Friday, July 29, 2011

The First Debate

The first debate between the Republican candidates for Mayor will be hosted by the Daily Freeman on 8/11/2011 at 11 a.m. It will be streamed live on the Internet through the Freeman web site. Viewers will be able to submit questions for the candidates to answer once the Daily Freeman completes their questions.

I am looking forward to this debate. I think it will give a clear indication of who understands the issues and who really has a plan for the City of Kingston, as opposed to just rhetoric. I urge my fellow Kingstonians to tune in via the Freeman web site and judge for yourself.

My understanding is that the Freeman will have Shayne and Hayes, as the 2 Democratic candidates, on another day.

Not withstanding this first debate, I am challenging my opponents, Republican and Democrat, to three additional debates between now and the September 13th primaries. I stand ready to defend my positions, proposals, and plan. I hope my opponents are equally willing and will step up to the challenge.

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UPDATE

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Though initially replying "undecided", Andi Turco-Levin has now agreed to the 8/11/2011 debate before the Freeman Editorial Board. I do not know why there was initial hesitation, but the first debate will now involve all four candidates. I am very much looking forward to it.

22 comments:

Jacobs Live People for People said...

I am Ready and willing to step up to the plate for the GOP Debates.

Richard T. Cahill Jr. said...

Jean,

Glad to hear it. I look forward to the debates. Let's see if the other 2 are on board.

Anonymous said...

Rich, seems that their is little intrest in the debate. ya think people don't want to hear from you and the rest of the ticket? maybe we are all to tired of unfilled promsies. you see you can't change Old Kingston the blue bloods still hold all the money and still influnce the city goverment. JaTaR

Anonymous said...

Andi! ducking a debate disgraceful! hayes will too!

Richard T. Cahill Jr. said...

JaTar,

So, we should should just give up and surrender Kingston?

I think not. As for interest in the debates, please note that numerous questions have already been submitted to the Freeman for the debate and the event is still 12 days away.

Anonymous said...

Rich,

Andi will never agree to debate you. She knows you would chew her up and spit her out.

You know the issues cold. She is a rank amateur. She will avoid debating you at all costs.

I think you know this already.

Anonymous said...

12:03, i heard Andi is ready and willing to debate. She is looking forward to doing so. I am sure it will be entertaining. Why do you underestimate this woman? She had a huge turn-out at her H.Q. opening. Some heavy weight republicans were there on hand. Quigley,etc. Also, i know for a fact that John Guerren gave the Gallo camp three hundred dollars as a contribution. Rich, you need to do some money raising my friend, you are being left behind in the dust. I am hoping you can. Fundraising at engs isnt gonna cut it.

Anonymous said...

Rich, Andi is ready and willing to debate and is going to show up ready for action. I heard that she had a huge amount of people at her fundraiser yesterday. You have to step it up if you are going to win.

Richard T. Cahill Jr. said...

12:46 and 6:29,

You both are telling lies.

Andi had 2 events this weekend -- her grand opening and a fundraiser. Both were poorly attended.

One of the "Republican heavyweights" told me there was no more than 25 to 30 people at the opening. The fundraiser was equally weak.

James E Quigley 3rd said...

I have repeatedly told all the candidates I am not endorsing anyone until after the Primary. Please don't read my attendance at a campaign HQ's as an endorsement.

Anonymous said...

Rich,

From Andis point, there no reason to debate. Shes the nominee for now. You Ron and Jean are trying to knock her out. sure shEs being advised to just keep quiet, put her campaign together and let you and the others sweat it out. Hope yo get enough ppl toa get out for primary otherwise she will be the gop nom. Good luck!!!

Richard T. Cahill Jr. said...

Mr. Supervisor,

I am well aware. That is why, even though we are friends, I have not asked you for a formal endorsement ... yet.

After I win the primaries, we can talk about that. Until then, it is too early.

Anonymous said...

Who cares if Jim Quigley endorses or not endorses any candidate. He is over rated. Just because he has a few bucks doesnt make him a big deal. The guy beat Nick Woerner, big deal! Rich came close last time because he had a lot of support from working people and NOPs. Niether Quigley money,nor Spada money got him where he went with votes. Union money had Rich beating on the frontdoor,nothing more, nothing less.

Anonymous said...

What will an endorsement from the Town of Ulster Supervisor matter? He can't vote for you so why doesn't he stay in the Town of Ulster and fix his own problems? You should be more concerned with the heavy hitters in the City who can make or break your candidacy.

Anonymous said...

Turco-Levin quite frankly, should have been the first to agree to a debate. After all, she is the endorsed candidate the City Republican Committee nominated. She owes the rest of us Republicans that much and should defend the banner and why the committee picked her above the others. Based on what? People need to hear what she is all about, how ineffective she is as an alderman and how she has all the answers to change City Hall with her background and experience as a band promoter/radio announcer/real estate broker. That should prove to be quite a session.

Richard T. Cahill Jr. said...

11:46 and 11:59,

Obviously, his endorsement means something or people would not be seeking it.

As for me, I will have another fundraiser after the primaries. I have sufficient money on hand to run a primary election. I honestly believe that money does not win a primary election. Issues and competency on the issues are the main things.

For the general election, however, I will have to raise money. As for the comment about my choices for prior fundraisers over the years, i.e. Eng's and the Kozy Tavern, I stand by them. They are solid businesses that appeal to blue collar people. The City of Kingston was founded and built by blue collar people. I think a candidate for city-wide office would be wise to remember that.

Anonymous said...

Bad choices for fundraisers even though they were once solid businesses. Even if your next event attracts a huge crowd, neither one can accommodate and menu choices are limited. But you know best.

Anonymous said...

Quigley will not be the person to decide if you win or lose, and most locals arent a huge fan, so dont put so much into what he says or does.
What Spada is back you, I havent heard that rumor yet, but the locals wannabes always have to throw thier name around.
And it wouldnt be a bad idea to pick a large more visible facility and to hold a fundraiser, even though both Engs and Kozy are good people, most of the big timers around here want to attend an event, not a small time hoe down.
Put together something nice and keep fighting, Andi's weakness will show when its time to address what the mayors position includes, she is a pretty face with a nice attititude, not a leader with visison.
Keep fighting, and get some of the Spadas on your side, it cant hurt, and Quigs cant hold Big Al's jock.

Anonymous said...

If Andi gets her husband to bring King Crimson to town to play a fundraiser she will have my vote. After all, who cares about experience when you are married to one of rocks classics . . .

Anonymous said...

Rich, how do you feel about yhe new alderman at large candjdate? can you work with him? JaTaR

Richard T. Cahill Jr. said...

5:59,

I have known Joe Marchetti for about 15 years. We have always gotten along personally. I have no problem with him.

We disagree on some issues, but agree on others.

I can certainly work with him.

I have known Jim Noble since I was about 8 years old. We disagree on a lot of issues. Personally, we get along fine. I would have no problem working with him either.

Anonymous said...

Don't worry about the Spadas. The Mayoral candidate that they will all support is not running in your primary . . .