NPC Candidates brief American Legion Post 20

Contenders for National Press Club offices discussed their platforms at an annual meet-the-candidates luncheon held in the Club's McClendon Room on Tuesday, Dec. 5, hosted by NPC American Legion Post 20. Andy Fisher, candidate for the Communicator seat in the Friday, Dec. 8 election, noted that the meeting was the only forum to which all office seekers were invited to present their programs.

A common theme among the eight candidates who spoke was continuing and expanding the Club's role in defending freedom of the press, especially in response to criticism from President Donald Trump which has heightened public skepticism about fairness in the media.

Speakers were candidates for Vice President Alison Fitzgerald Kodjak, Treasurer Michael Freedman, Secretary Ferdous "Danny" Al-Faruque, three-year Board of Governors Peter Urban, one-year Board of Governors Erik Meltzer, Nikki Schwab and Celia Wexler, and Communicator seat Fisher. Other candidates said they could not attend due to health issues or work commitments.

Subjects mentioned other than press freedom ranged from upgrading the Club's bathrooms and bar liquors to improving communications with members and keeping the Club's finances sound. Member platforms may be viewed by clicking on their names here. In-person voting will be from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Friday and on-line voting will end on Thursday, Dec. 7.

Post Commander Jim Noone briefed the candidates on the Post's long history at the Club and contributions made to the Club by Post's nearly 60 members.