Democratic Assembly candidate Ian Phillips is criticizing Republican incumbent John Lemondes for missing two constituent events promoted under the “Lemondes Listens” banner, according to The Citizen.
Attendees said Lemondes did not appear at meetings scheduled in LaFayette and Baldwinsville, though staff members were present for portions of the events.
One LaFayette gathering was canceled after neither Lemondes nor his staff arrived, while a rescheduled session began without him before he appeared later.
Phillips accused Lemondes of using the meetings as political theater, while Lemondes did not respond to multiple requests for comment from the newspaper.
The candidates are competing in a rematch for the 126th Assembly District after Lemondes defeated Phillips by 10 points in 2024.
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