I’m having five debates with Avella in October: Padavan
Posted on August 30, 2010 by Connor Adams Sheets in District 11, State Senate
State Sen. Frank Padavan (R-Bellerose) responded Monday to his comments his opponent, state Senate candidate Tony Avella, made last week regarding Padavan’s decision not to participate in a politcal debate sponsored by two Queens weekly newspapers.
Padavan declined Friday to participate in a debate to be co-sponsored by TimesLedger Newspapers and the Queens Chronicle Oct. 4 at Queensborough Community College in Bayside.
“I got a call last week from [managing editor] Liz Rhoades from the Chronicle and she said they were thinking of setting up this debate. I explained to her that there are already five in October, and that there would be ample opportunity for my constituents and the media to be there,” he said Monday morning. “My constituents will be able to ask questions and listen to the candidates’ views.”
Avella’s camp immediately attacked Padavan for declining to participate in the debate. Avella is a former city Councilman.
“Mr. Avella was absolutely shocked that Sen. Padavan would refuse to engage in a fair and non-partisan debate on the issues,” Avella spokeswoman Rebecca Sheehan said in a statement.
[...] I’m having five debates with Avella in October: Padavan | Queens … [...]
Sorry, Mr. Frank Padavan, but when it comes to candidate forums and debates, it’s not up to the candidate to restrict appearances and decide what is “ample opportunity” for the voters.
Two weekly newspapers co-sponsor a debate and you say that’s too much for you to attend? Outrageous.