The James Prendergast Library in Jamestown
JAMESTOWN – Election day is just 15 days away, and with that, the candidates for various state and federal offices are starting to kick their election effort into high gear. Part of the campaign effort includes debating the issues, and residents in Jamestown will have an opportunity to hear from candidates in two major campaigns tonight at the Prendergast Library.
Marcia Merrins with the Chautauqua County League of Women Voters (LOWV) says the organization is hosting a meet the candidates forum, featuring candidates for both the state Assembly and County Court Judge.
“At 7 p.m. it will be candidate Andy Goodell – who’s the incumbent, and Dr. Rudy Mueller for the New York State Assembly [150th District]. That should be a really good debate. For county court judge, we have Bill Coughlin and John Ward. I should say also, that the Jamestown debates are also cosponsored by the Jamestown American Association of University Women.”
Merrins adds that there will not be an appearance by the candidates who are running for the New York 23rd Congressional District. That race incumbent Tom Reed (R-Corning) and Nate Shinagawa (D-Ithaca). Merrins says despite a tradition of the county League of women voters hosting a debate between congressional candidates, the organization won’t be hosting one this year because Reed has opted not to take part.
Merrins adds that Reed was invited to both tonight’s meet the candidates forum, along with a second one in Fredonia on Thursday. He was unable to commit to either event.
“Every election is important, but this is a federal office and people in Chautauqua County, the feel already that they’re getting a little slighted with the redistricting. So I think that he really needed to show that he cared with us and that he would be able to debate publicly with his opponent in Chautauqua County.”
Tonight’s Meet the Candidates forum will begin at 7 p.m. in the Prendergast Library in Jamestown. It is free and open to the public. The second Meet the Candidates forum will be on Thursday, Oct. 25, at the 1891 Fredonia Opera House.
WRFA will be on hand for tonight’s meet the candidates forum and will broadcast the debate between the state assembly candidates – challenger Rudy Mueller and incumbent Andy Goodell – this Thursday at 6 p.m. during our Community Matters program.
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