Dear Editor,
The RHA Candidate Night Forum in Rossmoor last week was informative, and many thanks to the Rossmoor Homeowners Association for sponsoring this event every election cycle. What struck me in particular were the candidate forums for the 45th Congressional District, and the 1st Orange County Supervisorial District. Both featured one of the candidates, and an empty chair.
For the Congressional race, challenger Derek Tran was present to make opening and closing statements, and to answer questions submitted to the moderators; Congresswoman Michelle Steel was absent. For County Supervisor, challenger Frances Marquez was also present to introduce herself and answer questions; Supervisor Janet Nguyen was absent.
Why the incumbents failed to show up is unclear. Maybe they were afraid to answer hard questions, or maybe they felt that their status as incumbents gives them a pass. Either way, their absence was notable, and might reasonably warrant a vote of no confidence.
Michael V. Sanders
Rossmoor
