Debate Watch Enters Week Six
August 8, 2005
BOSTON-It has been well over a month since City Councillor At-Large and Candidate
for Mayor Maura Hennigan challenged Tom Menino to a series of debates.
“It’s really getting ridiculous that we are getting this far into the campaign
and my opponent won’t even say the word debate let alone agree to one,” Councillor
Hennigan said. “I think it’s pretty obvious that he’s afraid and knows his
platform and record won’t hold up in a debate.”
In the San Diego Mayor’s race there have already been four debates. In 2003,
both Jacksonville and Houston had three televised mayoral debates. Los Angeles
had several debates this year in their mayor’s race.
In 2001, Mayor Menino agreed to one debate that lasted less than a half an hour.
“Debating isn’t some new fad, its part of the democratic process to have debates,”
Councillor Hennigan said. “It’s a wonderful way for voters to see the contrast in
candidates and their platforms.”
In her travels around the city talking to voters and listening to their concerns,
Councillor Hennigan has been asked by the public if she thinks Mayor Menino will
debate her.
“It’s sad that he won’t even consider debates when it’s so clear that the voting
public wants them,” Councillor Hennigan said. “This shouldn’t be about ‘if’ it
should be about ‘when’.”
Repeated requests by the Hennigan campaign for a debate have gone unanswered by
the Menino campaign.
“That’s pretty much on par with their candidate,” Hennigan Campaign Manager Mitch
Kates said. “If he hears something he doesn’t like he usually ignores or denies
it, it’s in keeping with his ‘bury your head in the sand’ style of governing.”
The Hennigan Campaign for Mayor will continue to press for several debates before
this November’s election.
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