Slate of candidates pull out of LWV forum
by Mark McDermott The slate of school board candidates that calls itself “the Trifecta” pulled out of last week’s League of Women Voters forum in protest over candidate Johnny Uriostegui’s opening statement being disallowed. The slate, which also includes Cristy Barnes and Mike Welsh, decided not to participate on the day of the event, September 21, after Uriostegui exchanged a series of emails with LWV director Jeanne Hamilton. What began as a scheduling conflict — Uriostegui was not available the day of event — turned into a heated exchange over the opening statement he had submitted. His statement was going to be read by a proxy at Wednesday night’s forum, which Easy Reader also sponsored. Hamilton rejected the statement. She explained why, to the audience, at the beginning of the forum. “Candidate statements should focus on personal qualifications and positions,” she said. “Personal attacks, innuendo, or disparaging remarks regarding other candidates will not be accepted. The league format has always provided a forum for the candidates to talk about themselves and their ideas and proposals. The League is supporting positive information. In this highly charged political time…
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