Today, State Senator Kathy Marchione (R - Saratoga County) abruptly pulled out of the Saratoga County League of Women Voters candidate forum scheduled for tomorrow evening at the Maple Avenue Middle School in Saratoga Springs/Wilton, arguing that the forum was "too far of a drive" for some of her constituents to attend.
Ann Krill of the Saratoga County League of Women Voters expressed disappointment and frustration over Senator Marchione's abrupt cancellation in an interview today with The Saratogian.
From The Saratogian, October 13, 2014:
"Ann Kril, who provides voter services for Saratoga County League of Women Voters, said the group is disappointed it has to re-arrange the event on such short notice."
"“I think voters need to be able to see her before the election. It’s very frustrating that this side of the district will not get a visit from her,” Kril said."
"The group’s website does have extensive written question-and-answer segments with each candidate for the upcoming election, but Kril said it’s important for voters to be able to actually meet with their potential representatives."
"Kril said the group spent a long time planning the series of candidate forums and making accommodations for all the participants."
"“Everything was already in place, and the Maple Avenue school also went out of their way to accommodate us,” Kril said."
Brian Howard, the Democratic candidate for the 43rd State Senate District also expressed his frustration over Marchione's cancellation, stating that he found "it hard to believe (Marchione) would have so little respect for the Saratoga County votes."
From The Saratogian, October 13, 2014:
"Brian Howard said Monday he plans to continue to prepare for the forum as if Marchione were planning to attend. Instead of an open forum and discussion, he will be invited to make a statement and answer questions from attendees following the event."
"“We should be adding debates for our votes, not taking them away, I find it hard to believe she would have such little respect for the Saratoga County votes,” he said of Marchione."
Overall, Marchione's abrupt cancellation of this debate appears to show an apparent disregard and lack of transparency for her Saratoga Springs-area constituents. In addition, one must also wonder why Marchione is trying to shirk the voters in the most densely populated part of her district - the City of Saratoga Springs and the adjacent outlying suburban coummunities, including Wilton, Greenfield and Gansevoort. As a local representative, why wouldn't Marchione want to provide easy access to so many of the people she represents?