the same post, Chenoweth expresses surprise he should be expected to answer such a question — that his personal beliefs should remain off limits. I wish to clarify that my asking in the first place was motivated not by Chenoweth’s faith, but solely by reports he refused to attend a public forum held in an establishment where alcoholic beverages were served. Chenoweth clearly refutes this, stating he routinely dines in facilities where alcohol is available.

My own livelihood is dependent on the local wine and brewing industries so I stand behind my original question. But I believe I should give credit where credit is due and I thank Chenoweth for his candor. I apologize if my query was interpreted as a personal attack.

(For those who believe I was attacking a man’s faith: Chenoweth’s faith only played a role if it prevented him from supporting city resolutions favoring the wine and brewing industries. Chenoweth is now on the record that it does not. Further inquiries have clarified that the initial issue was apparently sparked not by the serving of alcohol, but the manufacturing of alcohol. Chenoweth is now on the record that his personal beliefs will not affect his votes. My only goal was clarification of this matter.)

Chris Chenoweth

Thank you Trafik for your candor. I did feel like this was more of the "attack the messenger" style smears that have been aimed at me, if I misread your intent you have my apology. Civility is worthy of a response. While unfortunately I feel I have no choice but to avoid all commenting on NR forums or to NR reporters, your level of intellectual honesty showed by this response deserves an equal response. I am very appreciative that you took the time to do so. My personal number is on my Facebook page and I have made myself available to anyone who wishes to interview me for the job at hand. Many have taken me up on the offer, I hope you and Joel will consider it.

gregtompkins

Never any mention that the incumbent Councilor is an owner of this newspaper and the local internet company. Hmmm?

Jeb Bladine

Slow down, GregThomkins. The incumbent councilman has no ownership interest in the newspaper, nor in the local Internet company.

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