League Of Women Voters Cancels District Attorney Candidate Forum

TARRYTOWN, NY — Officers of the League of Women Voters of Westchester have canceled the forum they had planned for the candidates for District Attorney.

This is the second forumthey've canceled for lack of response by a Republican candidate.

Both the Republican and Democratic candidates running for Westchester County District Attorney were invited to take part in an online event, LWV officials said. Republican Bruce Bendish did not reply to any of the several email, voicemail or social media message invitations.

"During these challenging times, Westchester County residents have limited opportunities to meet candidates and pose their questions and concerns to them," Kathy Meany, president of the League of Women Voters of Westchester, said in a statement. "As the League strives to facilitate Forums in a respectful, non-partisan environment, we are disappointed with this non-responsiveness. All view Forums as a candidate’s job interview in which voters can assess accomplishments, goals, strengths, and weaknesses of the candidate. It is an opportunity to learn about where a candidate stands on the issues, and it is disturbing that any candidate would not want to take advantage of this non-partisan opportunity to communicate directly with those they seek to represent."

The League urges the residents of Westchester County to communicate with the Republican candidate via social media and email to express their desire for full participation in the League’s Forum.

Last week the league canceled the virtual candidates forum for the New York State Assembly District 93 race. Both Democratic candidate Chris Burdick and Republican candidate John Nuculovic were invited to participate. However, only Burdick formally accepted the invitation. SEE: League Of Women Voters Cancels Debate For Assembly District 93