The Spotlight is again partnering with the League of Women Voters of Albany County to bring voters a number of public forums with local candidates for office.
During the week of Oct. 29, three events will be held at different locations in Albany County. All will begin at 7 p.m. and be moderated by Charles Wiff, managing editor of Spotlight Newspapers.
On Monday, Oct. 29, at the Guilderland Public Library, the League and The Spotlight will welcome candidates for the 46th State Senate District, George Amedore and Cecilia Tkaczyk.
The following evening, Tuesday, Oct. 30, at the Holiday Inn on Wolf Road in Colonie, candidates running for two open Colonie Town Board seats (David Green, Brian Haak, Joe Gomez and David Rowley) will debate, as will candidates for the 110th State Assembly District (Phillip Steck and Jennifer Whalen). The Colonie Chamber of Commerce is cosponsoring this event.
On Thursday, Nov. 1, at Bethlehem Town Hall, candidates for Bethlehem Town Board (Bill Reinhardt and Jeremy Martelle) will debate, as will candidates for the 109th State Assembly District (Patricia Fahy, Ted Danz and Joe Sullivan).
At each debate, the moderator will convey written questions provided by audience members to the candidates, who will each be provided with an amount of time to answer them. The candidates will all be afforded time for opening and closing statements, as well.
The public is encouraged to attend the forums and come with questions to pose to the candidates. No campaign signs or literature may be allowed be displayed during the forums themselves, though after the evening’s program is concluded candidates and their supporters are welcome to politick. Recordings of the proceedings, including photographs, may only be made by accredited media.
The public is reminded the borders of assembly and senate districts have shifted this year as a result of redistricting, and the new maps may be found at latfor.state.ny.us.
This year’s election falls on Tuesday, Nov. 6.