sws4420
10-21-2005, 01:32 PM
Demonstrators urge Albany mayor to debate opponent
http://www.wnyt.com/Images/051020_chicken.jpg
There are complaints that Albany Mayor Jerry Jennings is ducking the issues.
Supporters of Green Party mayoral candidate Alice Green demonstrated outside Albany City Hall Thursday, charging Jennings is unwilling to debate.
As Green supporters assembled outside City Hall, the first question to be answered was simple, but fundamental. Who's going to wear the chicken suit?
The costumed demonstrator was a publicity stunt perhaps. But then in local politics the line between stunt and legitimate photo opportunity is sometimes non-existent. The idea is to get attention and media coverage.
“If Mr. Jennings thinks that he's going to sleepwalk through Election Day, he may be very shocked on Election Day. But regardless of that, the public has a right to understand what it is he wants to do for the next four years,” Green strategist Mark Dunlea said.
With 19 days until the mayoral election, Dunlea complains three-term incumbent Jennings has made no joint appearances to discuss or debate issues with his opponents and has not committed to show up at any future debates between now and Election Day.
Of course, on this day Green didn't show up either.
“Well, she thought the chicken would do a better job of representing her today,” Dunlea explained.
Inside City Hall, Jennings showed no signs of noticing the small demonstration.
“Alice can get her ideas out. She has the where with all. She has the free time. She can get it out. We don't have to debate anything. People can judge me for what I’ve done for the past 12 years here,” Jennings said later at an after school event.
The mayor indicated it was extremely unlikely he would agree to any debates or joint appearances with the other candidates in the days remaining until the election.
http://www.wnyt.com/x5532.xml?ag=x156&sb=x183
http://www.wnyt.com/Images/051020_chicken.jpg
There are complaints that Albany Mayor Jerry Jennings is ducking the issues.
Supporters of Green Party mayoral candidate Alice Green demonstrated outside Albany City Hall Thursday, charging Jennings is unwilling to debate.
As Green supporters assembled outside City Hall, the first question to be answered was simple, but fundamental. Who's going to wear the chicken suit?
The costumed demonstrator was a publicity stunt perhaps. But then in local politics the line between stunt and legitimate photo opportunity is sometimes non-existent. The idea is to get attention and media coverage.
“If Mr. Jennings thinks that he's going to sleepwalk through Election Day, he may be very shocked on Election Day. But regardless of that, the public has a right to understand what it is he wants to do for the next four years,” Green strategist Mark Dunlea said.
With 19 days until the mayoral election, Dunlea complains three-term incumbent Jennings has made no joint appearances to discuss or debate issues with his opponents and has not committed to show up at any future debates between now and Election Day.
Of course, on this day Green didn't show up either.
“Well, she thought the chicken would do a better job of representing her today,” Dunlea explained.
Inside City Hall, Jennings showed no signs of noticing the small demonstration.
“Alice can get her ideas out. She has the where with all. She has the free time. She can get it out. We don't have to debate anything. People can judge me for what I’ve done for the past 12 years here,” Jennings said later at an after school event.
The mayor indicated it was extremely unlikely he would agree to any debates or joint appearances with the other candidates in the days remaining until the election.
http://www.wnyt.com/x5532.xml?ag=x156&sb=x183