The League of Women Voters of Geneva has canceled its planned candidates’ forum for city races after several candidates declined to participate.
The forum, originally scheduled for October 22 at the Geneva Public Library, was intended to give voters a chance to hear directly from those running for seats on the Ontario County Board of Supervisors. But according to the League, candidates endorsed by the Republican and Bipartisan parties did not respond to the invitation and ultimately declined to attend.
Those candidates include Sean Legg (Wards 1 & 2), James Babb (Wards 3 & 4), and Joseph Adulte (Wards 5 & 6). A spokesperson for the Republican Party confirmed they would not take part in the event.
Meanwhile, their opponents — James Kennedy (Wards 1 & 2), Jan Regan (Wards 3 & 4), and Esther Dickinson (Wards 5 & 6), who are endorsed by the Democratic and Common Ground parties — had accepted the invitation to participate.
The League, which is a non-partisan political organization, says its national policy requires all candidates in a race to be present for a forum to proceed. Without full participation, the event could not go forward.
In a statement, the League emphasized its commitment to civic engagement and an informed electorate and said it hopes to find future opportunities to provide all candidates with a platform to address the community.
More information is available at www.LWV.org and www.LWVNY.org.
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