Letter to the Editor: Great Falls Forum Cancellation 'Appropriate'

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Dear 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