Letter to the Editor: Feiner team refused to debate issues
(Original Publication: September 9, 2005)
Greenburgh Supervisor Paul Feiner frequently invokes the phrase "open government." However, his response to invitations to participate in debates this political primary season makes the words ring hollow. Originally, he responded that he and his running mates would not debate unless they could have a say in developing the ground rules. The debates were to be conducted following League of Women Voters guidelines and be moderated by a LWV representative. Does Feiner really believe that he could develop fairer or better rules than the League has developed?
Feiner's running mate Allegra Dengler confirmed in writing that Mr. Feiner spoke for her and Kevin Morgan. Mr. Morgan said he wasn't going to participate in the debate sponsored by the Council of Greenburgh Civic Associations because he was standing by a member of his "family," Supervisor Feiner. We pay councilmembers to think for themselves.
Even more surprising was Dengler's comment that one debate should be enough since U.S. vice presidential candidates have only one televised debate. How absurd! Does she really believe that the only information voters should have about a candidate is what can be found on campaign literature?
It certainly appears to this writer that the candidates who eagerly accepted invitations to debate — town supervisor candidate Bill Greenawalt and Town Board candidates Councilwoman Diana Juettner and Francis Sheehan — are the true supporters of "open government" and access to the voting public. I urge other Democrats to vote for Greenawalt, Juettner and Sheehan on Primary Day.
Lourdes
M. Santiago
Hartsdale