April 26, 2024

We set out with a goal of being able to condense the discussion to ten minutes. After forty-five minutes of good discussion, we were able to get this clip down to just over fifteen minutes. Boyd has reviewed and agreed to run the segment as condensed. We are forwarding him the entire 46-minute interview which he may elect to post to his campaign web page thereafter.

We still have time for Evan to do an interview, in which we would give equal time. Additionally for full transparency, we are posting the format below the comment section, which we offered to email to Boyd and Evan when we reached out in a message to the cell phone number listed for each candidate by the Pike County Clerk. The offer to Evan Biesterveld still stands, and, we hope he will accept, although the interview will have to be done in the next few days to complete the editing necessary.

Let us know what you think in the comments below.

The people involved in this project have a basic purpose of promoting First Amendment discussions of issues affecting Pike County, so that our public is better informed of what is going on in our County. Sometimes we use music or humor, but, for this project it will be serious discussion (although hopefully there will be a non-serious moment or two that organically comes up).

Our format is designed to be fair to all sides and give the individual candidate confidence that they have a fair chance to make their case to the voter. The goal is to have a good discussion, but ultimately get to approximately 10-12 minutes surrounding the Q & A that is released in a video on Pike County Unleashed. To get a segment of this length, we will have to edit a lot of the discussion. Unfortunately, a longer segment is not practical for the audience. Based upon our experience over the last year, with Facebook and text advertising in support, our segments have generated between 250 and 1600 unique views, depending on subject matter.

CANDIDATE’S RIGHT OF FIRST REFUSAL: CANDIDATES WILL BE DROPBOXED THEIR FINAL EDIT OF INTERVIEW WITH A RIGHT OF FIRST REFUSAL UNDER TERMS AS FOLLOWS: 24 hours prior to scheduled drop of the segment, YOU WILL BE GIVEN THE RIGHT TO REVIEW OUR SEGMENT WITH OPTION TO EITHER RUN IT AS EDITED OR YOU MAY DECLINE US RUNNING IT IN ITS ENTIRETY. (WE WILL NOT EDIT TO A CANDIDATE’S PREFERENCE- ALL OR NOTHING, and if you decline we will succinctly make a post informing of that fact)

Interviews will be conducted by Darrin McDonald and Matt Sullivan. As an attorney, I am acutely aware that Judicial candidates cannot answer case-specific questions, so we will make clear in the opening that candidates are prohibited by the Supreme Court from directing comments to specific cases, so questions for Judicial candidates must address things such as policy, administration, and qualifications.

To make the format as fair and transparent as possible, we want each candidate to know in advance the questions asked. Your answers should prompt discussion which will give insight to the voter as to who you are and what you believe in.

Candidates are advised that the following questions will be asked substantially verbatim, even though we expect that your answer will prompt follow-up rolling discussion which, hopefully, will give voters some practical insight:

Motivation

Why do you want be the Pike County Circuit Judge?

Public service

What is your proudest moment in your career? Why?

Community ties

(As you each have strong Pike County family ties and roots in the community). Explain your individual family and community ties in the Pike County community.

Importance of the position

What do you consider to be the most important qualities of a Judge? Why are you the best choice in that regard?

Juvenile Justice

Since the Youth Village in Vincennes closed, the Probation Department has had enormous difficulty finding a detention facility which would accept admission of juveniles accused of gun and violent crime. In one instance, involving a stolen car, manhunt and firearms, juveniles had to be released after eight facilities across the State declined admission. How do you plan to address this crisis?

Tough question category: This is a question specific to each candidate, which people are talking about- even if they are not asking you. Your response may be very helpful to voters on the fence:

BOYD QUESTION: You were Pike County Prosecutor from 2003 through 2006 and then had an unsuccessful run for Judge in 2006, what things would you keep the same and what things would you change regarding your approach to serving the people of Pike County?

EVAN QUESTION: What would you say to prospective voters who say, at this point in your career, that you do not have enough experience?

When a candidate accepts the interview we will announce that on Unleashed and promote with Facebook/text advertising. We plan to get the interview posted approximately seven days prior to the May 7 primary. Likely site of interview is Hornaday park, weather permitting. Once a candidate accepts, we will contact with a few possible dates/times.

Finally, we would say that we believe that each candidate is capable of being a good leader for Pike County, or else I would not be pushing this project. It is most critical that the people in this county know what is going on and can make effective choices, whatever they decide.