To the editor:

Many of my friends and people I respect are supporting Rasham Nassar for Bainbridge Island City Council, but I haven’t had the time to hear her nor any of the candidates this campaign season, so I was very much looking forward to attending the Oct. 10 Kitsap County League of Women Voters forum at city hall.

I was pleased to hear how much agreement there was among all of the candidates, but what I can’t get out of my head was one simple question that was directed only to Nassar.

To the best of my memory, the question was something like, “What have you experienced in your personal and professional life that has prepared you to be a city council member?”

I suspect that over course of this campaign, she and all of the other candidates have been asked by voters a variation of that same and predictable question, so I expected to hear a prepared one-minute “elevator” speech describing who you are, why you’re qualified for the job, etc.

Instead, I was stunned to hear a meandering, unfocused response that didn’t come close to answering the question.

Apparently realizing she fumbled that question, Nassar later elected to use her 2-minute closing statement to address it, except that attempt was perhaps even more rambling and circuitous than her first try.

When you’re applying for a job or asking for our vote, asking why you’re the best candidate is not a trick nor unexpected question. You should have an answer in your back pocket.

Perhaps Nassar wasn’t prepared or there’s not that much professional experience or qualifications from which to draw from, but both reasons do not inspire confidence that she is ready at this time to serve as a city council member.

CLARENCE MORIWAKI

Bainbridge Island