Mahoney is hiding - Debate is off in the 13th Worcester

http://www.telegram.com/article/20101021/NEWS/10210870/1116

Debate is off in 13th Worcester
By Jacqueline Reis TELEGRAM & GAZETTE STAFF
jreis@telegram.com


WORCESTER — A debate that the Worcester Regional Chamber of Commerce and the Worcester chapter of Stand for Children were trying to organize for the three candidates running for state representative in the 13th Worcester District is a bust, leaving a candidates forum scheduled for Monday as the last time the three candidates are slated to meet before the election.

Paul Fenner, campaign coordinator for Democratic candidate John J. Mahoney, said Mr. Mahoney had already committed to attending a meeting with the Tatnuck Neighborhood Association about the Worcester Regional Airport that night.

Independent candidate Ronal C. Madnick was livid about losing a chance to debate. The veteran local ACLU leader and former Democrat did as much as he could during a rapid-fire radio debate last week but said, “I’m not a one-minute man; I’ve got a 40-year history.” He is trying to organize another debate.

The radio debate on the Peter Blute show on WCRN was the only one the candidates have had.

Republican candidate Paul J. Franco hoped to have four debates and was disappointed the chamber/Stand for Children debate didn’t work out. “We’re available” should another arise, said Christopher Pinto, Mr. Franco’s campaign manager.

Mr. Fenner said Mr. Mahoney is also open to another debate, but time is short before the Nov. 2 election.

Monday’s forum at 6 p.m. at the Worcester Youth Center is sponsored by the Pleasant Street Neighborhood Network Center and other organizations, according to the candidates.