SARATOGA SPRINGS — After calling the League of Women Voters partisan and rejecting participation in the nonprofit's candidate debates, the Saratoga Spring Republican Committee has reversed its stance and will now allow most of its candidates to participate in the advocacy group's Saratoga County candidate forums.
The League of Women Voters often holds debates on important topics. Here, they keep speakers to two minutes during a forum on the Common Core curriculum on Thursday, Oct. 24, 2013, at Myers Middle School in Albany, N.Y. On the panel from left, are Assemblyman John T. McDonald III, Regent James Jackson, State Education Commissioner John B. King Jr., and Assemblywoman Patricia Fahey. (Cindy Schultz / Times Union)
Cindy Schultz
"League leadership has a long history of donating to Democrat candidates," Committee Chairman Chris Obstarczyk said."Despite all this, our candidates are ready, willing and able to debate in any format to showcase why this slate is the most qualified, talented and diverse slate this city has ever seen and to illustrate why they are the best candidates to move Saratoga Springs forward in a positive direction."
Forums for city candidates are scheduled:
Monday, Oct. 4: Mayor and supervisor
Thursday, Oct. 7: Commissioner of public works
Friday, Oct. 15: Commissioner of finance
Tuesday, Oct. 19: Commissioner of accounts
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There is still no League debate planned for public safety commissioner with Democrat James Montagnino and Republican Tracey LaBelle. Montagnino said he's ready to go anytime.
"If she wants to debate, we will have a debate," Montagnino said.
City Democratic Chair Pat Tuz said LaBelle has been offered three dates and won't commit, which she said is unfair to Montagnino.
"I think that certainly, the public has a right to know and learn what the candidates are all about," Tuz said. "The people are complaining about the League being partisan. It's unfortunate because they are extraordinarily fair. We are here to educate the public. Our candidates are very qualified and experience and game on for them. We are excited because we have such a good slate of candidates that are experienced and qualified."
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The League is seeking questions from the public for upcoming candidate forums:
"In order to have public participation we are soliciting questions by at least two days before the forum from the public. Every effort will be made to ask the questions submitted by the greatest number of people. Questions should be emailed to vslwvsc@gmail.com and the pertinent race should be placed in the subject line. There is no limit to the number of questions you may submit."
Candidates will make opening statements, answer questions submitted by the public and make closing statements.
The forums will be recorded this year without an audience and be available the following day on YouTube and on the League’s website, www.lwvsaratoga.org.
