Come for a chat

I’m noticing a trend and I don’t like it.

Incumbent and connected politicians are hiding from debates and accountability and I don’t like it.

My answer is if you, or your opponent, are unwilling to sit for a debate, sit with me for 45 minutes. I will ask the questions and share your answer to my audience verbatim. It’s worth about 10,000 views a day across all platforms. More than the Gazette.

What irritates me is members of Congress like Nick Langworthy and Tim Kennedy refusing to host an in-person Town Hall, lest they be revealed and reviled with nothing to show but data centers, high gas, diesel and grocery prices and no answer for the health insurance crisis.

It’s County Legislator Jeff Elder refusing to dignify challenger Sean Mapp with a debate because Elder is popular and giving Mapp attention might bring credibility to his campaign. I know Elder served in the Air Force. I have seen Mapp referred to as an entrepreneur and he seems like a nice guy but have never heard him explain how he pays his bills. An interview might clarify that. I wish Elder would debate him. I would welcome either or both for an interview

In another case, it’s Becky Wydysh who served 10 years as chairperson of the Niagara County Legislature and longer as Niagara County Deputy Commissioner of Jurors. She is running for 147th District State Assembly as the endorsed Republican. I requested an interview and was denied because I attended a McMurray fundraiser and signed a receipt for my ticket. I would be fair with her but her handlers don't believe it. Her best bet is to hide behind mailers and TV ads.

Nate McMurray’s social media posts have crept so far under the machine’s skin the Republicans won’t allow her to debate. It's better for them to keep her hidden and hope the "Fire Hochul" crowd in the rural portions of her district overwhelms McMurray. 

I wanted to sit with her for an hour, ask hard questions and write how she answered them. For any of these candidates, Mapp, Elder, McMurray, Wydysh I will do the same thing.

Ditto Matt Chavez and Chris McKimmie or Sam Farrugia and Chris McKimmie. Heck, even Russ Petrozzi or Johnny Parks.

It’s a big time commitment. I like 60 minutes but I will offer 45 because I work a full-time job. I also work as a tour guide as a side hustle. Niagara Express is a passion project that generates a few hundred dollars a month. If you appreciate my work, and choose to donate, I am grateful. It is requested but not required.

I will sit with you for 45 minutes, ask you questions and report what you have to say. They won’t be easy questions, and 45 minutes gives time for follow up.

If you are chicken to debate your opponent, I will talk to you, or the person you are afraid of, or both. I am a friend to all but a servant to the informed voter. TV commercials and mailers filled with rhetoric do nothing for me. Tell me what you are going to do for my city.

If you can’t stand up to that level of scrutiny, how do I expect you will stand up for me in Lockport or Albany or Washington? Want to sit down? Reach out. Today is Oct. 18. I will do up to 10 interviews between now and Nov. 1, first come, first served, an equal opportunity menace committed to afflict the comfortable and comfort the afflicted. Donations through my Website will not influence what I write.