Westchester Debates Canceled After Candidates Refuse Invites

WESTCHESTER COUNTY, NY — Westchester County candidate forums hosted by the non-partisan League of Women Voters have been canceled after two of the four candidates invited declined invitations or backed out of the event.

The League of Women Voters of Westchester announced on Monday that it would cancel a planned forum for candidates in the Westchester County Executive race and a forum for candidates in the Westchester County Clerk race. The County Executive candidates forum was canceled because the Republican candidate, Christine Sculti declined to participate, according to the organization. Meanwhile, the group says the County Clerk candidates forum was canceled because of a scheduling conflict for the Republican candidate Scooter Scott.

The Democratic candidates in both races, incumbent Westchester County Executive George Latimer and incumbent Westchester County Clerk Tim Idoni both accepted the League of Women Voters' invitation to participate, but the organization's policy requires at least two participants for a candidates forum to be held.

“It is disappointing that the residents of Westchester County will not be able to hear the candidates in these two county-wide races discuss their views on the issues of importance to all of us. League Candidates Forums are an opportunity to hear from the candidates in a calm, respectful, nonpartisan setting that encourages civil discourse," League of Women Voters President Kathy Meany said in a statement announcing the cancellation of the events. "The Forums have even greater importance today when candidates' options for making themselves known to their constituents are greatly curtailed.”

The group urged Westchester County voters to "contact the candidates via email and social media to urge them to reconsider their decisions not to participate."