Letter to the Editor: Putnam County Candidate Forums

The League of Women Voters of Putnam County is preparing for the upcoming general election. We have invited the candidates to participate in either one or both of our upcoming General Election Candidate Forums. The first forum on the west side of the county will be held on October 18, 2018, at 6:30 PM, at the Kent Firehouse, 2490 Route 301 in Kent, and will include races for NYS Senate District 41, NYS Assembly District 95, Putnam County Executive, Putnam County Legislature District #1, and Kent Town Council. The second forum, on the east side of the county, will take place on October 22, 2018 at 6: 30 PM, at the Mahopac library, 668 US Rte 6, Mahopac, and will include races for NYS Senate District 40, NYS Assembly District 94, Putnam County Executive, and Putnam County Legislature District #7.

Candidate forums are an important service to the voters. It gives them a means of forming a first-hand judgment of the candidates, and generates excitement for getting out the vote. It is also a service to the candidates because it provides them a platform to present their views to the voters. Voting is an extremely important part of our democratic process, where candidates and voters are provided the opportunity to ask questions and interact, under the same roof.

The LWV of Putnam County Candidate Forums will be in accordance with League policies under strict, nonpartisan guidelines.  League forums are fair, unbiased, conducted for informational purposes without a hidden agenda, and controlled by principles of nonpartisanship. The LWV does have an “empty chair policy”. If only one candidate in a contested race accepts the League invitation, there can be NO candidate debate for that office.   Therefore, it is important that the voters encourage all candidates to attend the scheduled forums. This will provide the opportunity to understand the candidate’s proposed platform, and their plans to make our town, county and state the finest place to live, work, and retire.

Susan B. Anthony said, “Someone struggled for your right to vote. Use it!”  

Be part of the democratic process. Come learn and then cast your vote on Election Day!

Eileen Reilly, President

League of Women Voters of Putnam County

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Submitted by Brewster, NY

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