LETTER: Rode expresses disappointment over forum

To the editor:

After reading Cindy Clarke’s letter asking people to vote for Robert A. Wicks and his endorsement from the CSEA, I thought I would like to share something related to that endorsement.

As many may know, the Messenger, PAC-B, and the three town supervisor candidates were working toward having a forum at the Baker High School Auditorium with the town supervisor candidates on Wednesday, Oct. 23. This date had been agreed to by the candidates on Sept. 19. Through miscommunication between myself and the Messenger, the venue was not secured due to changes in BCSD policy from the last time I had secured it for the 2017 Lysander town forum/debate. I take full responsibility for this oversight. When this was brought to the attention of all involved, it was communicated to all that we were working toward alternative venues, or even keeping it at the high school. Many worked feverishly to try and make this happen.

When we finally came to an agreement and could reserve the venue for the same time and date previously decided upon, Candidate Wicks stated in an email reply to the Messenger on Oct. 21: “Time is a valuable commodity right now and assuming the debate was indeed canceled, I immediately consulted with my political committee, and we decided together to move forward with my campaign calendar. My goal at this point is to meet face to face with as many constituents as possible between now and November 5th. As we move closer to Election Day, all of my efforts will be devoted to these meetings, and I won’t be available for a rescheduled debate due to early voting.”

After Mr. Wicks could not debate, I did not feel it would serve the voters of Lysander to have a debate with just myself and Supervisor Saraceni. The residents of Lysander have watched that for almost four years. It seemed to me that Mr. Wicks was trying to get to as many voters as possible between then and Election Day, and rightfully so. I failed to make this forum happen for the residents and voters of Lysander.

When I looked at social media on Thursday, Oct. 24, and saw that Mr. Wicks chose to instead go to a CSEA Delegate’s Conference Dinner at Turning Stone Casino, I was extremely disappointed. If someone would rather be schmoozing at one of their endorsed organizations’ functions instead of debating the issues that face their town, will they be any different if elected?

Many will tout their endorsements, because I guess that’s what politicians do. I’ve never claimed to be a politician. I’ve never applied for an endorsement from a group or organization. The only endorsement I am seeking is the voters and residents of Lysander. I have been working for Lysander for 8 years and will continue to do so if elected. We deserve someone working for us, not their next endorsement.