An Appalling Lack of Decency

We have come to expect the worst from politics and politicans, but local politics may have hit a new low last night:

Halfway through a debate sponsored by civil rights groups RESPECT Inc. and the county NAACP at Mt. Olive A.M.E. Church, moderator Carl O. Snowden shocked the crowd and the candidates when he asked independent Ward 6 contender Julie Stankivic to comment on her personal life and a rumored past relationship with Del. John R. Leopold, a Republican candidate for county executive.

"(Del. Leopold) said you sent him a letter describing yourself as a reincarnated Egyptian princess," Mr. Snowden said, asking for a comment from the startled Ms. Stankivic.

"I have no comment on anything John Leopold would say. It's irrelevant to the election," replied Ms. Stankivic, who refused to comment further and left the forum before it ended.

I am almost at a loss for words as to how such an inapporpriate topic can be brought into an important political forum. There are a few people who have some explaining to do. Kudos to Ward 1 Alderman Candidate Doug Burkhardt for point out how inappropriate the question was.