Throughout the debate, the Democratic candidates demonstrated superior intellect and sharp command of the facts, whereas the Republican candidates relied on smear-tactics, innuendo, half-truths and misleading statements - all aimed at distracting the voters from the real issues and concerns of the community. In fact, it seemed as though several of the Republican candidates were completely unprepared and incapable of directly answering the questions. In sum, the Democratic candidates - the 5 incumbents and new candidate Pamela Cranford - clearly demonstrated that they deserve election to the Board of Directors.
Below are some interesting observations from Kim Phillips at the Journal Inquirer (emphasis added):
...In the most tense moment of the evening, Democratic incumbent John D. Topping apologized to Republican candidate Mark D. Tweedie, who had attacked Topping earlier on his public-safety record, for being drawn into political warfare.
Tweedie had told Topping that he'd have fired him as head of the directors' public safety subcommittee because the group hadn't convened during the last two years. Topping explained that he approached Republican incumbent Louis A. Spadaccini, who sits on the subcommittee, with three dates to hold a meeting.
None worked for Spadaccini, Topping said, so the three-member subcommittee never met. But that doesn't mean Topping never worked on such issues, he said; there now are six block watches in town for instance, up from one two years ago, and Topping attends most of their meetings.
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Democratic incumbent David M. Sheridan agreed that the town should maintain its neighborhood schools: "I believe the neighborhood schools are the backbone of Manchester. It's part of the fiber of the community," Sheridan said.
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Democratic incumbent Kevin L. Zingler said he thought the Mary Cheney Library should remain in the downtown area, but he acknowledged that it needs upgrades such as additional parking and more space.
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Democratic incumbent Lisa Paggioli O'Neill said she's certain the town is "very well positioned" to handle a widespread emergency, such as a health pandemic, thanks in part to the numerous drills conducted during the last year simulating an event.
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As for the Country Club, which is said to be in debt, Democratic candidate Pamela Floyd-Cranford said her party is committed to looking at the terms of the lease and would consider pulling out, and putting management of the facility out to bid if that's what is most fiscally prudent.
The debate will continue to air regularly on Cox Channel 16 until Election Day.
