A Meet the Candidates Night planned for Schuyler County voters has been canceled after only a handful of candidates responded to the invitation. The nonpartisan event, traditionally organized by a local committee with support from the Watkins Review & Express, aimed to provide a platform for candidates in key federal, state, and local races to introduce themselves and discuss issues important to Schuyler residents.
The event was scheduled to feature candidates running for U.S. Senate, the 23rd and 24th Congressional Districts, as well as the New York Senate 58th District and Assembly 132nd District. Local candidates for Schuyler County and town positions, all running unopposed, were also invited to be introduced. However, surrogates were not permitted to attend on behalf of the candidates.
Despite the effort, response from the candidates was minimal. Among the local candidates, only Alan Gregory, running unopposed for a seat on the Town of Dix council, and Michael Croft, also unopposed for highway superintendent in the Town of Montour, responded, though both declined to attend. Assemblyman Phil Palmesano, who is running unopposed for re-election, cited a prior commitment and also declined the invitation. David Wagenhauser, a candidate for the 24th Congressional District, and Thomas A. Carle, running for the 23rd Congressional District were also unavailable.
Carle was the only candidate prepared to attend, and organizers expressed appreciation for his interest. However, with so few participants, the event was canceled, and Carle was informed of the decision.
“We regret having to cancel, but we appreciate those who took the time to respond,” the organizers said.
Despite the cancellation, voters are encouraged to take time to research candidates ahead of the Nov. 5 election, particularly noting that redistricting has split parts of Schuyler County between two congressional districts. Early voting in Schuyler County begins Oct. 26 and runs through Nov. 3. For more information about voting, including details on absentee ballots and polling locations, residents are advised to visit the Schuyler County Board of Elections website.
Organizers of the canceled event also reminded voters that polls will be open from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Election Day, Nov. 5.
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