Hot-button issues such as the future of Ben’s Bridge, allegations of racism in the police department and economic development were all hit upon when Bethlehem Supervisor Jack Cunningham and Town Board member Sam Messina traded views at the Independence Party primary debate on Thursday, Sept. 3, at Town Hall.
The debate, which was attended by more than 100 spectators, was sponsored by the League of Women Voters and The Spotlight.
I’m hoping to get some clarity about where the [candidates] stand, especially on spending, said Tom Thorsen, a Slingerlands resident.
Bonnie McInerney said she is hopeful that the election will yield transparency in government. She said she came out to see which candidate will bring that to the town.
`I’m a supporter of open government,` she said. `I don’t think we have open government here in Bethlehem right now.`
The debate featured questions from the audience, with three-minute opening and closing statements from the candidates.
Cunningham opened by mentioning his affection toward Bethlehem, something he would allude to in his closing statements. He said that his work toward cutting $1 million out of the budget, the Vista Technology Park are a testament to his good leadership, but more can be done.
`There’s a great deal left to do, and I hope to work toward those goals in the coming months,` Cunningham said.
Messina pointed to his own experience and work ethic.
`My whole life has geared me to public service,` Messina said.
Messina said he has worked under five New York state governors, served on the Town Board and has many community service efforts under his belt.
`I think I can best serve the community now by being your supervisor,` he said.
The first question of the evening dealt with the nature of the Independence Party.
Cunningham, a registered Democrat, has the Independence Party’s endorsement. Messina is a registered Independence Party member.
Messina pointed out that candidates, and a person’s `goals, vision, and public service` are often more important than their party affiliation and that independence does not just refer to party, but to ideology.
`Eighty-five percent of the issues we can agree upon, and the other 15 percent of the issues we can work together on,` he said.
Cunningham took the stance that while the Independence Party challenges the status quo, it does not always work toward removing incumbents.
`I think we want to challenge incumbency, not eliminate them,` he said. `My philosophy is very much in line with the Independence Party.`
At one point, a question regarding allegations of racism in the town’s police department and the how the supervisor should handle reappointing the police chief, got both candidates to acknowledge that some issues cannot be discussed publicly as they are considered `personnel matters.`
However, Messina indicated that he wanted the board members to have been alerted sooner to Officer Chris Hughes’ allegations of racism within the department (see related story, page 9). Cunningham said that the Town Board was advised at the appropriate time. Cunningham also expressed confidence in Bethlehem Chief of Police Lou Corsi.
`At no time have I ever seen any indication that racism exists in that police department,` Cunningham said.
The two candidates also sparred over a proposed noise ordinance ` an issue that has also been debated in surrounding communities such as Colonie in recent months.
Messina sat on a committee to study a noise ordinance, and put together a report on the matter.
`No issue in the past four years has generated as much interest as the noise ordinance because it’s a quality of life issue,` Messina said.
Cunningham said he is waiting on action from Colonie to move on any noise ordinance measures.
Cunningham said that Messina’s committee did not report often enough to the board and that contributed to delays.
Messina replied that updates were given to the board, and members were invited to the noise ordinance committee’s meeting. Messina also said he was unhappy that the noise ordinance committee’s work was transferred to the Town Board while he was on vacation.
The two touched upon consolidation of services between towns and with Albany County, land preservation, energy and how to aggressively pursue tenants for the Vista Technology Park. Messina said the town needs a more `strategic plan` while Cunningham said the town has a strong vision in its comprehensive plan.
Messina called for more open government, the use of technology to bring meetings to the Internet, and other venues instead of Town Hall.
Cunningham talked about achievements in automation, the town’s acclaimed Web site and a strong showing of public participation and a dedication to improving infrastructure.
Budgetary constraints came up as well, as questions touched on how the town will respond to the unstable economy.
`We’ve adjusted this year to those realities,` Cunningham said. `We believe that we are very realistic in those expectations. We just hope the economy turns around as projected.`
Messina said it is important to plan prudently, and the town should set specific savings goals.
`Budgets should not be built on hope,` he said.
The candidates were also questioned about their feeling toward Ben’s Bridge, also known as the Jericho Bridge. One audience member asked what the future supervisor would do to help keep that area of Bethlehem on the other side of the span `connected` to the community.
Messina pointed to questions about why the bridge must close, funding allocations and the unfortunate disruption of emergency service and travel time. Cunningham said the bridge in its current state is `dangerous` but is advocating for a new one to be built.
`More important, one of the things I look at is its connecting to the community,` Cunningham said.
The candidates were asked to highlight their differences and similarities, and both indicated they often vote in line on many agenda items. Messina saw himself as different from Cunningham in the area of governance, and the impact of `politics and professionals,` and he called into question some of Cunningham’s appointments to planning and zoning. Messina cited many of them as Democratic committeemen.
Cunningham said planning and zoning members are supposed to be residents in the town, who have a common approach and perspective, and can help the community move forward in that respect.
The candidates also discussed their private experience, with Cunningham citing his background in banking and information technology, and Messina mentioning his background in newspapers and marketing.
Both thanked the sponsors of the debate and the viewers, and said it was a meaningful experience.
Video of the debate will available on www.spotlightnews.com, and will air on Bethlehem Public Access Channel 18 on Wednesday, Sept. 9, at 12:30 and 7 p.m.; Thursday, Sept. 10, at 2 p.m.; Friday, Sept. 11, at 8 p.m.; and Saturday, Sept. 12 at 5 p.m.
View the photos in our gallery at:
https://www.spotlightnews.com/gallery/
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