In what can only be described as a near debacle for all of the candidates involved this evening and a complete waste of time for the public was tonight’s candidate forum at the Saratoga Springs High School sponsored by the League of Women Voters.
First of all, the moderator from the LWV’s wasn’t even familiar with ANY of the candidates and admitted as much at the beginning of the evening. But what made it worse was the series of inane and unfocused questions presented by the public. Even Kyle York who can usually be counted on at city hall meetings to provide provocative commentary disappointed this evening by asking a question about city employee’s and their residency requirements.
The candidates on the panel evening were Edward Miller, Anthony Skip Scirocco, Richard Wirth and Kevin Connolly.
One resident named Marion asked the absurd question about what ‘the code’ during racing season was regarding property owners in the vicinity of the Saratoga Racecourse on whether or not the city council members would be collecting the money for parking from property owners. (this was implied)
I think its safe to say that Marion doesn’t live anywhere near the racetrack so she need not concern herself about it.
The most embarrassing blunder from Scirocco this evening was that he said, “It’s not a good time to be in involved.” [in politics]
Excuse me Mr. Scirocco, when would be a good time to be involved in politics? I will be asking you on Monday when I interview you.
The normally likable Ed Miller seemed agitated and unfocused. At this point in the game he can not afford to be unfocused. As a horse trainer he should know how to focus his energy so he does not appear to be like a wild colt.
When asked about the South Side Rec. Center, Kevin Connolly said he would consider selling the property to the YMCA or a private entity.
Richard Wirth set him straight with the wittiest comment of the evening by saying,” I think you need to think about who that property belongs to.”
For those who don’t know, the South Side Rec. field belongs to the public.
I was having trouble keeping myself awake during this meeting and I don’t think I am alone here. I welcome thoughts and comments regarding this meeting.
Hi Nancy,
kudos on the analysis. after attending tonight’s ‘debate’ i don’t need sedatives anymore.
ZZZZZZZZZZZZ.
It was perfection – a perfect waste of 2 hours time.
Never have i more anticipated a great debate from the candidate of the 2 largest city departments; never have i felt more let down.
The League people were inept, and that’s being gentle. And who set up the sound system? The league of women feedback lovers?
Starting with reading the prepared statements from the ‘no-show’ sheriff candidates, i knew we were in for a long evening. Thanks for not coming, coppers. I plan on being a ‘no-show’ when it comes to voting for either of those dudes.
The moderator was a good candidate for a course in learning to be a moderator. That’s the best i can give her. F, as in grade F – not WTF? although, WTF are they doing?
The questions from the audience made me embarrassed to be a proletarian. Clearly, if residency for workers, Homeland security grants for parking garages and track lawn parking is a cross-section of peoples concerns, we deserve the mediocraties in government that we clearly are doomed to get.
Audience grade – F – as in WTF?
How about asking who their deputies are gonna be for one thing?
As far as the candidates, zero wow factor, though some tried. Ed Miller’s line about not installing spy cams on Cliff Aamon’s house was my personal high light. But in general, it was a over-prepped (with cue cards) group of bad public speakers.
Some of the candidates that i had high hopes for before the Q & A were terrible. Others, who i didn’t know till tonight were simply deadful.
Grade – D
Can’t wait till next week… NOT!