Press release from Republican mayoral candidate Mary Alford:
Alford: Chamber Debate
I know people are upset about the fact that the only Mayoral debate this year has a ticket price. Perhaps the following will help.
This event is not a debate in the usual sense and is certainly not meant by the Chamber or your mayoral candidates to exclude the citizens of Bristol. It is to be the October feature of the Chamber’s monthly “Eggs & Issues” breakfast. Rather than the usual guest speaker they have opted to hold a mayoral debate in that time slot. It is also my understanding that the Chamber has arranged to make this debate available on You Tube, Nutmeg TV (Ch 96) and AT&T Uverse (Ch 99) for everyone to see.
With that being said, I am in favor of a public debate and I know that Gary Lawton is also on board. I haven’t spoken to Mayor Ward about it but I’m sure he’d be in favor as well.
As for the format of a public debate, how about a Lincoln-Douglas style, where the candidates actually “face off” within a timed comment-rebuttal structure? It’s a bit trickier to set up and manage but I think it might be exciting.
I realize that time is short and financing a challenge but if there is anyone or any group(s) willing to sponsor such a debate I say, let’s do it.
*******
Copyright 2009. All rights reserved.
Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com
13 comments:
You can't do a lincoln douglas debate with three candidates - its a one vs. one format. Plus, a lincoln douglas debate is limited to only one subject matter, upon which the two contestants must take opposite sides and then argue which is the strongest.
Mary, you are crazy for cocoa puffs if you think you can best Art in such a contest.
Sounds good to me. Do it at one of the schools. How much can that be.
Anonymous WestConn Student: Your blog posts tell me you're either very young (based on your immature rantings - "everything is my birthright") or you are a 6th year (still draining the 529) perpetual student who finds it a form of employment to blog.
I'm leaning toward the former and not the latter. Mostly because if you truly planned to vote or actually cared about what a candidate's position was you'd spend less time whining about your "birthright" and spend more time getting the facts. All of which shows a significant lack of maturity.
If your "birthright" is so important to you call mommy or daddy and ask them to withdraw the$25 from your college fund and give you a ride to the debate on the 15th. Either way stop whipping up a "tempest in a teapot" and get back to class.
mary has no control over this debate, and it would not be appropriate for her to cancel out of it. she needs to prove that she has a competent head on her shoulders and can match art on the issues.
however, i do agree with westconn that the public should have free access to this debate. i'm satisfied if i can watch it on tv.
it may be your birthright to vote, westconn, but you are certainly not entitled to attend chamber events at no cost, especially when breakfast is being provided at the expense of the chamber.
5:32 is clearly a nutjob wierdo who has no idea what he's talking about. what a bizarre rant.
I'm surprised you need the facts since you are usually so smart. But since you asked - Tha facts are that your precious "birthright" is to vote (provided your 18) and nothing more. Your whaling and whining about a paid for debate is your opinion and nothing more.
The candidates have no duty to ignore a debate nor are they violating your birthright because the debate is conducted by a private organization and has a cost to attend.
It's unfortunate that this is the only debate. But it is far more unfortunate that you would try to intimidate a candidate to drop out of the only forum (which will be made public via cable) scheduled this year all for your precious birthright which is not being violated.
BTW, did you happen to notice the Bristol Press news article regarding the council and mayoral debates? Seems the BP is now a co-sponsor of both. Rather interesting considering their recent opinion piece? Another fact you missed.
I am impressed that at least one candidate gave an alternative option to having to pay. I like the face off idea. I can just imagine Gary in that type of venue. From a Dem, I would like to hear Art in this type of forum. Thanks Mary for the idea.
wesconn, otherwise known as mama's educated stooge, have you ever attended a debate, a city board or council meeting, do you do anything at wesconn other than sit on this stupid site all day? u need to seek out "real" people to talk to rather than live the sheltered existence that you are in today - in short - "get a life."
WesConn the last thing you need to quote to anyone on this blog is the Bill of Rights. No one twisted your words. Your shrill rant at Mary Alford made it clear that you believe your "birthright" entitles you to a free debate. Your language speaks for itself.
I've read quite a few of your posts and responses. I have to tell you the bigger concern you should have is that you love to go on the attack but when challenged you play the victim. You're drifting toward becoming one of the "it's everyone else's fault" crowd. A very sad way to live life.
In the end this all confirms my first post. You are simply immature. Enough said.
AnonWestConn
The expression is "straw-man" not "strong-man." It's similar to "straw-poll." Or is that "strong-pole" in your world?
Post a Comment