Aug. 12, 2008

Tonello commits to at least two Senate debates; urges Winner to agree to more

Democratic 53rd State Senate candidate John Tonello has agreed to two independent debates with Republican George Winner Jr. in October, and said he is working to have at least two more forums so that all residents across the 2,500-square-mile district have a chance to participate.

"Debates are at the core of American democracy, and I'm looking forward to debating Mr. Winner on issues including the state's crushing deficit, the lack of affordable health care, weighty taxes, dysfunctional state government, and more," Tonello said.

Other independent voter groups have asked Tonello to participate in debates in Corning and Ithaca, and he has agreed. Dates and times have not been set for those, and Tonello encouraged Winner to commit.

"The more debates and forums we have, the better," Tonello said. "I would hope Mr. Winner would see these forums as I do: an integral part of the democratic process."

The first forum, organized by the Steuben County League of Women Voters, will be held from 7 to 9 p.m. Oct. 2 at St. Thomas Church in Bath. Tonello and Winner will take questions in the first hour. The second hour will offer a forum for the 29th District's congressional candidates, Democrat Eric Mass and Republican Randy Kuhl.

The second debate will begin at 7 p.m. Oct. 15 at Elmira College. The debate, organized by WETM-TV and The Leader, will be aired live on WETM-TV's channel 11 and rebroadcast the following Sunday.